The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1922-03-23
barometer of Public Opinion
Defense OF Unionism.

panlcky condition OF union labor. We be-
leve, II revealed by the action OF the Chicago
federation In its approval Of the nmalgamation
of all unions into one great Industrial organiza-
ton. The fears of organized labor that en-
ployers In general are now out to crush the or
carnations are revealed in speeches both for
aud against the one big union idea.
John Johnstonc. supporting the amalEama-
tlon resolution, said capital was organized as
unit TO oppose organized labor and unless labor
united similarly unonism would be crushed
and defeated" Oscar 4. Nelson opposlug the
one big union, admitted II was true that the
employers OF this country are now conceutrat-
ing their atiaeH~ upon labor unions In an at
tempt to crush them"
Thore Is, We believe, grounds for such fears
on the part OF organized labor. Many employ
ors have had difficult time with union labor
IN the last few years. They believe present in
dustrinl ana economic conditions are such that
they can take revenge chasten, and perhaps
destroy labor unionism. IL Is "a natural reac-
ton, hut the Tribune believes it IA wrong and
shortsighted Uuouism in itself II not al evil
II IL good Tor the workers and indirectly good
Tor the country. II gives its members an influ-
cnce toward improvement OF their condition
IN life and consequent sclf-respect. To that ex-
tent it tends TO better citizenship. without IT,
shorlslghled employers, seeking to take all the
profit possible from their business would lower
the standard OF living for their employees, re-
duCe Aclt-rcspeCt, increase aumositles and class
consciousness, and impair citizenship
lnorganized labor conditions In the steel in
dustry, where men work 1g-hour shifts nj an
trate this condition, such conditions are bad
not only for the worker but for the country. by
supprcssing and Qverworking the laborcr they
auppress education handicap home life, and
limit appreciation and participation in the bet
tor phases OF American llfe Organization Of
labor In general opposes such conditions and
prevents such results,
In general, therefore, We believe tho unions
arc right I'm efforts to prevent the crushing Of
their examinations. But We believe they are
wrong tu their methods, The one big union
idea will not accomplish their purpose. They
Will do better to eliminate the errors Of COM
duct which have brought the wrath Of employ
crs and the disapproyal OF "a large part OF the
unorgaui2cd public down upon them II that is
done they may Doe assured OF popular support
ana consequent maintenance OF their organiza-
tious.
There are two ways ont Of the present diff
cnltN. ono Is for tho unions TO recognize tho
fact that they are paid, ultimately not in dol
lars ana cents but In the products OF their toll
IL they produce moro there will be more 10 be
divided among them. They must. therefore, re-
move such errors and abuses Of their power as
rules winch limit output either by limiting a
workmun's production per hour or day or by
Jurlsdtctoual quurrcls and strikes which stop
production entirely for a time They must re-
move grating officials who use tho power OF
tho organization TO cuCrCe emplOyers thereby
checking industry and reducing the pyoduction
from which the workers must he paid.
The other way out Is TO so along sacrificing
public sympathy dcNing economic laws, de-
manding higher wages for less work, and H.
nally entering a struggle which will destroy
uniouism as some employers desire. That will
readJust wdges and working conditions TO supply
and demand but at terrific cost 10 tho workers
and indirectly to the citizenship OF the country
Against such probability uuouism should
defend itself IL Is worthy. But in present
economic and social conditions It must found It's
defense upon economic law and reason
Chicago Tribune.