The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1910-10-14
OF LABOR
Prouress of the Union Movement
In America.
FACTS ANSWER QUERIES.
Enthusiasm and Harmony F'eVaIl
Throughout the Membership OF the
Federation-Notabe Change In Trend
of Public Opinion.

Federation-Notable Change In Trend
of Public Opinion.
We do not expect that union men
and union advocates shall take all
things. indeed take anything. for grant
ed and thereby perhaps imagine them
selves in a fools paradise, writes sam
uel Gompers in the American Fedora
ZIONIST We ask only that the irresiSti
BILE cold facts shall speak for them
selves in the constant progress ana
success of our American trade union
movement.
That the course of the various trade
unions of this country is proceeding
with degree of success gratifying to
the members our readers have album
dant evidence in the statements given
in this issue by men who write with
authority. But when the question of
each union doing its share in advanc-
ing wages. making more general the
shorter wnrkday and carrying out the
purposes of its existence within its
own sphere Is answered satisfacto-
rily queries arise rs to what is being
done by the movement as whole: Is
it in healthy condition? Does it
fully cover the ground prescribed by
its mission? Is it on the right road?
What of its perils from causes beyond
the reach of the separate organization
Is it losing ground actually or rela-
lively? Have its enemies found any
new means for its weakening?
Here are facts which sketch the re-
ply to such inquiries:
Never was the American Federation
of Labor in better fighting trim than
today Never were the various big in
ternational unions, taken generally,
better provided with ammunition for
their struggles. Never was the move
ment stronger in point of solidarity.
Not only have trade union centerS
been able to report the elimination of
such organized enemies as the Citi-
zens' alliance, but large bodies of
trade unionists are enrolling in the
fold with their brother organized
wageworkers. Among the officials of
the American Federation of Labor
there Is no variance of policy, no fac
tional difference, no clashing of per-
sonaities. In the unions there is no
east or west or north or south. Ours
is a united. harmonious, disciplined
and enthusiastic movement.
We believe we can read in the com
posite voice of the pulpit. the press
and the platform the encouraging fact
that the sentiment of the people of
America has in the last few years
turned toward recognition of the ne
cessity for trade unionism and the
fulfillment of that necessity to the
highest degree possible in all the ex-
listing circumstances by the American
Federation of Labor and its affiliated
organizations. Large numbers of our
fellow citiZenS-men and wOmen-not
qualified for membership with us are
from time to time coming forward. as
occasion prompts. with the services of
their emphatic APPROVAL. their personal
aid and even their finances. especially
in cases where the unions are fighting
the battles of toiling women and de-
fenseless children.
With regard to compensation for in
jury to the workmen there has beer
recently a decided move by the public
in general toward the stand taken by
The trade unions. 1t is seen. with sin
cere approval by the mass of uniol
men. that leading active trade union
lists are giving their time to this press
ing question, and largely on them de
wolves watching the developments o
the compensation discussion. with thu
proposals growing out of it, so that thu
United States may herein move up t.
the level of the rest of the world. Th'
unions and the lovers of right and hu
mainly are drawn together in the so
luton of this problem. The women o
America responded to the call of ;
noble common sentiment in the battl
of the shirt waist girls for not onl.
better wages. but their rights as Amer
! leans when on strike. The close of tina
episode marked a distinct advance to
ward the democracy of the women i
this country.
In all it's breadth and depth tn
American trade union movement ha
waxed mightier within recent years
aye, even months. Its militant activ
ties have been justified by events-th
unions have won right along the line
Its principles, its policies, its manage
ment through its own Democrat
methods. have justified themselves {
the thought and conscience of th
overwhelming majority of its member
ship and will surely reach even th
unorganized workers, who will be tn
organ ized union men of tomorrow.