Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-11-16
UNITED AMERICA.


the delegates to the annual convention
of the American Federation of Labor
Yesterday was more than an appeal to
labor unionists to be loyal to the
nation in the most critical period OF its
history. 1t was formal notice 70
workers and to the men who employ
them that strikes which imperil the
nations defensive strength by Cd
structing its efforts to wage winning
war will not be tolerated nor per-
mitted.
The government will not be called
upon to use drastic methods. tie presl'
dent believes. because the patriotic
sentiment Of the American people as
whole will compel capital and labor TO
employ arbitration in the settlement OF
their differences and to await the con-
clusion of the war for trials OF strength
which Interrupt the productive forces.
It is an encouraging sign OF the
times that such an address should have
been made just at this time by Presi-
dent Wilson. The fact that the great
est struggle Of the war is at hand with
its dire possibility of defeat does not
deter him from expressing and repeat
ing the principle that has character
ICED his course since the day of Amer
icas entrance into the war.
This principle is that America is
waging a defensive fight for the liber-
alton of the world from the influence
OF the Prussian autocracy.
II was to be ovrrc
would be opposition to the severn
ment's course from exactly the quar-
ters which have furnished it--from the
socialists and their sort. Not that
such opposition is justified. Indeed. II
these obstructionists were sincere In
their so-called crusade for human
rights. they would he vying for first
Mace in the ranks Of the supporters OF
the government But they have no
creed save that Of opposition. obstruc.
ton. complaint, recrimination, refusal
to accept responsibility
The union labor movement the lead
ers of which heard President Wilson
yesterday. has an opportunity right
row to free itself once and for
all of the milestone of social.
ism which has been its burden
for a long time. Not that trades union.
lists have taken up socialism: indeed
they have been vigilant to keep 1t out
of their councils in most instances. But
socialism has been loud in its claims
of trades union labor support. approval
and cooperation. 1t has obtained just
enough of a hold in few organizations
to give its claims of strength some color
IN the eyes of those who obtain their
knowledge OF trades unionism at sec.
ond hand.
The present crisis in the nation az
fords the loyal trades unionists OF
America the very opportunity which
they should and. we feel certain, will
be glad and prompt to improve.
| For socialism has chosen the route
of disloyalty Trades unionism has
, taken the path of LOYALTY In a few in
stances where socialism and the !. w
F, w. strain Of treason has been able to
gain a temporary foothold. trades
unions have suffered temporary loss
| of confidence at the hands of the unin
| formed public.
The convention Of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor at Buffalo can and we
believe will come out in flat-footed
denunciation Of disloyalty and in favo'
of the employment of arbitration and
sanity in the settlement of labor dis
putes which may arise while the wal
is in progress. Such an action vii
! raise the movement in the esteem o.
! the general public and will divorce il
for all time from the dangerous ant
enervating influence of the socialist.
President Wilson's address yester
day was to all Americans. however, az
we'll as to the men and women identi
fled with organized labor. Not only
/ did It contain warning to capital thai
, 1t must meet labor halfway in effort.
: to continue production at its highes
efficiency. but 1t called upon all tht
people OF the country to unite to the