The evening herald. (Klamath Falls, Or.) 1906-1942, 1920-04-13


all times rcfralned from doing any
thing that might be interpreted as
assuming an arbitrary stand.
The American Federation OF La
Dor has for years been struggling
along proper. lawful lines to better
conditions for those AFFILIATED with
IL; and we in klamath Falls have
done our best to uphold the tradi-
tlons Of our parent body.
We can say with pardonable pride
that we have done everything TO
in the community; we have at all
times shown a willingness ana anx-
iety to adjust by arbitration any dis
putes that arose: and the fact that
four different trades In this city are
operating under mutual agreement
with their respective employers is
evidence Of the solid foundation on
which we build
with those honestly opposed to us
we have no quarrel. We realize that
honest difference of opinion Is a
good thing for the human race in
general. But we do not think that II
ij necessary to bolster up by mis-
tatement an otherwise legitimate
difference OF opinion.
We have. at no time. assumed the
initiative against those opposed to
organized labor; the authority vest
ed by secret ballot, In our represent
atives has never been misused; and
every act, every activity of the Or
ganized labor movement in Klamath
county has been, and Is, subject to
closest scrutiny.
We believe in the secret ballot on
all questions affecting our welfare;
each union runs its own affairs with
out outside interference, but subject
to strong constitutional discipline
and we are not given to mass action.
One other thing: We do not ad
nit the right of any body OF men to |
arrogate TO themselves a monopoly |
Of all the patriotism in the country. |
We do not make a parade OF our
patriotism-we live 1t.
The ranks OF Union Labor contri- |
buted to the ranks of our armies in !
Flanders; ex-service men constitute
a goodly portion OF our membership. |
Right here in Klamath Falls there
are literally scores of men who
quietly assumed their responsible |
ties under the colors; and. the war
being over. as quietly resumed their
places in industrial life, and in the
ranks of organized labor.
The service flags of organized la
Dor are literally sprinkled with stars
many OF them gold, indicating the
ultimate sacrifice. To those men,
we in organized labor owe a duty,
which we would be recreant to ig-
more; and the work entrusted to us
is a sacred one. We ask nothing eN-
cept TO be allowed to work out our
destiny along lines compatible with
our duty as citizens, as union men,
as members of the community.
We say in all sincerity that the ac-
tion of the Business Mems Associa-
tion was not free and voluntary
one, but was dominated by other in
tluences. And we know this to be
SO, by the word of members of the
Business Mems Association, who
were denied the right to secretly
ballot on question of Importance,
and have since so stated,
II the body of union men were to
threaten to CLOSE down" a plant un-
less its demands were granted forth:
with, just censure would be heaped
upon them, What, then, must we
think of the threats of large inter-
ests to close down rather than recog-
nize the same right they availed
themselves of last Wednesday-the
right to collective bargaining?
In closing, we reiterate:-None of
the unions affiliated with the Cen
trail Labor Council has in contempla-
tion any trade movement of any
kind; therefore the action of the
Business Mems Association was in
opportune, not free expression of
opinion. and not interested in the
general welfare of the county.
There are many other pressing
problems confronting us, that COM
mend themselves to the attention of
all citizens in every walk of life, re-
gardless of mercantile, financial or
industrial connections. The worll
cries for increased production; the
country cries for restored stability;
and, locally, there are crying needs
as yet untitled. We in organized la
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