The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1909-04-29

CARRIED In ITS lnfantlle ralment,
and many of the conceptions of
its champions conspicuously indi-
cate the formative period of its
existence. In all great efforts of
the past these same characteristics
had a prominent place, and when
it is comprehended that our move
ment springs from the immediate
necessities Of the workers. whose
environment precludes only limited
opportunity as yet to attain help
full knowledge, the wonder is that
our activities have yielded such
beneticcnt results.
Theme Of nature has not yet re-
vealed a state of perfection, but
there is an inherent something
which accompanies every human
endeavor that guides us in the
improvement of our past methods.
Radicalism, in its accepted sense,
means a rapid transformation from
the existing state to another, and
rarely accomplishes the results
predicted. This can be accounted
for by the fact that changes in
human affairs are controlled in
large part by the characteristic
human instinct, which is invariably
sluggish in its operation. The
Shipwrights in the early part Of the
last century began an ngitation for
the ten hour day, but forty years
elapsed before the goal was reach
ed-thus practically ITO years
have elasped in establishing partial
ly the eight-hour day among the
tradesmen of our country.
The present day necessities,
however, are of equal concern
with the achievements of the past,
and we must predicate our. future
and present endcavors upon the
experiences cleaned in our former
efforts. 1t is not to be understood
that antiquated methods are to be
employed. On the other hand,
it is urged that modern usages are
to be utilized in the accomplish
ment of our aims. Conditions
which surround us must be careful
ly scrutinized and taken advantage
of. The knowledge Of the time
when to act is as important a
factor as the courage to act.
The successful labor official of
the future must be fortified with a
general knowledge of commercial
conditions, with acumen sufficient
to take advantage of fav orable cir
cumStanceS, as we'll as to be strong
enough to check any tendency to-
ward too much speed and radical
action.
The present industrial outlook
demands carefully study by labor
men. The tendency today in the
commercial field is recessionary
and no institution formed by
mankind can successfully change
the course of the commercial tide
when recession begins. Com.
mercial laws are as immutable as
natural laws. The commerce of
this country has made giant strides
in the last decade and the momen-
tum attained was Of such velocity
and volume so great that reaction
must come in pursuance Of natural
law A horse driven at break
neck speed is unable to travel
great distance, but at moderate
pace will place many miles to his
credit. Our commerce has travel
ed at high speed, and as a result
the reaction is at hand. The en-
tire force end ability of every labor
official, as well as every member of
our local unions, should be direct
ed toward maintaining the con
dltlOnS which now obtain in the
various crafts. The time is not
propitious for making advances,
but the unions should be steadied
by closer affiliation and internal
development.