The New York herald., 1920-01-27
FIRST ONE
THEN
THE OTHER.
Labor's Coming Crisis.

Next June the American Federation OF
Labor will hold its national convention
It promises to rival the political conven.
tions in public interest. The fight Will
be between what is known as the con
servative' faction. led by Mr. Gompers,
and the radical" faction, led by men
who seek to depose Mr.. Gompers and
establish in his place leaders more So
cialistic and more willing to resort to
force and other Bolshevist methods to ac-
complish their end.
This convention might be called organ
ized labor's coming crisis. Upon 1t VIII
depend largely the future of organized
labor in this country and its worth or
worthlessness in Americas national de-
velopment. If the radical element pre-
walls if the American Federation OF
Labor is turned into an instrument OF
disintegra ton. it will sound its own doom.
While many do not indorse all of the
acts of this conspicuous labor organiza
lion. or all of the recommendations OF
Mr.. Gompers and his aids, nevertheless
il is felt that such an organization has
nlacc in the nations industrial and eco
noinic affairs provided it is made subor-
dinate TO. not superior to, theNconstitution
and the laws.
It must be obvious to Mr. Gompers and
his assistants that their only hope lies in
n course of action which will stand the
icst of national and patriotic sentiment
which will harmonic with the peaceful
,.nlc of the majority and the employment
nf the ballot and legislation instead of
strikes and bullets to accomplish what is
desirable and best. The right to strike
collectively may be sacred. yet the right
of the majority represented by organized
government to protect itself is far more
sacred.
In this connection il is interesting to
note that the recent convention OF the
trades unions Of Great Britain developed
"A dsncination 10 resort TO strikes to
accomplish what they desire and an In
,Iination to depend upon the ballot and
the peaceful methods offered in the halls
or legislation. Mr.. J. III. Thomas, who
presided at the congress, utilized his OPP
portunities in emphasizing the need for
taking advantage of the political machin-
cry for accomplishing the tasks which
labor had set itself There was distinct
challenge to the industrialists in the as
sertion that the political side OF the move
nent could he as powerful and effective
MS the industrial side. was far less costly
and caused less Inconvenience.
The American Federation Of Labor. as
we'll as all labor. organized and unorran-
led may well pause and inquire whether
the method Of the strike has accomplished
for labor as much as peaceful legislation.
and whether the time has arrived for
American labor to entirely discard the
strike ms a weapon and 10 employ the
ballot. legislation and public opinion as
tho only safe and sane method OF opera.
tion.
On the economic side of the question
Lot Il be recalled that government re-
norts estimate the cost TO labor OF strikes
undertaken in the United States between
1881 and 1905 MS about $3.50. 900 900
This sum represents the loss in wages
and assessments 70 feed and keep the
strikers. This figure does not include
the loss 10 employers Furthermore. gov
crnment reports estimate that strikes
furing this period secured only about sis
nor cent in the advance Of wages.
If the American Federation Of T.aboi
viii accept tho doctrine of cooperation
or profit sharing or shop councils. and
surrender what IL calls tho Sacred righ
~ strike under any and all circum