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The cry of the toilers is for More! The organized movement of the workers is to obtain more of the advantages which result not only from their labor, but from the combined genius of the past and present.
The movement of labor organization began with those who, through the rudest form of association, pledged to each other the effort to lighten their burdens, mitigate their woes, and resist the common oppressor. It has moved along with the increased aspirations, wants and demands of the most intelligent among us.
None will dispute that the trade unions comprise the most moral and intelligent of the working class; that they represent the highest practical hopes, and aim to achieve them in the most reasonable and civilized manner.
All really educated and honest men admit that the thorough organization of the wage-workers tends to render employment and the means of subsistence less precarious, and secures a larger share of the fruits of their toil.
Organized labor helps to reduce class, race, creed, and political prejudices. It aids and supports its fellow-workers morally and financially. It raises wages and lowers usury. It fosters education, and uproots ignorance; increases independence, and decreases dependence. It develops manhood, and balks tyranny. It shortens hours of toil and lengthens life. It lightens and brightens man. It establishes fraternity, and discourages blind selfishness. It makes manhood more independent, womanhood more beautiful and healthful, and childhood more hopeful and bright. It cheers the home, and tends to make the world better.
Unions of labor endow the workers with individual dignity, and individual freedom. The unions prescribe a minimum, living wage; not a maximum wage. They insist upon a living rate, and never interfere with an employer desiring to reward superior skill or merit, the charge of labor’s enemies to the contrary notwithstanding.
Where are the evidences or manifestations then of harm done by organized labor? Production has more than kept pace with population, and the growing demands at home or abroad.
The toilers will contest for full and unqualified recognition of all their rights. They will win in the future as they have won in the past. Nor will they transgress beyond the limits
