Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-04-05

PRESIDENT TELLS WORKERS HE
is IN FAVOR OF UNION, BUT
SAYS ALL MEN HAVE RIGHT TO
EARN A LIVING.
Washington, D. c., April 4.-Re-
turning from Worcester, where he
addressed 1000 raiItrain service
men yesterday, President Taft ar
rived here at 10:30 this morning.

rived here at 10:30 this morning.
Worcester, Mass, April 4.-Presi
dent Taft put in a busy Sunday yes
terday, with visit to "Aunt Della
Torrey and the scenes Of many boy.
hood "reminiscences at Millbury and
an address here yesterday afternoon
before the joint meeting of the brother
hoods in train service-a mass meet
ing of nearly two thousands Of rail
road employesat Mechanics hall.
The president declared that he be-
lieved in labor organizations. But as
chief magistrate Of the nation, he add
ed, he believed also In the right OF
every man to labor as he will, to earn
the wages that he will, and if he so
chooses, to stay out of labor organi-
cations. The presidents first assertion
was greeted with wild burst of ap.
plause. His second statement receiv-
ed only a scattering response.
Later, however, the president again
aroused the railroad men to enthus-
iasm by saying he believed their or
ganizations were necessary to deal
with organizations of capital and by
detailing his deep interest in legisla-
uon looking to further requirements
of safety appliances and the liability
of the employer.
The president again was cheered
when he said he was not afraid to con-
suit railroad presidents when railroad
legislation came up for consideration
at Washington, despite the criticism
that has been made of his course.
4 IF there is one thing hate" he de
clared with emphasis, ut is sham,
hypocrisy and fraud in representing q
virtue when it does not exist. I be-
lieve in being fair to all.'
President w. c. Brown of the New
York Central, President G. 8. Mellen
Of the New York, New Haven &
Hartford, and President Lucius Tuttle
Of the Boston & Maine railroad all lis
tened to Mr.. Taft with interest, They
also made brief speeches to the train
men.
Believes In Labor Unions.
"I believe in labor organizations,
and if were skilled enough to become
a member I should apply for member
Ship said Mr.. Taft "The fact is, /
believe I am an honorary member Of
the Steam Shovelers' union. But, In
spite Of that, and in spite of my sym
apthy with organized labor, put
above them, above everything, the
right Of every man to labor as he will,
to earn the wages that he will and,
If he chooses, to stay out of labor or
ganizations. That is the standpoint
that the president Of the United
States.
"Now the reason why am in favor
of organized labor is that labor must
organize to be on an equality with it's
employers and the capital that it's en-
ployers have. It has shown in the past
that by such organization and by pro-
per methods it can secure the wages
to which it Is entitled. 1t can secure
an increase when the market is going
up and earnings are increasing, and it
can prevent the too hasty reduction
when earnings are falling of and the
business is becoming light.
'tIt is at the hands of intelligent or
ganization that the cause of labor is to
triumph. It is when labor organiza-
tions are not guided by intelligence
and conservatism that the cause of Ia
Dor suffers, and with the suffering OF
labor suffers the entire community"