The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1915-09-04


The keynote Of this tveuty-se snnual
Is ven voiced by samnel Gonpers .aThe American
federdnn of Labor IS mot parttzan TO- any political
party Ill., y ggS Y Ss@
Labor unions and parties work IL two
separate fields, economic the other political
1t rs true, politics has its basis In economic condi-
lions but nevertheless the Two movements one primarily
economic the other must not be con
fused. -. ": ~*z
For the trade union to prosper It must admit to its
ranks workers of every creed and political faith. It
must if possible embrace every worker is only
possible when the trade union such allow
itself to become entangled in party politics and
to consider itself appendage Of any political
Whether the trade unionists should party man.
Is separate question, S..> e.. s;<~> -%~ <ls..
To fully understand the Importance of such tactics
the part of the trade unon one must BE familiar
with the history of the union movement Of the
United States which records numerous wrecks upon the
rock shores of party politics. 1"tT-s.~. Il. ~
Among those who urging upon the American
labor movement. party" find those usually who
have but smatterng knowledge of the tactics Of their
own movement and for the benefit of use the
writings Of and refer to German worker, August
Bebel' whose pamphlet, Labor Unions and Political
Parties. Is worthy of consideration Probably Il Bebe
lived in Minnesota he would have been exnelled from
the "'party" for expressing "reformists'' views
Let US quote extensively from the pamphlet men
toned. 5: IT, ..~., . -, .
Says Bebel, II have pleaded that discussion of
kept out of the unions but this demand which has
already been made for several decades by far-seeng
union men and friends of the union. *s* It was
held that trades unionists be advised to Join
socialDemocrac party. and this advice do not give
him. !;
First, because if did give this advice any attempt
at an understanding with the unions standing on the
ground of other party politics would of the ques-
ton And secondly because 1 consider this advice
superfuous. &:. i
1.-The trades union is that organization of labor which
nights for the Improvement of the workingmens cond-
ton on the field Of the present order of
and society.
1.-The trade union will be true to it's mission If it
hrst 1ulhlls the aims mentioned =. and then
strives for the accomplishment series of demands
from the government and from legislation
Tor the accomplishment of which the union labor
organization, has not itself the power"
From the foregoing it must not be understood that
Beoe advised against union taking interest in
politics or rather legislation pertaining welfare
OF labor On the other hand it must be said that
the American Federation of Labor blind or obstinate
In matters Of politics.
Workmens Compensation laws child labor and eight
hour laws on government work. minimum wage sweat
shop, working hours for women, the seamens laws
Clayton anti trust law and affecting Immigration
these are all matters of labor move
ent This is working class legislation and as such is
properly watched and worked for by labor unions
but they not the product of party politics. in the
sense that the phrase is commonly used
Heed the words of Bebel and those of his calfber
and keep party politics the outside of the labor
unions.