Denver labor bulletin., 1916-01-22
Modern Statesmen Must
Recognize Trade Unions


among the leaders of the world, its
statesmen must recognize the signifi-
canoe of the trade union movement,
writes President Gompers, in the current
issue of American Federationist.
The trade union executive calls atten-
ton to the changed views of most people
regarding international peace and ven
lures the prediction that there is hardly
an individual who has not modified his
conceptions of this question, and that
Ythe war has laid bare the basic i'm
pulses of human nature and has made
an inexorable test of the institutions OF
society"
Theories and policies must conform to
facts as well as to ideals" declares Presi-
dent Gompers, who insists that 1T is
not so much making mistakes that is
blame worthy, but, inability to recognize
mistakes and unwillingness to undertake
their correction"
1t is further declared that the one-time
outlawed and pcrsecuted trade unions
have proved themselves constructive
factor in human affairs and are, there
fore, part OF organized society. Be-
cause of this fact, together with their
experience and their opinions, President
Gompers insists that their views are nee
essary for the completion OF any national
preparedness system.
The wage -earners will no longer be
denied their right to participation in de-
termining those things which affect their
welfare" he writes. Their demand il in
accord with the principles upon which
our republic is founded. They are un-
willing to delegate to others the dctermi-
nation of their lives.
'Now that our nation is giving thought
to the problems OF preparedness, the
wage-earners present their claim to con
sultation and participation. No true plan
for preparedness can fail to include ser
vice for them; therefore, they demand
that the plans shall be democratized.
Not only is this demand just, but the
wage-earners can give valuable advice
and service to the nation in this capac-
ity, is evident from their achievements.
And their experience and opinions are
needed i'm considering national prepared
ness. No part OF our citizenship is more
unalterably opposed TO ideals Of militar-
ism and compulsion than are the mem
bcrs Of the trade union movement, II
provisions for national prparedness arc
to be constructive they must escape the
perils of militarism and autocracy; they
must be based upon voluntary and demo
cratic principles.
Essential TO any plan for human and
national conservation. are physical tit
ness. power and ability for self-protec-
tion, and the attitude OF mind insistent
upon rights and justice. The trade union
movement has done more for the mninte
nance of these qualities than any other
force. Trade unionists will carry these
qualities into places OF formal respon-i-
bility to the nation
III our nation il to keep its place
among the leaders OF the world. its
Statesmen must recognize the 'igaifi
eance and the power Of the labor move
ment which represents the ideals of the
masses of men, women and children.
Wherever il has eStn bli-hed itself. IL has
brought with it Ideals OF humanity
ideals that make a strong appeal to
heart and mind. There is human side
to every relation of society. Tn. trade
thion movement is .he ogc institution
that represents distinctivcly the human
element and human welfare. Therefore,
spokesmen for labor ought to be in every
commission. committee or representative
body that is entrusted with consideration
of problems and determination of policies.
Labor now demands its rights. Ef-
forts must recognize and seek the CO.
operation of this great humanitarian
movement in order TO be effective.
"The workers are quite willing to bear
the full share of their responsibility in
any issue. They are ready. as they have
ever been ready. to give service what
ever might bctidc, but in this day OF the
workers realization OF their citizenship
and sovereignty they are insistcnt in the
demand that they have the fullest OPP
portunity OF advice and consent in the
councils of all the affairs of our nation.
In the republic of the United States, rs
in any and every democracy, right must
he the haudmaid of duty