The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-10-15
CROWS IN POWER
Trs-o u.lionism Flourishes De-
spite Opposition.
MASTERS ALL OBSTACLES.

Record Of the Labor Movement Justi-
fies Faith In II. Continued Progress.
Ultimate Organization Of Al Work
ers Assured.
In the writings and speech of some
men OF bog ! have noticed a vein of
pessimistic discoura cement which II
seems To me is not warranted by facts
or conditions as they apply To organ
lied labor today. writes G.. W. Per
kins IL the American Federarionist.
1t is true that we have received
many hard jolts from some courts,
some judges. iniuuctious. judge made
laws. damage suits. etc. and 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 its 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
II was held to he Il 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 a 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.
"dEeS "CIc lO"s iohSs NohuA-
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
a large portion Of the general public.
The fierce attack We are now under
going. in which courts. judges, congress
presidents and others have been draw
in and have taken a hand in. is a de-
cided compliment to the stability
worth. effectiveness and usefulness OF
the present trade union movement. II
justif1es our faith in the soundness OF
the movement. our policies and leader
ship and argues we'll 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 tina,
we will successfully combat and final
ly master all opposition. regardless OF
what it may be in the future. 1t jus
titles an optimistic outlook and means
success. The methods. plans. wori
and policies of the past. changed only
to meet changing conditions. such a.
experience and ripe judgment may jus
tify. II adhered to in the future, vii
surely bring success and the final or
ganization Of all workers.
The only danger. and that of a tenn
porary nature. that can overtake US IL
the impatience. encouragement ant
lack Of faith in the movement in thu
minds and hearts of some. caused b!
| the present onslaught
The same undaunted courage. per
sistence and determination that hav'
| characterized the men OF action in tn,
past are still with US and will carry for
| ward the work despite all opposition
| just as surely in the future as in thu
past.
The trade union movement has rails
| ed wages. shortened the hours OF Ia
bor. improved the sanitary condition
Of the shop. factory and mine. abolish
| ed the truck system. decreased dis
cases. increased the length of life o
| its members stood the workers OF
their feet facing in the right direction
and fighting for more and has accom-
plished countless other benefits.
The record speaks for itself ant
| proves that the trade union movement
is on the right track and justifies OF
| timistic hope and confidence. Faith
honesty and a rugged determinatiol
will carry us on to final success.