The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1908-08-20

sovereignty. 1t is unfortunate
that there is levelled against our
humane movement the bitterest
antagonism, but being in it we be-
come a part of the great struggle
to overcome it and make the
principles undertaking organized
labor indivisible and indisSoluble..
1t is this bitter and ignorant
antagonism that forces opposition
to organized labor in the frame
work of our laws federal, state.
and municipal. But when we be-
come unified on the all-powertul
sovereignty Of labor, and amalga
mate our forces wholly apart from
the doctrine of separatencss. and
with asingle purpose in view we
shall lay the foundation for that
decent respect which is Inherent in
all rational mind touching Labor's
great and grave crisis.
Notwithstanding sinister criticism
aimed at Labor by vested interests
influences, the right and the duty
of organized labor lie in alignment
with those humanitarian impulses
wholly in sympathy with the toll
ers' wise and prudent efforts which
will sustain the cause of human
liberty in any policy which may
be set forth representing the ncces-
sites of all our activities, whether
as workers or as citizens, as the
weapons to safeguard and promote
the rights and interests of the
workers, Of the great masses of the
people.
In view of labor's broad, com
prehensiVe and humanitarian pur
poses we must confess to the
peoples dereliction Of duty when
law makers having to do with in
dustrial issues and questions draft
laws inimical to those safeguards
laws that when passed upon by
the Supreme Court, itself composed
OF minds in part or wholly unwarc
of labor's prime interests, are in
tcrpreted and ruled upon adversely
to Labor, unless Congressional re
lief shall come, backed by the
peoples inSiStent demand.
The issues confronting the new
national life are labor issues
Organized labor can not, if it
would, shirk its responsibility
here.
The toilers should not be on the
defensive with respect to vital is
sues affecting them. They should
and must devise an offensive move
mcnt looking to firmer and more
stable establishment of their in
alienablc rights.
Nothing is voluntarily contribut.
Cd to the interests Of labor on the
part of the wealth possessors or of
partisan politicians.
1t is a paradox second to none i'm
the line of human evolution and
progress that Labor, the sovereign.
should plead for safeguards at the
hands Of its own creatures.
Congress and other law making
bodies must be made to feel that
Labor is entitled to its Just share
i'll enactments particularly affect
ing its own rights and interests.
Labor has little to expect at the
hands of those in responsible
charge of the last session of Con-
gross,
We have much to look for in
policies outlined and sought to be
carried forward that have their in
itiative in the organized labor
movement.
In improving the condition of
the workers, in securing for them
their rights, liberty, and SOW
erignty, there is not involved the
tearing down or the destrut tion of
any one or of anything. The labor
movement and its results encom-
pass the we'll being Of every mar.
woman, and child the country
over. Organized labor is not de-
structive, but constructive.
1t devolves upon organized labor
by organization, agitation, and
education to shape the next Exc
cutive and the next Congress to
ends that will Justify the maxi
mum afforts which may be put
forth in behalf of the great cause
of the rights Of the workers, which
in its essence, is the cause of hui
man liberty.
We call upon the workers of our
common country to stand faithfully
by our friends, oppose and defeat
onr enemies, whether they be can
didates for President, for Congress