New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-11
a Black Mark for Unionism.

Two statements Of significance, not
alone in their bearing on the abortive
streetcar strike, but on the broad aspects
Of labor unionism in this city, were issued
to the traction strikers yesterday. The
first was by Mr.. Whtridge, president of
the Third Avenue system, in which he de-
clared that the Amalgamated union was
unincorporated, irresponsible, that it failed
to publish its accounts, ard was mot
straight enough to be willing to keep a
contract it has made" Therefore, he re-
iterated the declaration he recently made
70 Mayor Mitchell, that no member of this
union in future would be employed on any
line over which he had jurisdiction.
The second statement was from Presi-
dent Mahon, addressed to the strikers.
He insisted that the ink was hardly dry
on the arbitration agreement Of last Au-
gust before the companies not only vio-
lated but repudiated it. He assured the
men still on strike: "Your action has my
absolute approval, and as an officer Of
your association I shall record that APP
proval with the other officers who have
already voted in the matter and approved
the same" He promised strike payments
from the treasury Of the union and pre-
dicted "the support and assistance of thou
sands and thousands Of trade unionists
from various organizations, not only in
greater New York but throughout the
country"
At first glance Mr.. Whitridge's position
seems "arbitrary and unfeeling," as he
himself indicates II might. Yet what are
the facts? The Mayor and Chairman
Straus of the Public Service Commission,
after an exhaustive investigation. have re
ported that in the case of the Third Ave
nue. system genuine attempt was made
hv the officials Of the company to live up to
the arbitration agreement. They were un-
rreiudced in their investigation, and their
findings have not been disproved in fact or
conclusion. The men of that system
walked out, practically on suspicion, while
efforts were being made to patch up the
trouble in accordance with the arbitration
contract. The men, aided and supported
by the high officials Of the union, thus vio-
lated the contract which had been made to
prevent Just that kind of occurrence, dam
aging to the men, costly to the company
and serious in its effects on the travelling
public.
Mr.. Mahon, in Europe at the time this
occurred, now gives it his sanction and
promises to back up these contract break
ers by supporting them from the earnings
Of trades unionsts elsewhere. AS an ex-
ample of union support Of unionists, right
or wrong, that is all very fine. II fails,
however, TO acquit the strikers Of the
charge Of bad faith made against them by
the Mayor and Mr.. Straus. And it makes
bad matter worse by giving, or promis-
ing 10 give, the support Of unionism in
general TO men who by their conduct have
registered black mark against the credit
Of labor unions.
A man in business who breaks a con-
tract, solemnly entered into and well
understood, has stored up endless trouble
for himself The layman cannot fathom
the distinction between an individuals
breach Of contract and unions. II is
true that the traction employees were
doubtless badly counselled, perhaps actu-
ally misled, by the union organizers. That
does not lessen the responsibility Of the
union itself, which must be judged by the
acts Of It's agents and members. And the
practical effect OF those acts is shown in
Mr.. Whitridge's boycott Of the union.
Arbitration agreements, peace protocols