Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1922-11-03
NEWARK. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8, 1922
IneffiCienCy and Ignor-
anCe Versus Pro-
greSS

the membership of organized labor is
afflicted with the common diseases
known as indifference and ignorance
There is some excuse for ignorance
among working people. Many OF
those engaged at industrial toll were
at an early age and were deprived OF
an ordinary educational training that
would fit them to meet the many prob
lens that confront the American wage
Garner. Their whole lives have beer
devoted to learning a useful trade, anC
in order to acquire the demanded skill
their entire thought and energy has
had to be concentrated upon one
effort. For this class of workingmer
to be ignorant of all the technicalities
involved in organized labor is nc
crime. In spite Of their handicap
many have shown a wonderful tact in
settling labor disputes between en-
plover and employe.
The curse of the workers cold in
difference toward his economic well
fare, however, is found among toe
great number of organized working
men. Close observation would reveal
the fact that most members of organ
lied labor enthusiastically interest
themselves in every movement ex-
cept their economic cause. The trade
union movement is treated in too
many instances by it's members as an
insignificant organization, when, in
fact, organized labor is the very
foundation upon which all other or
ganizations in society rest. Through
the trade union movement, practically
all the remedial legislation is secured
Hours of labor are reduced and re-
gulated. Wages are increased from
the starvation point to more than the
living standard. The good that the
labor movement creates makes pos
sible al organizations fraternal
church, etc.
1t is the object of the labor press
to educate the working class along
economic lines. The -vefy-fact that
ignorance prevails among the work
ing people made necessary the estab-
lishment of the labor press as a me-
dunn to convey educational matter to
the minds that had been neglected or
which through some force of circum-
stances had not been allowed an op-
portunity to properly develop.
1t is a crime to remain ignorant
when there is an opportunity to be
informed. 1t is not only crime
against oneself but crime against
society. We owe it to our fellow be-
ings to fit ourselves that we may be
able to discuss the labor problem in
telligently with those who are not
members of Labor Unions.
The labor press is performing a
useful function in the labor move
ment. 1t is an inherent part of or
ganized labor, and if separated from
that movement the WORKING class will
suffer- 1t is the solemn duty of every
trade unionist to subscribe for his
local labor paper and to read it re-
ligiously in order that he ma be able
to discuss the labor problem with
those not identified with organized
labor.
There are various types of trade
unionists. Many are well informed,
are cautious and hold the cause too
sacred to abuse by discussing it's prin-
ciples without being thoroughly in
formed. There are also those who
too frequently flow off at the mouth
without even common knowledge of
the subject they discuss. Then there
are those who place the whole trade
union movement in the union card.
Their sentimentality leads them to be-
lieve that the possession of the union
card is a guarantee of mans fitness
to lead the way.
Every working man should carry
card, but that card should be recog
nized only for what it is worth, as
receipt for the dues paid into the
union.
A man can be measured as an in
telligent trade unionist only by his
words and deeds. In other words, a
man must have thorough knowledge
of economics and the ability to use
common judgment instead of a dogged
insistence upon strict adherence to
technically drawn bylaws and con-
to qualify as a intelligent
trade unionist.
AS long as working people remain
ignorant and Indifferent to their So
cial, economic and industrial welfare,
just so long will tyrant employers i'm
pose upon their legal and moral right.
We can do no more than ask men,
bers of organized labor to read the
labor press and to help it whenever
it is possible to do so. If they fail
to realize the wisdom of encouraging
an honest labor publicity medium they
will be the loser, and as long as they
choose to treat with indifference the
labor press and continue in ignorance
Of those problems that are vital to
their very life, labor will be held back
and enslaved to industry and at the
mercy of unscrupulous slave drivers.
printarc Mako Gains