The times., June 22, 1912, Image 1

Vol. II. No 10.
ADDRESS BY JOSEPH W. BRYCE
PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL
TRADES AND WORKERS ASSN.
PORTLAND, OREGON, JUNE 22, 1912
Last o f th e M a in e V ictim s
A r e B u r ied In A r lin g to n
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : tion of the association, one which
I am glad to be given the op­ could not be altered by any
portunity to present to you the amendment to the constitution.
plans and principles of an associa­ Immediately after the first pub­
tion that is seriously striving to lic announcement of the birth of
bring about a greater measure of
Industrial l’eaee—an organization our association, we were waited
that believes the labor problem upon by a committee from the la­
can be solved by more peaceful bor unions, with the intent, we
and friendly means and in a more presume, of either having us with­
intelligent manner than has here­ draw from the field of organiza­
tofore obtained. I appreciate this
opportunity of laying our case be­ tion or at the least modify our
fore you, because any new move­ preamble to be more in accord
ment which attempts to work with the principles of the old asso­
along different lines than are ciations. After a complete going
usual in the solution of any prob­ over of the question for more
lem is often condemned by ignor­
ant prejudice, maligned by venom- than three hours, the chairman of
enous enemies and many times the committee stated that he be­
misunderstood by its friends. The lieved our idea was right, but that
Trades and Workers Association we were four or five generations
is no exception to this general ahead of the times, and that no
rule. From the fact that we de­
plore and will have none of the good could be accomplished at
club methods of the primitive man present. Our answer to this was
as represented in labor warfare that we would rather be four or
by the strike, the lockout, the boy­ five generations in advance of the
cott and the blacklist, the more times than that distance in the
militant members of the employ­
ers’ associations on the one hand rear of them.
Our plan is to establish branches
and the rabid leaders of militant
unionism on the other take oc­ of our association in the various
casion to combat our principles, cities. These branches may be
usually giving as their reason that what we term mixed branches of
the idea is too utopian. This per­ the various trades, or where there
haps is to be expected for the rea­
son that these people still believe are sufficient numbers of any one
that the only way to settle any trade they may form a branch of
problem is to fight about it, and their own, such as a carpenters’
then claim that the might of the branch a bricklayers’ branch, etc.
winner will make it right. If the The officers are as usual in most
tactics of the labor unions as they
have been so long constituted had societies, a president, a vice-presi­
worked out for the benefit of man­ dent, a corresponding and a finan­
kind in general, there would have cial secretary and a treasurer,
been no reason for the creation of with what we term a mediation
any other organization, but even committee and an educational
the most rabid union man cannot committee and other minor offi­
H E la s t s c e n e s In th e tra g e d y o f th e M a in e w e re
truthfully assert that this is so, cers. We then endeavor to estab­
o f h e r hulk w ith m ilita ry h o n o rs a t se a a u d th e b u ria l a t A rlin g to n a
and doubtless there is no member lish a headquarters in some con­
few d a y * la te r o f t h e th irty - f o u r b o d ies w h ich h a d re m a in e d w ith h e r
a t th e b o tto m o f H a v a n a h n rb o r f o r fo u rte e n y e a rs. T e n th o u s a n d
of an employers’ association of venient location free from the in­
any kind who will claim that the fluence of that bane of all organi people a tte n d e d th e m em o rial se rv ic e s held In f r o n t o f th e s ta te , w a r a n d n a v y
tactics of the employers’ associa­ zations, the saloon. Not that we b u ild in g In W a s h in g to n , a n d th o u s a n d s w e re p r e s e n t a t th e g r a v e s In th e na-
liouRi c e m e te ry . T h e p re s id e n t a n d th e m e m b e rs o f th e c a b in e t, th e s p e a k e r
tions have worked out any better. are attempting to prohibit anyone of
s e n a to rs an d r e p re s e n ta tiv e s , a s w ell a s th e hig h o fficials o f th e
It is very easy for anyone to take from the use of liquor, if they so n a v th y e a n house,
d a rm y , g a th e re d to pay th e ir la s t tr ib u te to th e firs t m a r ty r s o f th e
a critical position and condemn desire, but we wish to have our S p a n ish w a r F a th e r J o h n P . C h ld w lc k , c h a p la in o f th e sh ip a t th e tim e of
the methods employed by either lodge rooms and headquarters th e ex p lo sio n , h a d a p ro m in e n t p a r t In th e e x e rc ise s o f th e d a y . d e liv e rin g th e
side but there is nothing construc­ free from its pernicious influence. m em o ria l a d d re ss . T h e coffins w e re h o m o on g u n c a r r ia g e s d r a p e d w ith th e
Our next move is to establish a !!og an d w ore b u rled In t h a t p a r t o f th e g r e a t c e m e te ry In w h ich w e re la id th e
tive in such criticism, and out of
of th e M aine v ic tim s reco v ered Im m e d ia te ly a f t e r t i e d is a s te r .
