Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1915-08-26

are Qn0 same 6VWS WHICH nave accom-
panied the development of the Amert
can nation, and of it's states and mum
CAPABILITIES. Such evils as have been
found to exist are indeed to be con.
demned, but "a study of the history oil
these organizations seems to show
clearly that there is a tendency to
eradicate them as the organizations
become stronger and the membership
becomes more familiar with the re-
SponSTbilities and methods, OF demo-
cratic aJction.
'FMrth eqmore, there is fundamen-
tai principle which applies in this
field as in all other lines of human
activity. This principal is contained
in the following contrast: In demo-
cratic organizations sub evils and ex-
cesses as may arise tend to disrupt
and destrupt and destroy the organi-
zation and are therefore self-eradicat-
ing; while in an autocracy, evils and
excuses tend Inevitably to strengthen
the existing autocrat and can be era
dicated only in the event of a revolt
on the 'part of those who suffer from
such evils. This is the history, not
only of every form of artificial asso-
citation, hut also of nations.
"The fundamental question for the
nation to- decide, for in the end public
opinion will control here as elsewhere,
ia whether the workers shall have an
effective means of adjusting their
grievances, through negotiation with
their employers, or whether they shall
be driven by necessity and oppression
to the extreme of revolt.
Where men are well organized, and
the power of employers and employees
is fairly well balanced, agreements
are nearly always reached by negctia-
tons; but, even if this tails, the
strikes or lockouts which follow are
as rule merely cessations of work
until economic necessities forces the
parties together again to adopt some
form of compromise.
with the unorganized, there Is no
hope of achieving anything except by
spontaneous revolt. Too often has 1t
been found Glnat during the delay OF
attempted negotiations, the leaders
are discharged. and new men are
found ready to take the place of those
who protest against conditions. With
out strike funds or other financial sup
port, the unorganfzed must achieve re-
suits at once; they cannot afford to
wait for reason and compromise to
come into play. Lacking strong lead
ers and definite organization, such re-
volts can only be expected to change
to mob action on the slightest provo
cation.
Many Strikes Actual Revolutions.
'tLooking black over the industrial
history of the last quarter century,
the industrial disputes which hape at
tracted the attention of the country
and which have been accompanied by
tbloodshed and violence, have been
revolutions against industrial oppres-
sion, and not mere strikes TOR the bet
terment of working conditions.
'iSuch revolutions in fact were the
railway strikes of the late eighties,
the Homestead strike, the bituminous
coal strike of 1897, the anthracite
strikes of 1900 and 1903, the strike at
McKees Rocks in 1909, the Bethle-
hem Steel Co. strike Of 1910. the
strikes in the textile mills at Law
renee, Patterson and Little Falls.
many of the strikes in the mining
camps of Idaho and Colorado, the gar
ment workers strikes in New York
and other cities, and the recent strikes
in the mining districts of West Vir-
ginia, Westmoreland County, Pennsyl-
Nania, and Calumet, Michigan.
Action is Urged.
'.As a result, therefore, not only OF
fundamental considerations, but OF
practical investigations the results OF
which are described in detail hereaf-
ter. the Commission is convinced that
every means should be used to extend
and strengthen organizations through
out the entire industrial field. Much
attention has been devoted TO tine
means by which this can be accom-
plished, and a large number OF sug-
gestions have been received. AS 9
result of careful consideration, 1t Is
suggested the Commission recommend
the following action:
1. Incorporation among the rights
guaranteed by the Constitution OF the
unlimited right of individuals to FORM
associations, not for sake OF proflt, but
for the advancement OF their 1ndfvldu-
al and collective interests.
SO. Enactment of statutes specIllc-
ally protecting this right and prohibit
ing the discharge of any person be
caIise of his membership in labor or
ganization.
a3. Enactment Of a statute proV1d-
ing that action on the part of an asso-
ciation of individuals not organized FOR
profit shall not be held to be unlawful,
where such action would not be un-
lawful in the case of an individual.
II. That the Federal Trade Com
mission be specifically empowered and
directed by Congress in determining
Unfair methods of competition to take
into account and specially Investigate
the unfair treatment of labor in all
RESPECTS, with particular reference to
the following points:
4. Refusal to permit employees 20
become members OF labor organiza-
lions.
Is. Refusal to meet or confer with
tha authorized representatives Of EN-
ployes.
IS. That the Department OF LABOR,
through the Secretary of Labor or any
other authorized official. be empower
ed and directed to present to the Fed.
eraI Trade Commission, and to prose
cIrfe before that body. all cases OF IN
fair competition arising out OF the
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