The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1909-12-10
TEMPLES FOR LABOR
They Exercise a Salutary Effect
on the Movement.
A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT.
Permanent Homes Give Force and
SoIidity to the Unions POSSESSING
Them-Aid In cementins the Bonds
Of Fellowship.

Ii should be the aim of union labor
in every city Of our country which has
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 ceuters.
but as yet only few have built tenn
Piles 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 suffi-
GENTLY strong to maintain a permanent
abode. Buildings devoted TO the ex
elusive use of organized labor have
had a 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 it to be inadequate to
its needs and Immediately added an
other story. This enterprise is paying
8 per cent interest on the investment.
and the rents of the various orga MIA
lions making use of this building have
been materially reduced.
San Francisco also has labor tenn
pie Of its own. and am informed that
1t also is profitable investment.
Kansas City is just completing
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 will be some time in the
near future. They will have a build
ing that will be a 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 a place where
all members Of the various crafts
might find common meeting place.
II not only advances the best inter-
ests Of unionism as a whole, but
gives the individual members a stim-
illus in their efforts to further build
up the movement. In every city
where a 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. IT Is indeed 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
Piles which are now being conducted
we find that much attention Is being
paid by the members TO the current
literature Of our cause. 1t is also true
that where a common meeting place
is provided you will always find the
active members Of labor unions con-
gregated, and ii necessarily follows
that discussions are entered into bene-
fetal TO our movement as a result OF
the mingling and commingling of our
affiliates.
Ii Is not a very difficult undertak-
ing for a body Of men to commence
the building OF a structure which
would be necessary for the use of or
ganized labor, but II does take some
persistence and good judgment.
In some cities 1t might be advisable
TO incorporate in the building OF
structure a commercial enterprise. The
lower door could be fitted up for rent.
This entails a larger expenditure or
money than would be necessary TO con-
struct a building devoted to the exclu-
sive use OF our unions. Every central
body In the United States should take
this matter under consideration and
appoint committees for the purpose OF
making investigations and instituting
campaign to further this worthy prof.
est.
Fraternity In labor unions can be In
creased greatly by providing adequate
and commodious meeting halls. AT
stated intervals provision could be
made for discussions on the various
topics In which organized labor Is rep
resented. The member would become
interested In the activities OF the gen.
eral movement II opportunities when
are afforded by a temple OF unionism
were presented to him.
The acquisition OF property by the
labor organizations IN the shape or
structure dedicated Ia the use or the
movement would not only be an object
81 pride. but give to the owners hrm-
er foothold and higher standing In the
community.
Our movement Is not only interested
In the welfare OF Its individual mem
hers. but In all public agitation which
has for its purpose the betterment OF
existing conditions. The force OF our
organizations would be greatly increas-
ed In every locality where we maintain
permanent home for our unions
Our opinions. in civic matters would
be given greater consideration. ano
from every point Of view the move
ment would be adequately recon
pensed.
-oa1r ,ucToltNrlaM