the desire to do some really con­ labor bureau, and in many cities
structive work toward solving one these bureaus are working out
of the greatest, if not the great­ very effectively. The work of this
Father K n ick erb o ck er D oes
est, problem in this country, the labor bureau is to find employ
Trades and Workers Association ment for our members, and for
H is S p rin g Sheep S h earin g
others where more positions are
is founded.
offered than we can fill from our
There is a saying which ex­ membership. These others we hope
presses
very . perti , to be able *o make converts to our
,, this
, , , thought
. „-
nently ,which is that anj fool can r,rjnciples. We then make arrange-
toar down a house but it
ments with the various industries
good mechanics to build one. The to
ly them with l!fficient men,
founders of our association had organized upon the peace princi­
this thought in mind so clearly, ple, and we request these indus­
and knew so well the great harm tries to give our men the prefer­
which was being worked against ence in so far as their efficiency
all parties through the old warlike warrants. When we obtain work
means of labor settlements, that for our members, we say to them:
one of the first things which was “ Now, it is up to you to make
stated in the preamble of the con­ good. If you are an efficient, loyal
stitution was that the strike the employee, good wages, good work­
lockout the boycott and the black­ ing conditions and steady employ­
list were uncivilized, and we ment will be furnished you in so
ShEEP K ee DIN c T I
would have none of them. It was Tar as it is possible.’’ This plan
IN CENTRAL FARK I!
also clearly to be seen that the two in the industries in which we have
parties to the question could not pjaced our members has worked
arrive at any correct solution so
t very gratifyingly. The em-
long as enmity existed between ployers and employees when join-
t1he'n-
" a? lheref°re d e c i d e d t h e organization must both
that both employers and employees sj
game obligation, which is
could become members of the asso- on the word of honor of a man.
nation and as our name indicates, I
a£rreejnK t0 SUpport the or-
any worker in any of the various, ganization
ization and
ami mi
using a], fair
fields of endeavor might become means to advance the interests of
L ^ ^ Workers
- K ^ 0^ Association.
! :”f™„e-TradeS ,he association the last paragraph
and
is as follows: “ I will earnestly
First an organization of fifteen strive to render efficient and in-
people, from almost as many walks telligent service to any person or
in life, was formed in order that firm that may employ me, that I
all questions might be wisely eon-1 may deserve and obtain the fair
sidered and settled before being treatment for myself and for the
finally accepted as a part, of our; Trades and Workers Association,
L y [SHEEP-3H EABÏrÎGÎ
% ld ,
constitution. The association was! which we expect to receive.” If
N at
-c a -.. .
. . . v . '- -
.
then incorporated under the laws an employer, “ I will be fair and
of the State of Michigan, a step just to my employees, and willing­
H E c ity o f N ew Y ork keep s a flock o f sh e e p , n o t f o r p ro fit, h u t a s a n
in direct opposition to all actions ly accept mediation and arbitra­
a d d itio n to th e d e c o ra tiv e f e a tu re s o f C e n tra l p a rk . I t a ls o h a s a
s h e p h e rd w ith p ic tu re sq u e collies t h a t a tte n d t h e flock a s It g ra z e s on
of labor unions everywhere. The tion of all differences between my­
th e p a rk m ead o w s. As F a th e r K n ic k e rb o c k e r la n o t re g u la rly In th e
constitution and laws for the gov­ self and my employees, upon the
ernment of the association were plan adopted by the Trades and s h e e p b u sin e ss, t h e s h e a rin g o f his w oolly lir a sto c k Is a m a tte r o f so m e e m ­
b a r ra s s m e n t, sin c e sh e e p sh e a rin g la n o t a p a r t o f t h e c u rric u lu m In th e sch o o ls
carefully thought out, and while Workers Association.” This is fro
m w h ic h th e p a rk em ployees a r e re c ru ite d .
F o r th la s p r in g 's w o rk th e
perhaps not entirely perfect yet what we call friendly mediation p a rk d e p a r tm e n t e n g a g e d tw o s tu r d y Iris h m e n , w ho co m p leted th e ta s k o f
the principle of industrial peace and arbitration between masters s h e e rin g th e se v e n ty sh e e p In fo u r d ay s. T h e wool w a s so ld SDd th e p ro ceed s
upon which our organization was and men who desire peace and tu r n e d In to th e g e n e ra l p a rk fund. T h e p ro re a a o f re m o v in g th e fleecea w as
founded was carefully conserved, are willing to meet dne another w a tc h e d w ith g r e a t In te re s t by th e little g ro u p o f c h ild re n w ho g a th e re d a t
th e sh e ep fold a t t r a c t e d by th e b la s tin g s o f th e In n o c e n t v ic tim s o f sc h e d u le K.
and made the permanent founda- on common ground.
T
T
Price 5 Cents
GOMPERS TO
CITY STARTS
MAKE LABOR'S
FIGHT TO GET
DEMAND
STREET ENDS
Says Vote Will Be Guided by Grant Orders Box Company to
Move Obstructions—Bitter
Treatment at Chicago
Struggle Presaged.
and Baltimore.
