The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1915-09-10

ganiZations by increasing numbers and
by stimulating and reyiving the ideal
ism that gives unioniSm life, purpose
and effectiveness. This is the purpose
of the many labor forward movements
that are now being conducted in many
Industrial communities. Reports of or
ganizers tell of the success that is at
tending some of these efforts.
Meriden, Conn, Is about TO start a
movement that will be in commemora-
ton of the New England labor move
ment and will inaugurate efforts for
new growth and new progress. Organ
lied labor of Arkansas intends to de-
vote the week beginning with Labor
day to a state wide campaign for or
ganization.
One Of the most important cam
paigns for increasing organization is
that recently inaugurated by the Unit
ed Mine Workers of America among
the anthracite coal workers of Penn
sylvana. The contract of the mine
workers will expire April l. 1916, and
it is the purpose of the United Mine
Workers of America to secure a 100
per cent organization among the an
thracite coal miners in order that they
may be in a position to demand and
to secure better terms for their con-
tract and also to secure recognition of
the union.
The campaign will extend over a pc
riod of sixty days. Wherever meet
ings are held the miners are showing
intense interest in this campaign. The
mines are closed down on days when
meetings are held, and membership
committees of the local unions make a
house to house canvass in order to Sc
cure new members. All interests seem
to recognize the fact that the success
Of this campaign will determine in a
large measure whether or not there
will arise the necessity for a suspen-
sion of work when the new miners
contract is under consideration for
1916.
Results OF these labor forward move
ments are incalculable. The move
ment begun in Philadelphia over a
year ago is still in progress with the
unalterable purpose Of organizing all
the workers in the city.
These special efforts for organization
are necessary to sustain the spirit of
organization and to quicken the sense
of responsibility and duty that inspires
men and women to the best that is in
them. They are necessary to keep be- /
fore people the meaning of the duties
of daily life, lest petty details shut !.
them off from the vision Of big reali- /
ties.
Success is always attended with
great danger. There is danger of under
estimating opposition, danger Of for
getting the sleepless vigilance and the /
eXertion that lead to success, Il
danger Of contentment that hides the /
pathways to larger growth and greater (
As the trade union movement of .
america has won victory after victory
and has passed beyond that period .
when the worlds treatment of its mem /
bers created and stimulated a spirit Of .
and idealism, it has now
reached that period when enthusiasm
and ideals are not inspired by opposi-
ton and persecution, but must be the
result Of conviction based upon under
standing and visions of future posi-
bilities
The revolutionary fire and energy Of
the pioneers of the labor movement
must be followed by practical ldealism
that is born Of human needs and that
manifests constructive result by build
Ing up the agencies of human welfare.
The success Of each labor forward
is conditioned by the spirit
ard the understanding Of the indiYid-
ual members Of organized labor. With
them lies the decision whether these
shall be regenerating forces
IN the lives Of fellow workers. In
Iced, each union member must con-
stitute in himself a labor forward
necessary to great progress.