The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1921-11-03
barometer of Public Opinion
Why Would Union Labor Suppress Discusslon
OF the Open ShOpp

ot the Open Shop?
The daily press this week carried nm accountI
OF u criticism directed at state Superintendent
Wilson by Edgar Fenton president OF tho state
Federation OF Labor because the state aupcr-
lntendent was permitting the students i'm tho
pubic schools TO conduct debates UPON the
question Of tho adv.sability OF the open shop
Mr. Fenton's criticism was based on the claim
that permitting such debates was a misuse of.
movement. F ''P
Mr. Wilson's reply that control OF those mat
tt's vas enufely out OF the hands OF his de-
pMthcnt was legally and morally correct but
II is not necessary to overlook tho peculi,r ren- ~
son,ng involved In criticism OF this kind
debates on this question In the public school
Cahhol possibly be Of any disadvantage to or
kahlEed labor unless in such a debate the open
sHoP ldea mas a natural advantage. Both sides
OF these school debates strive most enrnestIv Ia
win their debates. II union labor has the better
OF OF the argument In this much scusscd ques-
~, uepa'eH IN he pubhc schools will be "a.
the ADVANTAGE OF union labor and to the disad.
"H'nse ol the open snop--cettainly ground
tago OF union labor.
II. on the other hand. the arguments fairly
presented, WORK a disadvantage to union labor
Mr. tentons criticism can, only be an attemtt
TO suppress public discussion oi the question
am sure that MIR. fcnton would not atteinpt TO
suggest that this should be done. No move
nsht, no cause, no public enterprise which can
titled to public support. An attenpt 10 sunnress
pubhc discussion OF any public question go long
as IL Is not a direct attack upon the fndamenfais
or our government an attempt TO break al
lesiance to the government, Is an attempt 10
prevent trce government The essence OF free
government ~ involved In free discussion
Has organized labor reached the point where
II afraid 10 permit its fundamentals to be pre-
sented TO the public? Does 1t fear to have tfuih
about the purposes and motives of union labor
lald before the growing generation In order that
II may nave clear and unprejudCed views upon
the matter? II this Ia the fact il furnishes ire.
Wendous reinforcement for the views Of those
who think the question OF the continuation of
oLsani@Su aoor as a factor In our social system
should be thoroughly discussed by those whose
INes IN the next half century viii be most
closely touched by the result OF its continue
uon.
Mr. Fenton Is off on the wrong foot what
union labor and open shop movement alike
should seek and court most assduousy is run
ana clear understanding upon the part OF the
clarifying the public understanding should be
welcome Every attempt which furnishes an
opportunity to present the truth about tbls very
vital question should be encouraged and NOT
interfered with. The proper movement on the
part OF union labor would be not to prevent de-
balts IN the schools but To seek to present to
those responsible Tor tho conduct OF those de-
bates accurate statements OF the views and lines
OF reasoning upon which the union labor move
mcht ~ based upon which It relies tor public
approval.
most profound suspicion OF the purposes and
motives which actuate the labor union move
ment today.--liarlow's Weekly.
Open Sessions of the Disarmament Conference.
II Is encouraging TO find that the American
delegation TO the disarmament conference will
stand for the largest possible amount OF pub
hcliN ana Tor the opening 20 the press Of All
fun sessions OF the conference There is "A
matter Of substance versus form involved here.
and II Is more Important that the substance be
obtained than the form open sessions win not
count Tor much II all the agreements are
reached IN private preliminary meetings Tho
spirit OF the delegations Ia thus more signi nifcant
than their official pronouncements. and II is a
hopeful sign that the American delegates evi-
dcnce a sincere desire to have genuine nubIiri,v
Nhat Is essential II that the public shall know
OF important proposals IN time FOR popular senu-
ment TO form and express Itself In this and
other countries, before final decisions are made.
u this Is arranged for, 1t may have "a far reach
ing and helpful effect upon the deltbs era IONS
Baltimore sun.