The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1911-01-06

We have no wish to strike discor-
dant note in this street car controversy.
We have been careful to eliminate in all
the columns of this issue any writing
which might appeal to mems passions
and preiudices. We realize the seri-
business of the situation and that it is
a time for all men to take wise counsel,
keep cool headed, to the end that we
may pass through this crisis with no
stain upon the manhood and integrity
of our people. There are some things
in connection with this struggle, how
ever, that we do not propose to pass
by in silence nor pretend to ignore. We
refer to the repeated slams taken at
organized labor of this city, both
through the news and editorial col
umns of the daily papers. God knows
the unions of this city did not bring
on the strike nor did they welcome it.
They would have been worse than
cowardly, however had they evaded
the responsibility of assisting the men
in their struggle for justice They
did what every other body of men with
good, red American blood in their veins
did. shouldered their responsibility and
made common cause with the people of
Everett in behalf of the car boys. Or
gained labor has at no time attempted
to make this fight conspicuously theirs
it has Joined forces with all citizens
and worked the best it knew how. The
impression has been deliberately con
veyed that if organized labor has not
actively participated in demonstrations
against the company's property, it has
done nothing to prevent them. Every
citizen knows that the disorders occurr-
ing have been of the mildest nature and
there has been as yet no need for pro
lection other than that at the present
disposal of the authorities. Union men
have been kept away from the scenes
of disorder-in fact have stayed away
of their own voition. But the daily
press in referring to organized labor
never lays down an Of except to take
up "but." "Organized labor is to be
commended but"-"A few union men
on the streets to help keep the crowd
in order" sounds nice.
We might call attention to these oc-
currences:
In the crowd of men and boys Great
ing a little disturbance at Hewitt and
Broadway Tuesday, were nearly doz-
en- fellows, hired thugs, some Of them,
possibly, who were saying, lets tip
the car over" 1t was a union man who
went to that crowd and urged them to
desist. 1t was a union man, man Of
middle age and extremely conservative,
who was standing quietly on the street
corner minding his own business We'd
nesday evening when knot of people
began lettering at that particular cor
ner. An oyerzealoue policeman ordered
him to move on. 1t was another union
man, also Of middle age, who has coun-
seled nothing but moderation since this
strike began who on this same corner
was seized by this same policeman and
started toward the station house. Adj
wise unionists to police Hewitt avenue
in their capacity as private etizensl
Wise advice, that!
Organized labor wants to see this
strike settled on any basis that will
give the strikers jutiee. It's leaders
were the first to urge arbitration of the
difficulty 1t has stood and stands to-
day for law and order. 1t viii do all
it can to prevent lawles7ness It asks
no particular credit for its part but
it does DEMAND that it shall not be
misrepresented.
This fight is but a part Of the nation
wide struggle going ON between prop
erty rights and human rights-the
dollar sign against flesh and blood. In