New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-24

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Is mob rule-the rule of mght-to De
the court of last resort in the settlement OF
all our economic and social disorders? That
seems TO be the present trend Of affairs.
No one should object to organized labor
when it shows proper regard for ITS cove
nants and when il pursues an ORDERLY ana
peaceful and businesslike course in attaining
It's purpose.
But when organized labor, intoxicated with
Is own strength stoops TO acts Of violence
IN every manner Numerically opposed to the
interests of the public, as well as its own;
when it wantonly designs TO curb the wheels
Of progress for the attainment Of selfish and
wholly unreasonable ends, regardless of the
Inconvenience and injury it may cause the
rest of US; when it boldly stoops to means
wholly destructive rather than constructive
then il is high time that the overwhelming
majority insist that labor be Incorporated
controlled and regulated.
In the past we have heard a great deal of
talk about monopoly, that the wealth OF the
country was in the control of a comparatively
few, but pray tell me where or when in the
history of these United States have we wit
messed such practica! demonstrations Of air
tight monopoly in the hands Of few as
Two Daring Hold-ups.
l. In the recent undignfed and CALLING
spectacle at Washington of the Big Four
Garretson, Stone, Lee and Cart-r-under the
threat Of a nationwide strike on the steam
railroads, and its dire consequences to the
Ii l.. md
the Congress. and the one hundred million
people thus represented, to the tune OF $780,
600 900, and, for the most part, of their own
initiative, as it has since been concluslyely
proven that the attitude of the Big Four in
this situation did not reflect the wishes OF
the majority of the men they represent. 1t
was "hold-up" pure and simple another
instance of trust betrayed.
. IN the spectacle Of the Alien Four Fitz-
gerald, O'Brien, Shea and Frayne according
to their own figures, holding up the traction
companies OF this city TO the tune Of 81 ,032,-
COO and the dear public to the tune Of ST.
200 900. And according TO their own version,
the strike has just begun.
Mr. Fitzgerald offers no data as to the cost
10 the Amalgamated in prosecuting this
strike. He AYERS that he has 1881 men on
strike, including those in New Rochelle,
Mount Vernon and Yonkers. To each of those
on strike the Amalgamated is supposed TO
pay "sustenance" allowance of 50 a week.
This would make the weekly payroll Of the
Amalgamated s57.9O5 To cover hotel. auto
mobile, travelling and other personal ex-
penses Of Fitzgerald and his immediate CO.
horts there may safely be added another $5,-
600 a week making the total disbursements
approximately S63 600 week.
On this basis it is safe 10 assume that to
date this strike has cost the Amalgamated at
least 1913 900.
And where does this money come from
From the dues paid out of the pockets of
honest. hard working men, members Of the
Amalgamated scattered throughout the coun-
try.
Wastefu Organization.
What direct benefit do these men reap from
this lavish squandering Of their earnings !!
Nothing. But they always face the posi-
bllity OF being suddenly called upon for an
extra strike assessment, as carefully pro-
vided for by their bylaws, to meet the ex-
pense of fomenting and conducting strikes
Throughout other sections of the country.
How long will the AmaIgamated continue
the payment to the men in New York City
now on strike Of the sustenance allowance =
Only just so long their executive officers.
located in Cleveland. believe Mr. Fitzgerald