The daily Nome industrial worker., 1917-02-09

tilities or no hostilities, we can see easily enough the desires, the wishes, the demands of labor are not to be consulted because they do not enter at all. The interests of commercial houses, property owners, shippers. exporters and the lives of travellers in the war zone are involved in this question about which international law admits bringing two great and highly civi- ] lized nations into a diplomatic cul de sac
 IL is almost as irritating as gro- l tesque to see a man filling so re- sponsible a position in labor circles as Sam Gompers parade such all affectation of power when the most pitiful fact of all is that he has no power. His protest is unavailing in this contingency. and to encourage the hope that it might be seriously regarded is adding merely fatuity to futility.
 There was considerable astonish- ment as well as criticism in the ra- dical press of this country at the helpless manner of labor before the outbreak of European hostilities, and it was subtly and insidiously suggested that such a helplessness would not be manifest in this coun- try. It was clear to some that that condition which astonished ra- dicals in this country when taking place in Europe, would be duplicat- ed on any war occasion in this country.
 The same theories of life and liv- ing are advanced in the radical doc trines of every country and it was but few were found when tried by
 fire to stand their ground regard less of the consequences.
 We can count upon the fingers of both hands the really fearless leaders who in the face of the po pular agitation remained true to the principles which in peaceful times l had they taught, and it is no mis- take that these are entitled to a need of praise for their unimpas- stoned espousal of what they re- gard as the truth.
 This war in Europe has discover | o6 tho fo that raaSnn may m moro control the hidden emotions found- ed upon hereditary or lifelong ex- periences today than in years gone l by. And when you scratched Slav you found a Russian and 1 Gaul you found a French and German you found a Teuton and an Englishman you got a Britisher quite regardless of the brotherhood of man and international ameni- ties.
 There is danger today to Labor from its very lack of Power due to lack of proper and efficient organiza- ton. In a country of such cosmo- politan texture as the United States this is especially manifest. It is not unreasonable to expect that this very cosmopolitan nature of the po- pulation may be source of concern and distrust to many while in coun- tries where this mixed condition did not exist there would also be less reasons for such distrust ana concern.
 It would be a tragedy beyond words to the nation and to the labor movement if the workers did not set themselves as a unit to stay the progress of any doctrines of hate and fanaticism. The consequences of the spread of any such wholly evil emotions would be immeasur- ably and irredeemably serious and terrible To the labor movement of America they would be deadly be- yond words.
 Now more than ever, now above all times in this country is there reason for the increased solidarity of labor. not through any ridiculous affectation of power but through real class conscious sentiments of brotherhood. One hope and one de- stiny animates and guides the orga- nized workers. it is in the darkest days that they can manifest that inspiring idealism to greatest ad- vantage. Tn the noon day sun men may easily walk with unfaltering