The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1914-03-28
TRADE UV|ON|SMAN
SOCIALISM DEFINED
Interesting Discussion on I'm
portant Subject Takes Place
At Unitarian Church.

The question Of trade unionisb and
Socialism was discussed at the Uni
tartan church at a we'll attended
meeting held last Monday evening.
w., E. McEwen led the discussion by
defining the difference between the
trade unions and the Socialists in
achieving results for the working
classes :.
He said there was. no set goal for
the working classes or for all the peo-
pie. 1--WE have here this old earth as
we found it. Behind are several thou
sand years of civilization, Of growth
and development. The best we can do
is to take the structure as we find it.
patch up it's baneful excrescences, and
make such improvements as its arch
itecture will permit"
A Philosophy of "More.'
1.-THE trade union philosophy" he
declared, was one of more for the
workers. We seek little more to-
day, and when we get it we shall seek
g. little more for tomorrow, and SO on,
until possibly we may claim the whole
works. If Socialism is to be the next
step in the evolution of human So
ciety, then there are no organizations
on earth that are preparing the work.
ers for the administration of an in
dustrial democracy as the trade
unions are doing.
I'VE welcome advice and assast-
ance, both of which we will freely give
to all movements that ring true to the
common uplift, but reserve the right
to apply. such remedies and activities
as our combined wisdom and judy
ment may suggest in our efforts to at
tain social and industrial justice. Such
methods, as understand it, embrace
both purely trade union methods and
non-partisan political activity for Ia
Dor legislation.
Constructive Leadership.
I'VE object to the assumed leader
ship of doctrinaires and those whose
panaceas ard exploded philosophy and
political economy have proved false
and wanting and who have always
been in reality followers instead Of
constructive leaders. The leadership
Of those schooled in and unflinchingly
welded to trade union methods rings
true to constructive, permanent, in
dustrial progress and should not be
lightly discarded.
There is no gilded road to the mil
lennium. There can be no such thing
as emancipation. That which may
look perfect today, under advancing
civilization and growing intelligence
will become imperfect tomorrow.
There is a better condition for the
workers straight ahead. The battle
Scared trade union movement leads
straight to a better social and indus
trial state in which pure, unadulter-
ated human justice and freedom from
petty tyrants and injustice will pre-
vail.
1.-THE trade union movement is
world wide In it's scope and sphere of
activity.
Achievement and Facts.
my faith in the ultimate success Of
the trade union movement is grounded
upon, its achievements and concrete
facts, Thirty-five years ago there
were about 10000 organized worklneu
in our own country, and less than
100000 on the entire globe, while to-
day there are approximately 100000
organized workmen in our country
and approximately 100000 organ
lied workmen in the civilized world.''
Mr.. McEwen was followed by Chas.
S. Mitchell, editor Of the Duluth News
Tribune, who discussed "Monarchial
Socialism in Germany" Mr.. Mitchell
handled the subject ably. He told Of
Bismarck's experiences in combating
class conscious Socialism by granting
to the working classes concession
after concession, which were very
nearly in line with the demands of the
Social Democrats. He came out flatly
for socialized Industries, and declared
his belief In the correctness of the
principle.
John A. Keyes was called upon to
reply. He spoke of the need of a def
mite program in working toward an
ideal, rather than the aimless drift
ing, the imperative demand for men
to realize in practical fashion the
dreams for world brotherhood
which came to Christ on Judean plains
and to Buddha by the sacred river.
An interesting Informal discussion
followed the talks by the several
speakers. -