” hat is looked upon as presag­
CHICAGO. — Samuel Gompers, ing a hitter tight tor the possession
president of the American Federa­ of the street ends along the water­
tion of Labor, and John B. Len­ front, many of which are occupied
non, treasurer, are in conference b\ obstructions owned by private
preparing the demands that they parties, was launched by City At­
will make in behalf of organized torney Grant this morning when
labor to the Republican platform he notified the Standard Box Co.
committee.
Gompers said he to remove obstructions owned by
would not discuss the specific it from the north .'10 feet of East
planks he would ask to have in­ Oak street, between East Water
serted in both the Republican and street and the harbor line, within
the next 30 days, or he will start
Democratic platforms.
“ I expect labor’s vote in the ouster proceedings.
This action was taken at the
fall will be guided largely by the
treatment we receive here and at request of the Portland Public
Dock Commission, which desires
Baltimore,” said Gompers.
the use of East Oak street abut­
ting on the waterfront for public
dock purposes. Plans for the East
Side public dock already have
been filed, and just as soon as the
necessary land can bo secured,
construction work will be started.
Harriman lines in all parts of
This is merely the beginning of
the country will inaugurate a many other such notices to private
campaign in the near future look­ parties who have obstructions in
ing to the greater comfort and
safety of their employes in all de­ the street ends along the water
partments. The work will be front. All the permits granted by
handled through a safety commit­ the Council for the occupation of
tee, which will hold monthly meet­ these streets have been revoked,
ings to receive reports anil sug­ and while a few of the property-
gestions from department heads
and employees regarding ways owners have agreed to abide by
and means to prevent accidents the wishes of the city government,
and to throw greater safeguards to clear these street ends of ob­
around the rank and file in the structions, many others claim the
service. In this territory the land by right of adverse posses­
o.-W. R. (c N. already haa under­
taken the work. All employees sion for many years and will fight
are to feel perfectly free to make the efforts of the city to regain
suggestions.
this land to the bittter end it is
said.
’The City Attorney is preparing
to begin many similar suits and is
gathering a mass of evidence
showing the rights of the city to
the street ends with the assistance
of the Public Dock Commission.
IIOOD RIVER, Ore.—Several It is claimed that these street ends
workmen who arrived here rec­ are public property and should not
ently intended to cross the Co­ be ocupied by abutting property-
lumbia river to work on the power owners.
dam of the Northwestern Light
company that is in course of con­
struction on the White Salmon
river, turned back when informed
by the I. W. W. pickets stationed
at Hood River that there was a
strike on at the works for higher
wages and bel ter meals. The pick­
ets state that no workmen have
crossed to the Washington side
Thinks Paroled Men and
since the strike has been ordered. Mayor
Former Convicts Should
Be Given Chance.
GREATER SAFETY
FOR EMPLOYEES
I.W.W. MEN TURN
BACK WORKERS
HOUNDING BY
POLICE OPPOSED
BY RUSHLIGHT
“ I do not believe that convicts
S. J. OLINGER
1 who have been pardoned or
criminals who have served their
IS DEFEATED sentences
should lie hounded by
the police,” said Mayor Rushlight
Everett, Wash., Refuses to Elect today in regard to a recent, criti­
S. J. Olinger as Commissioner. cism of the police by Judge Gatcns
that, the police were altogether too
active in their efforts to fasten
EVERETT, Wash.—S. J. Olin- crimes on men who have been so
gcr, the only Socialist candidate unfortunate as to have been in
involved in the recent election, prison.
was defeated for commissioner of “ When a man is pardoned from
public safety by A. A. Broodeck, prison or has Nerved his sentence,
who won by a majority of more he should he given an opportun­
than 1000. Al Thompson won ity to earn an honest livelihood
over Mayor R. B. Hassell for com­ and should not he molested so long
missioner of public works by a ma­ as ho is law-abiding. The letter
jority of 000 and G. Christensen sent to Police ( 'ommissioncr ( 'offey
defeated T. E. Skaggs for commis­ and Police Chief Slover by Judge
sioner of finance by a small mar­ Gatcns. calling to their attention
gin.
the injustice done many men-of
The election was conducted on this class by policemen, is in their
the non-partisan plan. Although hands and I have not seen it. How­
the liquor question was not di­ ever, I am not in favor of perse­
rectly before the people the out­ cuting any of t h e s e men.”
come is considered a partial vic­ The letter to which the Mayor
tory for the “ wets” .
referred was sent by Judge Ga­
tcns to Chief Slover and Police
Commissioner Coffey as the result
MULTITYPE STOCK
of information that a man paroled
from prison who was attempting
for sale cheap.
to engage in the real estate busi­
I can save you money if you ness had a legitimate deal spoiled
want to invest in Multitype Type by a policeman, who informed the
getting Machine Stock. Write J prospective purchaser that ho was
dealing with an cx-eonvict.
K. care of Times.