Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1918-02-22
CONSTRUCTIVE RAO|CAL|SM

WoClVe power capable OF material
achievement. 1t establishes new
outposts in the field of endeavor for
the overthrow of injustice among
men. With singular preciseness and
harmony of detail the millions are
in agreement as to the nature and
extent Of existing industrial, social,
and political wrongs of our time. but
In evolving remedy wide diver
gence of opinions and efforts exist.
Two schools of Thought which
clash are those devoted solely to par
tisan political action as against eco
nomic effort supplemented by indie
pendent politica; activity. Specula-
tive political theories are seductive
and appeal overpoweringly to i'm
practical sentimentalists and to those
who fail to comprehend that political
power and control are based upon
economic power and control.
On the other hand, the trade
unions, concerned in large measure
with economic determination of ques-
tions which affect the daily lives and
welfare of their adhcrents, form a
group of constructive radical units
that avail themselves of the opportu-
mites of the hour to add to their
achievements. Their goal is to Sc
cure economic substance rather than
to pursue political shadows. Their
program is flexible and departs from
the obstinate kitty Of the status quo.
yet they prescribe no cataclysm as a
means to attain an end.
The unions of labor were and are
being born out Of necessity that a
shelter may be provided against the
elements of greed. Because Of their
mission and the tangible results &C.
cruing day by day as result Of their
policy and persistence, they are con-
stantly increasing numerically and
adding to their influence and power.
Because of their constructive nature,
although they were always radical
and are still radical, their efforts
have been directed to a gradual pro-
gram which has not operated to dis
locate simultaneously all of the ma
chinery of society. Their process of
leveling up has been conducted with
view to maintaining, as a strategic
policy, the present structure of our
institutions, and. to securing a con-
stantly increasing share Of the re-
wards inuring to industrial opera
lions. In fact, their radicalism is
felt in every hamlet where the or
CARNATIONS of labor are formed and
maintained.
With the whole world deranged by
conflict of terrifying intensity. the
unions of labor. with their policy Of
collective bargaining and the en-
HANGING of their economic position
because of the needs for gigantic
production, have been enabled to
meet their age-old opponents upon a
basis approaching equality. Even
governments have been compelled to
render due consideration to the
rightful demands made by our or
CARNATIONS. Conspicuous as has
been the change In relationship be-
tween the British government and
the trade unions of that country, the
change in RELATIONSHIP between our
government and the trade unions has
likewise been marked. The con-
radicalism of the organized
labor movement is the basis upon
which rests the great power and in
fluence which has been developed.
Equipped with experience in organi-
cation, conscious of their strength
and its limitations, realizing their
duty to our country and to them
selves, the unions of labor have be-
come the most potent factors in the
nation.
With the entrance Of this country
into the war. 1t became necessary to
utilize and coordinate every instru-
in our national life. Indi-
vidualism is being swallowed up by
the necessity for unity of action.
Forces in society formerly econom-
ically hostile are drawn into the vor-
tex of necessity and compelled to
the attitude of each
other at close range and determine
the basis upon which harmonious
cooperation can be established. The
radical constructive ability Of the
trade unions has been translated into
concrete results. as indicated by the
recognition of government and en-
ployers of the potency and effective
ness Of Organized cooperation.
Our nation, in order that it's ma
terial resources and the spirit of its
people may be modified to make a
supreme effort, is becoming con-
scious that the preservation and ex-
tension of democratic control of po-
litical affairs leads TO a natural corol-
larry of the establishment of demo-
ar In