Denver labor bulletin., 1918-08-10
FORCE OF CONSTRUCTIVE RADICALISM
TRADE UNIONS FORM A GROUP OF CONSTRUCTIVE
RADICAL UNITS THAT AVAIL THEMSELVES OF
THE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE HOUR.
By GRANT HAMILTON.

Constructive radicalism is that
force in society which constitutes a
motive power capable of material
achievement 1t establishes new out
posts in the field of endeavor for the
overthrow of injustice among men.
With singular preciseness and har-
mony of detail the millions are in
agreement as to the nature and ex-
tent of existing industrial, social and
political wrongs of our time, but in
evolving a remedy a wide divergence
of opinions and efforts exist.
Two schools of thought which clash
are those devoted solely to partisan
political action as against economic
effort supplemented by Independent
political activity. Speculative politi-
cal theories are seductive and appeal
overpoweringly to impractical senti-
mentalists and to those who fail to
comprehend that political power and
control are based upon economic pow
er and control.
On the other hand, the trade unions,
nomic determination of questions
which affect the daily lives and well
fare of their adherents, form a group
of constructive radical units that
avail themselves Of the opportunities
of the hour to add to their achieve
ments. Their goal is to secure eco-
nomic substance rather than to pur-
sue political shadows. Their program
is flexible and departs from the OBJ
stinate fixity of the status quo, yet
they prescribe no cataclysm as a
means to attain an end.
Unions Constantly Increasing.
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 ac-
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,
altho they were always radical and
are still radical, their efforts have
been directed to gradual program
which has not operated to dislocate
simultaneously all of the machinery
of society. Their process of leveling
up has been conducted with a view
to maintaining, as strategic policy
the present structure of our institu-
tions, and to securing constantly in
creasing share of the rewards inur-
ing to industrial operations. In fact
their radicalism is felt in every ham,
let where the organizations Of labor
are formed and maintained.
A Marked Change.
With the whole world deranged by
a conflict Of terrifying intensity, the
unions of labor, with their policy Of
collective bargaining and the enhanc
ing of their economic position because
of the needs of gigantic production
have been enabled to meet their age.
old opponents upon a basis APPROACH.
ing equality. Even governments have
been compelled to render due consid
Grafton to the rightful demands made
by your organization. Conspicuou.
as has been the change in relation
ship between the British government
and the trade unions Of that country
the change in relationship between
our government and the trade union.
has likewise been marked. The con
structive radicalism of the organized
labor movement is the basis upor
which rests the great power and in
fluence which has been developed
Equipped with experience in organi