Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-09-22
un.Amcricanism on the Part OF Labor

MO adjective less harsh than "un Ameri-
can" adequately describes the attitude
OF the organized steel workers who propose
10 quit their jobs with the United States
Steel Corporation today, openly boastine their
purpose OF paralyzins the great industry on
which the country so largely depends in its
processes OF postwar reconstruction and to
which, with its allied industries. millions OF
men and women and children look for sup
port. IL is ur-American because no imme-
Ciaie!y vital issue Is al stake. while for the
sake OF mere recognition OF their union
they are willing 10 plunge the nation. TO
which they profess loyalty. into industrial
disaster. nay even into the abysSmal depths
OF class war itself
Perhaps the United States Steel Corpora
ton is unduly arbitrary. perhaps it does
cling too tenaciousiy 10 the old idea that
woCkinen are cha,tels without, inherent
rights 10 organize and dispose OF their daily
ton through barter and sale Perhaps the
men have just com plants OF long standing
that should have been heard and satisfied
months and years ago But. all that granted
tile reason is not suffcien, for what they
propose 10 do These men are well paid.
There IS no particular complaint about
wages Their hours are not excessive. and
Is the fruits OF their labor they have far
more OF the creature comforts than fall 10
the share Of the average workingman. Their
families are we'll cared for, happy ana con-
tent Yet IN face OF these almost utopian
conditions, simply because the corporation by
which they are given employment refuses to
extend formal recognition 10 their organi2a-
ton. no matter how unwise this obdurate-
ness OF the corporation may be- they refuse
10 delay even for moment the signal that
is 10 stop the nations wheels OF industry
they calmly ignore the request OF the Presi-
cent that they await the result OF the com
ing conference between capital and labor in
hnn ;l.,t
structive than strikes may be found whereby
the pcrplexing differences between employer
and cmpioyee can be adjusted Apparently
feeling themselves powerful. even above the
nation Itself. they cast caution and patriotism
to the four winds OF heaven and pointing
the pistol OF stasnation al the heart OF
industry demand that it surrender TO their
demands
American workingmen, tbs steel workers
OF course included. arc not un-American in
thclr intentions and their ambitions. They
nave proved that on full many field But
the fact Is that they are bindly following
leaders who lave gone astray from the true
american ideals. They have come to know
thcir power, Il power used wisely in many
instances IN the past, and there is fear that
thcy have become inoculated with the germs
ol unrest and discomfort which are the CON
comitants OF power misdirected There still
Is a chance that this power again NAV he
directed into its proper and legitimate chan
ne!s which will carry it back TO the mighty
reservoir OF American opportunity. but il
VIII be little less than labor miracle if the
threatened steel strike and lockout do no.
come to pass.
knowing all the circumstances realizing
the needless. obdurste stand ,ha, organized
iaoo- has taken in this instance, public sym
p-tAy vii Dc lacking. Without that. the
cause q tie strikers VII! be lcs, from, its
'e-y t1cs3aol !. little more patience, 4
little more y!@ld.as TO uauoa's interest.
.,!% more real Auer!csniSr za6 II. vic
icrF vc-id have been assured