The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-01-27
LABOR NOTES OF
WIDE INTEREST

Organized labor has done more for al
leviatng the sufferings of humanity in
its limited sphere than all other agen'
ces of progress combined, and it has
been proven on many occasions that adj
ditional schools and public Libraries have
not fulfilled their purpose in accelerat-
ing the progress of humanity.
IL makes no difference ii there is a
school next door to an underpaid la
borer, or II there is not one within fifty
miles OF his immature children, If they
are forced to seek employment in order
| to make both ends meet, II the head
of the family does not earn enough to
keep the wolf from the door, and for
this reason his children cannot partici-
pate in the advantages offered by the
public institutions referred to. This ac-
counts, in some measure, for the enor-
nous number of illiterate persons in
the United States in this so-ealled pro-
gressive twentieth century and it forms
direct Indictment of our much vaunted
progress.
1t is in organization that salvation
lies for you, Mr.. Workman, and | APP
peal to you to get in line, if not already
"A union man, and do not think for a
moment that your obligation as a union
man is fulfilled by merely carrying a
union card.
Organize, agitate and educate your
more illiterate brother, who for some
reason has held aloof from his fellows,
and thus be enabled to concentrate more
force, so that when the necessity arises,
we may march in one solid body against
those who oppose labor.
By forceful and convincing argument
you can easily open the minds of the
nom union man, fer, as President Comp
ers remarked of the non-unionist in
recent address, HE is more to be pitied
than blamed
dividual to try and elevate his intel
lectual, industrial and social standing,
and that can be accomplished best
through the medium of trade unions and
organization. DO not stand ut the bench
with the constant fear of being dis
charged or being informed that your
services are superiluous, for it is such
thoughts that make life burden and
account for the premature gray hair,
and | therefore urge you once and for
all to unite and discard in part at least !
the yoke Of industrial oppression and be
your own master.
Organized labor, as we'll as other re-
forms, has its continual and bitter OPP |
position and therefore our cause must be |
pushed forward and OBJ |
stacles to our progress should only tend |
TO increase our determination to sue
reed. Emancipation of labor can only /
,ome through labor itself by the aid of /
he organization, so do not wait for
.he other fellow to do it. You set the
example by coming with us and you
sill find many followers, who, when
'nce started on the right road, will new
n turn back or falter.
Beat the iron while il is hot Do not
nut off until tomorrow that which may
,e better done to-day. The quicker you
ONE with us, Mr.. Workman, the more
apidly will conditions of which we now
omplsin be removed, and your reward
or this work will be the realization
hat conditions for future generations
viii be bettered thereby.
The Fresno, Cal, labor news, prior
0 the holidays, inaugurated plan TO
ecure the assistance of organized la
or in sending Christmas baskets con-
aiming meat and groceries to the wild
VS. of Fresno. This idea met with a ,
earty response, all Of the unions con- .
ributing generously to this fund. ,
While it was the original intention to
istribute the Christmas cheer to wild
VS. only, the funds came in so gen. |
rously that it was decided to extend
he original plan and include all the ,
,cted and all but $40 came from the I
ockets of union men. A notable fact /
lould be mentioned and speaks vol ]
mes for ITSELF and that is, that not !
ne name turned in or basket dis I
'ibuted, went to a member of organ \
ed labor. This fact is an unanswer I
Bile argument on behalf of the unions {
labor, that their affiliates receive such i
enetit from their organizations in
ages, hours and conditions of employ :
ent that they are abundantly able to
'ovide for their own wants and in addi-
on to bring to the lives and homes of
hers in less fortunate circumstances
ray of sunshine during gladstone
'rtion of the year.
We hear much about the man who
axes a good talk in the meetings of
II unions. What about the silent man,
q one who attends the meetings and
vs. nothing; the one who is always on
e job when committee work is to be
one; who is buying labelled goods
hen he purchases for himself or his
usehold; who contributes in time to
lid up the cause in generalf He 10
e backbone of the labor movement.
! is to be reckoned with when the
81 comes, where in many instances
E blatant, loud-mouthed square man."