The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1910-10-14
CROWS IN POWER
Trade Unionism FIourishes De-
spite Opposition.
MASTERS ALL OBSTACLES.

Record of the Labor Movement Just-
fies Faith In Its Continued Progress,
Ultimate Organization of All Work.
ers Assured.
In the writings and speech Of some
men of labor | have noticed vein of
pessimistic encouragement which 1t
seems to me is not warranted by facts
or conditions as they apply to organ
lied labor today, writes G.. W. Per
kins In the American Federationist.
1t is true that we have received
many hard jolts from some courts,
some judges, injunctions, judge made
laws, damage suits, etc, and a hostile
congress within the last few years,
but the membership has increased and
is still increasing.
1t Is true that we have been as
sailed by the National Manufacturers
association, with it's "open shoppers"
by a hostile and Indifferent press, which
has fed the public on half truths and
all of our faults and none of our vir-
tues and splendid work. But what Of
It? The old timer expects this and
remains with undaunted courage, re-
fusing to surrender. And why? He
knows the past; he has seen and expe-
rienced greater opposition and perse-
cution when he had to fight almost
single handed and has seen the move
ment grow and prosper beneath it.
Thirty five, forty and fifty years ago
1t was held to be a crime to even
organize. Members of unions were ar
rested under alleged conspiracy laws,
common laws and any old law, tried,
convicted and sent to Jail for even ask
ing for an increase Of wages. They
did not wait for strike In those
days; they went after the workers
right on the jump.
Formerly organized labor was ignor-
ed, Inundated browbeaten, bulldozed
and its members looked upon as worse
than outlaws. Manufacturers asso-
Citations existed. Courts, judges, pub
lie officials, police, Pinkertons and the
militia were hostile and bitter in their
opposition, and the general public
looked on with Indifference or with
approval and satisfaction over the per-
secution.
Wages were low, hours long, condi-
tons frightful, with no rights for the
workers that anybody was bound to
or did respect.
Despite all of this, the trade union
movement has steadily grown in pow
er, strength, usefulness and numbers
and has the respect and confidence of
large portion of the general public.
The fierce attack we are now under
going, in which courts, judges, congress,
presidents and others have been drawn
in and have taken hand In, Is a de-
cided compliment to the stability,
worth, effectiveness and usefulness of
the present trade union movement. 1t
justifies our faith in the soundness of
the movement, our policies and leader
ship and argues well for the future.
The record of the trade union move
ment, which under the severest oppo-
sition and relentless persecution has
overcome and mastered all obstacles
from within and without, proves that
we will successfully combat and final
ly master all opposition, regardless of
what 1t may be In the future. It JUS
titles an optimistic outlook and means
success. The methods, plans. work
and policies of the past, changed only
to meet changing conditions. such as
experience and ripe judgment may JUS
tify, If adhered to in the future, will
surely bring success and the final or
ganization of all workers.
The only danger, and that of tenn
porary nature, that can overtake US is
the impotence, encouragement and
lack of faith in the movement in the
minds and hearts of some, caused by
the present onslaught
The same undaunted courage. per-
sistence and determination that have
characterized the men of action in the
past are still with us and will carry for
ward the work despite all opposition
Just as surely in the future as in the
past.
The trade union movement has rails
ed wages, shortened the hours of la
Dor. improved the sanitary condition
of the shop, factory and mine, abolish
ed the truck system, decreased dis
eases, increased the length of life of
its members. stood the workers on
their feet facing in the right direction
and lighting for more and has accom-
plished countless other benefits.
The record speaks for itself and
proves that the trade union movement
is on the right track and justities OPP
timistic hope and confidence. Faith,
honesty and q rugged determination