The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1910-07-23
LETTERS FROM
"A WORKINGMAN

y
y Ordinarily trades unionism is judg-
ed not by its true principles but by
some extraneous matter which is
merely incidental to the movement.
While IT. is true that opposition to
organized labor Is gradually dimin
ishing on account of the greater fam
iliarity with its purpose, nevertheless
there are still large numbers of %peo-
pie who need to be converted. This
is true not only of with reference to
the outsider: but as a matter of fact
there are many in the organization
itself who never have quite caught on
to its true inwardness. Even to many
members of organized labor the labor
movement is merely an effort to Sc
cure larger wages and shorter hours.
If one were to go through the min
utes of the annual conventions Of
the American Federation of Labor it
would be revelation. The subjects
discussed at these conventions and
the actions taken by that body would
convince any fair-minded person that
the American Federation of Labor is
one of the most important reform or
men need to know this as we'll as
professional men and others who are
not-and probably never will be-
identified with the trades union. For,
after all, the grip that organized la
Dor has upon the workers depends
upon its value to the workers. A CO.
creed member Is never of any real
benefit to the labor movement.
Organized labor, however, is quite
ready to take its stand upon the
principles for which it has been long
contending. Very frequently those
who oppose the trades unions do so
because of their environment They
have always moved and lived and had
their being among class who seemed
naturally to be opposed to the trades
union, and they cannot conceive of
anything good coming out of the
movement. There are many others
whose opposition is based upon mere
trifles
The one great thing that organized
labor needs today Is the widest pub
licity. Everybody else depends upon
this method for the advancement of
their business The trades union can
not afford to lag behind in this pro-
paganda method, for it must constant
ly receive new members as we'll as
break down the prejudice of outsid-
ers. Organized labor may thrive in
spite of opposition, but it is sure to
die because of Indifference. And in
difference to organized labor is found
very largely among the very men and
women WHO should be most closely
identified with it.
Ihere should be in connection with
every central body an educational OF
publicity committee which should
make it its. business to spread the
gospel of organized labor It should
be prepared to furnish the ministers
public school teachers, college pro.
lessons and students, and all othe,
persons who have to do with the
making of public sentiment, with ex.
act Information regarding the aims
and purposes of organized labor: This
should be done Systematically and
persistently. Discussion should be-
aroused in the press, in debating clubs
and in public forums on the questions
which have to do with labor.
There are any number of oreaniza.
lions in the field who are furnishing
material on the other side of the
question. Why should not oreanized
labor be prepared to ably defend its
poslt1on? Rev. Chas. Stelzle.