The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-12-18
Under the Auspices
Of the
OGDEN TRADES ASSEMBLY
THE "SCAB"
Who 10 He, and Where May He Be
Found2

There have been appellations of a
dIscredeting nature applied TO per
sons in the various trades and profes-
sions ever since the world began, and
will continue to be just so long as
the world shall stand. There are tnose
engaged In all professions who do
not measure up to the standard set
by the great majority in that particr
ular profession; neither In profcien-
cy NORM professional integrity.To such
q one is applied some distinctive ap-
pellation, by which he is designated
as one not recognized by the majority
In that profession.
A lawyer, who does not measure up
to such standard, is called shy
ster" The physician is termed a
"quack." The church member who
goes wrong Ia designated as back
slider" and the tradesman, for un-
professional conduct, Is known as a
"scab.' There is but little difference
In the meaning of these terms, for
they all convey the idea that the one
so designated is lin bad with his
follows They may all be classed as
persons not merlting the confidence
nor support of their fellow workers or
associates.
The word "scabY Ia applied to those
In the various trades who are not in
accord with those in the same trade,
who have banded themselves together
in order TO better their conditions and
Improve their surroundings. The great
majority OF those so designated are
moro or less inferior in workman
ship, and, either through lack of ma
tive ability or an inclination TO eN-
cell, conclude that they cannot com
mand the same wages that their more
energetic fellows receive; conse-
queDtly, they think, or claim TO think,
that they must accept less for tho
same time Of employment. In so do
ing they lower themselves in the es
timation of others even those who OF
fer them employment-lose much of
their own self-respect, lower the
standard OF their profession and make
II much more difficult for the live
ones" to secure and maintain better
conditions. They are too arrogant
or short-sigbted to realize that they
are lessening their OWN chances for
advancement, and lnjurlDg themselves.
morally, mentally and financially, in a
far greater degree, than they are
those whom they think they are In,
juriDg, They don't want TO lose their
personal freedom" by joining un-
Ion; but that particular brand Of high
rnlndedness' or pure cussedness'
they persist In using seems 10 pre-
vent them from seeing that the
straight up. true blue" unionist is the
one who is enjoying all there is of
personal liberty To illustrate: Not
long since, while in conversation with
an employer OF non union labor, | ask
ed him why he did not employ union
men. He replied thar he could man
age the 'scabs' better and easier than
he could the union boys" | asked
why. and in reply he said: The
union boys are too independent
While I admit that the great major
fly OF the best worlmen are in the
union the good ones who are out
are quite dependent on what they can
get and | can handle them easier"
AS further evidence allow me 10
quote from recent address of Judge
Alfred ] Murphy, of Detroit, Mich:
Society can have no respect for the
intelligence of workingmen who take
ne interest in the organization CT la
Dor. In proportion TO their weakness
In the spirit OF unionism tney lose
the confidence and support of the pub
lie 1t is the spirit OF the times II
should not require argument TO so
convince wage earners. To maintain
strong organization in the true spirit
Of unionism is the only way for la
Dor to be prepared for crisis
These words, emauating from such
source, should have some influence
10 induce the most skcptlcal TO right
aboutface' and get into line, and help
10 sustain society At its highest pos
slble standard.
But as much as We may despise the
ordinary "soab' the "scabbiest scab
OF all soaps" is the man who carries
union card and boasts of it, yolubly
yoeiferates upon unionism. takes up
the time OF the meetings in anathem-
izing The trusts" and those who re-
fuse TO join the union; and, when
searched, Is found wearing scab
clothes, scab shoes, scab hat, eating
In scab restaurants and shaving in
scab barber shops. y word 10 the wise
Is sufficient