The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1908-09-05

ing the many important happenings
In the Industrial world since last
Labor Day, we find much upon which
to ponder seriously and also much to
encourage all to still greater efforts
in behalf OF the great principles upon
which the labor movement Is based.
Important events have crowded so
fast that We may truly say that never
was there time in the history OF
the labor movement in which there
was greater incentive to earnest. uni
ted and loyal action on behalf OF the
toilers. We believe that never was
there among the workers so great
desire, so high an aspiration to
achieve the highest ideals which our
movement contemplates. 1t may be
well at this time to briefly pass in re-
view the most notable events since
last Labor Day.
Last October, when the toilers OF
our country were keyed up to the
keenest energy, ready and willing, as
usual, to perform their great service
to society. a monstrous, unnecessary
and purely artificial panic was thrust
upon our people through the manipu-
lations of the princes of finance.
Since then nearly 100000 of our
wealth producers have been thrown
upon the streets in idleness.
In some manner or other the
workers have managed to scurry
through these ten months of idleness.
The effectiveness of organization in
resisting wage reductions has been
triumphantly demonstrated: but how
describe the bitter sufferings and
deprivation caused by the closing
down of min and mine and factory,
thus throwing hundreds OF thousands
into absolute idleness for a long Pc
riod? How will these men fare should
these conditions continue during the
coming winter? The stoutest heart
must grow sad at the contemplation
of the possible distress which will be
enteiled. not only upon the workers.
but upon helpless wives and little
ones dependent upon their daily toll.
We, with all other sincere students
of affairs. not only deplore the exist
ing Industrial situation, but earnestly
hope that the tide will soon turn,
and that the workers may speedily
find the opportunity Of employment.
curing the year we have seen the
supreme court Interpreting the Sher-
man antitrust law to make it apply
to the voluntary associations of wage
earners-a law passed at the demand
OF the people to protect them from
aggression and outrage at the hands
OF trusts and corporations.
Under this Interpretation of the law
the labor unions are declared trusts,
conspiracies and unlawful combina-
tions in restraint of trade. This su-
prsme court decision makes not only
every officer. but every member of
every organization of labor liable to
prosecution by federal authority, and
to d fine OF $1,000 or imprisonment
for one year, or both in the discretion
of the court; also liable for treble
damages in cases where they exer-
else their right of voluntary associated
effort to protect their personal rights
and liberties.
The far-reaching character of this
decision must constantly be kept in
nina. The toilers must spare no ef-
fort to secure remedial legislation for
the restoration of their rights, which
have been so seriously jeopardized by
,his decision.
We have also Witnessed In the past
year most serious judicial invasion
and usurpation of individual liberty
and human freedom by the abuse of
the writ of Injunction. An attempt
has been made by the abuse of the
wri. of injunction to deny and pro-
hibit the freedom of speech and the
freedom OF the press. and men have
been cited to show cause why they
shall not be punished purely for the
exercise of the right of free press
and free speech, rights not only nat.
ural and inherent in themselves, but
guaranteed by the constitution OF our
country, and which our forefathers
fought to establish, and which free
people never dreamed would ever be
placed In jeopardy.
And Yet, despite these matters for
most serious consideration and action
:. there is much cause for qualification
for never before in the history of the
people of our country has there been
such spirit of fraternity and
solidarity among the toilers, such a