The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1910-09-23
REVIEW OF LABOR
Progress of the Union Movement
In America.
FACTS ANSWER QUERIES.


Enthusiasm and Harmony Prevail
Throughout the Membership Of tho
Observation-Disclosures 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 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 and
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 workday and carrying out the
purposes of its existence within its
own sphere is answered satisfacto-
rily queries arise as to what is being
done by the movement as a whole: Is
it in a healthy condition? Does 1t
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
ional difference, no clashing of per-
| sonalities. In the unions there is no
east or west or north or south. Ours
is 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
fulflIment of that necessity to the
listing circumstances by the American
Federation Of Labor and it's 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 ~ the worknlen there has been
recently 81 decided move by the public
| in general toward the stand taken by
the. trade unions. 1t is seen. with SIN
ceTe approval by the mass of union
men. that lending active trade union
lists are giving their time to this press
ing question. and largely on them de-
wolves watching the Developments OF
the compensation discussion. with the
proposals growing out Of it. so that the
I'nited States may herein move up to
the level of the rest of the world. The
unions and the lovers Of right and hu-
mainly are drawn together in the so
luton of this problem. The women OF
America responded to the call Of a
noble common sentiment in the battle
of the shirt waist girls for not only
better wages. but their rights as Amer
leans when on strike. The close OF that
episode marked distinct advance to-
ward the democracy Of the women in
this country.
In all its breadth and depth the
American trade union movement has
waxed mightier within recent years
aye. even iuOutuS. It's uuIHiht oStAsA-
ties have been justified by events-the
unions have won right along the line.
Its principles. its policies, its manage
ment through it's own democratic
methods. have justified themselves to
the thought and conscience of the
overwhelming majority Of its member
ship and will surely reach even the
unorganized workers. who will be the
srea nized union men of tomorrow.
Actors Union Getting Busy.
Notwithstanding the many ,fallacies
given circulation to hinder Organiza-