The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-09-25
TEMPLES FOR LABOR
They Exercise a SaIutary Effect
on the Movement.
PROFITABLE INVESTMENT.

A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT.
Permanent Homes Give Force and
SoIidity to the Unions Possessing
Them-Aid In csmsntins the Bonds
Of Fellowship.
It should be the aip of union labor
in every city Of our country which has
a population Of union men exceeding a
thousand members to build a home,
writes NJ. Grant Hamilton, general or
ganizer Of the American Federation Of
Labor. This question has been agi-
tated in a number of Industrial centers,
but as yet only few have built tenn
pies devoted exclusively to organized
labor. On the other hand. in practical
ly all the cities that make any pre-
tense In the commercial field buildings
devoted to the uses Of chambers OF
commerce and boards Of trade have
been erected. This represents the in
terest manifested by business men in
the commerce Of their respective cities,
and there is no reason why organized
labor should not build for itself a
home wherever union labor is sum-
GENTLY strong to maintain a permanent
abode. Buildings devoted to the ex-
elusive use of organized labor have
had salutary effect in bringing closer
together the members of our various
organizations.
In Seattle organized labor built a
temple three stories high and upon its
completion found 1t to be inadequate to
its needs and Immediately added an
other story. This enterprise is paying
6 per cent interest on the investment,
and the rents Of the various organiza-
lions making use of this building have
been materially reduced.
San Francisco also has q labor tenn
pie of it's own, and am informed that
It also is a profitable investment.
Kansas City Is just completing a
labor temple. In the latter city they
have been trying for some twelve
years to build a temple which when
completed will be entirely free Of
debt, which win be some time In the
near future. They viii have a build
ing that will be credit to the labor
cause. There is no reason why the
members Of our movement should not
make an effort In every city and town
where unions are in sufficient number
to erect for themselves place where
all members OF the various crafts
might find a common meeting place.
1t not only advances the best inter
ests OF unionism as a whole, but
gives the individual members a stim-
ulus in their efforts to further build
up the movement. In every city
where home has been erected for
organized labor 1t is found that 1t
Is more effective than in places
where the organizations are scattered
throughout the various parts of the
city. So far as the investment is con-
cerned, 1t Is indeed a profitable one to
all organizations participating.
In the temples Of labor which have
been erected we find reading rooms
where are TO be found practically all
Of the labor press, both local and in
ternationAl, large number of our
members taking advantage OF the
same. Our efforts have been expend-
ed along the lines Of education. and
In the reading rooms of the few tenn
pies which are now being conducted
we find that much attention is being
paid by the members to the current
literature Of our cause It is also true
that where common meeting place
is provided you will always find the
| active members of labor unions con-
| gregated. and it necessarily follows
that discussions are entered into bene-
| nciai to our movement as a result Of
| the mingling and commingling OF our
| 6fnliates.
1t is not very difhcult undertak-
ing for body of men to commence
the building OF structure which
would be necessary for the use Of or
| ganixed labor, but it does take some
persistence and good Judgment.
In some cities it might be advisable
to incorporate In the building Of q
structure commercial enterprise. The
lower door could be fitted up for rent
This entails larger expenditure OF
money than would be necessary to con.
stract building devoted to the exclu.
s1vc use Of our unions. Every central
body In the United States should take
this matter under considera ton and
appoint committees for the purpose Of
making investigations and institutin9
a campaign to further this worthy prof
est.
i Fraternity IN labor unions can be In
creased greae6 ~ providing adequate
and comno1ious meeting halls. Al
stated intervals. provision could b