The wageworker., 1910-09-02
THE UNION PRINCIPLE
Foundation of All Successful
Government.
GOOD OF THE MANY ITS AIM.

Objection to Trades Unions That They
Deprive the Individual of Liberty Is
Unsound-They Secure and Maintain
the Rights of Workers.
On Sunday evening. April 3, the Unit
ell Trades and Labor council of East
Liverpool. o.. together with members
of other organizations of that city and
Wellsvillc. attended services ut the
First Christian church of Wellsville.
o.. on the Invitation of the minister
G. s. Morrison. 4. NJ. n former printer
In the course of his sermon the minis
ter asserted that the statement of {.
W. Post that only 10 per cent of labor
was organized was Il false statement
that more than 20 per cent of the
workers of the country are members
of trades organizations. He declared
that Christ. the Son of God. constant
ly dignificd labor and lin pointing the
way to victory stated the principles
of unioniSIn as the chief means to the
end" The Rev. Mr.. Morrison said in
part:
The labor union is not only legitimate
Institution, but is of great economic. ed
ucational and moral value acting upon
principle or right recognized by both di-
vine and human law. Ii is not denied
that in the evolution of labor unionism
mistakes, wrongs. even crimes. have been
committed. but these are not to be charged
to the principle ard purpose of the union.
but to misguided members. Nor is the
labor union alone in these dark vicisSi-
tudes of development Civilization. gov
ernments, even the churches. are not one
whit behind in these matters. as history
well shows. But are they to be con-
demned because in their earlier stages
misguided advocates We're guilty of gross
wrongs and criinesp Neither should we
condemn the labor unions as such. They,
like other great movements for human
uplift. have struggled up to higher ground
and broader vision ard will continue TO
do | would condemn wrongs commit
ted by union men not only because IL is
Inherently criminal. but also because it is
contrary to the principle and purpose of
unionism and brings reproach upon it
uniustly. However grievous the wrong
sought to be righted, two wrongs never
make a right" The whole purpose of the
labor union is to better the condition and
life of laboring people generally 1t Is
absolutely unselfish. Is it not worthy
purpose?
Nonunion labor should not coader-' 80
unions. but should come into
the house of labor may no,
against itself and may stand u
rights. not only of wage but Ger
ment of all conditions Union pr.aclpie is
the foundation of all successful co-opera-
ton and government. The objection to
unions that they deprive the individual of
his liberty TO act Independently of the
whole body or governing authority is not
sound In social material or political econ
omy, for that very principle is the
strength of our form of government-he
votes and abides the majority rule. Lib
erty really only becomes possible through
combination on the basis of majority rule.
The relation of the member to the union
Is like that of the citizen to the republic
II secures and maintains his rights.
1t Is charged 1t stirs up strife. What
government was ever established without
strifec What wrong was ever rightedl
without strife? Is the union wholly to
blame" Is the corporation that refuses TO
negotiate fa.r: 1t is fact that. deal;
fairly with, the union decreases strife.
1t is charged against organized labor
that 1t excludes nonunon workers from
employment, This is not object. but
sir,ply an effect, of organization for their
own good and the general good of labor
people
popular objection to labor unions Is
that they oppose strike breakers in order
TO force them into the unions This is q
stock argument from the capitalists. Yet
the same principle is the reliance of the
ambitious capitalist to force out compe-
tition.
Contrast the motives of the two. Ever
II the principle be not the best. the mo-
tive OF the labor union Is the best, for II
is TO build up all laborers. while the mo
tive of the other is to crush all less for
tunate competitors. However doubtful
therefore. the method. the moral credit 1:
all on the side of the labor union.
Merchants often combine In a writer
agreement to control prices and hours o.
business A cut rate merchant steps II
and not only sells his commodity lower
but works longer hours. The organized
merchants try to induce him to join then
on prices and hours. and IL he refuses OF
the ground that he has the liberty to d,
as he pleases the combine does not hesi
tate to punish him vigorously, even to th
extent of putting him out of business.
What Is their motive? The good Of tn
many? No: simply the benefit of the fey
themselves only-and there is no publ
outcry.
When the labor union invokes the sam
principle from IA more worthy motive tn
good of the many. there is a great cr
raised against II wrong. Why this dis
elimination? Because all too many peo
pie are willing to fawn upon the rich an
powerful and sneer at and condemn tn
less fortunate.
Mr.. Morrison concluded with tn
statement that the principles of union
ism and of Christianity were identica
and inseparable; that the Bible point
cd the way to trades unionism and tn
solution of all troubles, labor and 9th
erwise. ise.-Typographical Journal.