The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1910-03-04
ENSERF|NG OF LABOR
Aim of the Steel Trust In Its
Fight on Unionism.
HEARTLESS IN ITS METHOD.
Organized Labor lie Proud to Offer In
Contrast Its Work For the upIift Of
Observation-Disclosures Must Unite
Against Oppression.

Observation-Disclosures Must Unite
Against Oppression.
The present contest in the iron, steel
and tin plate trade was not begun by
organized labor. 1t was started by
the United States Steel corporation
The trades unions are acting in self de-
Tense and in protection of the Ameri-
can standard Of life and of American
institutions. The aggressions Of the
trust upon union labor have been de-
liberate, manifold, insidious and per-
sistent. At every successive move
these aggressions betray evidences Of
comprehensive plot by the master
minds Of nation wide monopoly bent
on increasing dividends, no matter
what the cost to American labor, to
the country at large or to human prog
reSs.
This campaign of the steel trust
against union labor because Of the lat
ter's avowed objects of normal work
day and an American wage standard
Is but the manifestation of one scheme
in series which together form con-
spiracy worthy of a Caesar, Napoleon
or Bismarck against the American
institutions of unrestricted production,
fair dividends, just legislation, an i'm
partial judiciary, free and uncor-
rupted press, an manipulated mar
L. nt nd bn 70 70 "a
that production can justify.
These counts against the steel trust
are undeniable:
It's control of production is one of its
established features constantly extolled
as merit by that portion Of the press
animated by Wall street motives.
Its dividends are based upon not
only its invested capital. but more
than half billion of watered stock.
Its attorneys are VIGOROUSLY present
at or in every legislative body from
which privilege may be purchased or
advantage In some form be procured.
Its influence upon certain courts pre-
sided over by notably unworthy ex-
amples of the judiciary has been
shown by the radical notifications Of
their unjust injunctions speedily made
by higher courts.
Its close touch with certain infamous
daily newspapers is exhibited upon ev-
cry occasion when it is possible for
editors to choose between prostrating
themselves before its subsidy disburs-
ers or standing up to courageously de-
fend common rights.
Its Systematic destruction Of an open
and honest market Is shown by num-
berless methods, from pushing high
er an already superprotective tariff
against contrary public opinion to
the crushing out of rivals in any
branch of the industries upon which
it enters.
Its browning criminality, however is
its bold and heartless enserfing Of la
Dor. To disarm public indignation
against it's Industrial and social crimes
In this respect the trust has instituted
so called profit sharing" system
which even the slightest examination
proves to be a transparent deceit.
through which a small minority of its
employees are sought to be bribed to
help in daily sweating the vast ma
iority, In preventing the others from
Joining labor organizations and in
breaking down the spirit Of manliness
that has been a cherished characters
tic of American labor. The trust me-
thodically hires freshly arrived immi-
grants, opens or closes mills to dis
hearten communities of its employees
and substitutes young lads in its work
for fathers with families.
The steel trusts methods of dealing
with labor lead to playing one set or
Its employees against another in ruin
Gus competition. to suppressing trade
agreements, to preventing the entire
body of workers from expressing their
opinion as to the terms of the necessa-
rily changing conditions under which
they would sell their labor and so
preventing In any way their taking
part In the modern labor movement.
which is rapidly uplifting the wage
working masses throughout the civil
lied world.
The methods Of the trades unionist
Of America. on the contrary, taken
broadly. free labor from a slavish de-
pendence either upon the unstable
philanthropy or the contemptuous Ia
Dor trafficking which are features OF
today's multimillionarism.
The trades unionists of America
have not their choice between lying
down and letting the steel trust meth
DDS have their sway or standing up
and arraying themselves with men
who intend 10 fight to maintain unim-
paired the rights, duties and stand
ards of the civilization that Americas
founders and preservers bequeathed
to our generation and time.
Trades unionists. men OF labor,
friends, in this contest the iron. steel
aud tin plate workers have made
great struggle aud are heroically bat
Ting not only for their own rights.
but for the rights of all. Until the
steel trust changes its present hostile
attitude toward labor there can be no
letup, even for moment. In our activ-
tiles in bringing II before the bar of
public opinion. In this contest the
moral support and financial assistance
Of all are necessary. Every dollar re-
ceived win be duly accounted for and
properly distributed TO aid the men.
their wives and children to maintain
themselves during the contest
Trades unionists and friends. IN this
contest on which side are your
. UNoSo ftNntat