Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 Excerpt:...of business principles to the movement, and we do believe that senseless and needless criticism of the leaders in the movement in the end does no good. Especially is this so when it is known that most of it is not only senseless but downright vicious. The trade union movement is a business movement; it is in a sense--in its business sense--a cold-blooded commercial proposition. It should be looked at in no other light. Looking over the field can we say truthfully that there is another that could more acceptably fill the position of head of that business than Samuel Gompers? We think not; and we say this in no spirit of false adulation, of groveling at the feet of present power. In the opinion of this paper, and the opinions of a paper are more or less formed on questions of this kind from the expressed opinions of the many with whom it comes in contact, Gompers reflects credit on the movement. By many outside the movement he is rated a great man. The opponents of the trade union, outside of Mr. Parry, concede that he is of more than passing ability. His years of experience in the movement are beginning to bring to it the proper return. It has made of him an expert; he is to-day the ideal exponent of the true import of organized labor, together with its hopes. In this city it may be said the anti movement is dead. The rank and file of all the trades have had the ability of judging of the man at the head of their institutions, and if expressed opinions are indicative of anything, the labor movement, as expressed by the A. F. of L., is firmly established in this city for all time to come. The detractors of Gompers and of the organization he represents must in the future show cause or hold their peace. Throughout the country we could improve our condition by fo...