Maximillian Sebastian Hayes

“ Ten years ago one "leader" made the ridiculous assertion in the convention in the same city that "we will cram socialism down your throats!" That ill-advised and nonsensical threat has proven costly. Just as one can drive a horse to a trough but cannot force him to drink, so the average self-respecting human being will resist the attempt of any one to "cram" anything down his throat. Had there been some little diplomacy used, had an honest and persistent and tolerant effort been made to educate the workers, the American labor movement would now undoubtedly be abreast of the European movement. ”

“ Trades Unions and Socialism.
The question is often propounded: "What is the trade union movement doing for socialism?"
Before making answer off-hand, it will be well to consider a few facts. In the first place, the trade unions are composed of a heterogeneous mass of workingmen, the majority of whom have had little conception of economic development and industrial revolution. They have been taught by their fathers, by the old school of political philosophers, by the press and pulpit; that there is a chance for everyone to become president of the United States or a millionaire. ”

“ Still better, where union men accept nominations on old party tickets they are coming to be regarded with suspicion as decoy ducks and bellwethers for the capitalist class. Fourthly, quite a few of the national organizations have declared for the downfall of the capitalist system and the institution of socialism, and many more of the unions (in fact, nearly all of consequence) have declared that it is the duty of their memberships to take up the discussion of economic questions for the good and welfare of the organization and the labor movement as a whole. ”

“ Meanwhile, through all this economic and political change, the thinking, intelligent mechanic has at least stuck to his union, and struggled and fought as best he knew how to wrest some temporary benefit from the capitalistic master. ”

“ Indeed, the political and economic organizations of the working class are drifting together, and as the development of labor-saving macinery and capitalistic combines must go on, the new socialist movement will naturally gain strength and support from the trade union forces. ”

“ There are other facts that might be cited to show that organized labor is making rapid strides along the right line, but those mentioned will suffice at present. It might be added that trade unions have become somewhat progressive despite obstacles of every kind. The frowns of capitalists, the flattery of politicians, the dishonesty and cupidity of members, and the open hostility of some who call themselves socialists are incidents that have been encountered during the march forward. ”

“ Once that generalization was considered gospel, and men were sharply criticized in union meetings if they dared to express the opinion that the claim of "identity of interests" was out of harmony with the truth under the profit and wage system of capitalism. Thirdly, there is a steady growth of sentiment among trade union people that they must act together politically as well as industrially, and where there is any step taken by organizations it is usually a declaration for independent political action. ”

“ Up to recent years there were still opportunities to take advantage of natural resources, to "go West, young man, and grow up with the country," and the average workingman, in or out of the union, honestly believed that the competitive system of capitalism was, on the whole, a just and scientific system—all that it needed was a little reform grease here and there to make it run smoothly. ”

“ All about him he observes trusts and combines raising prices of products and lowering wages at will. All about him he sees a Hanna or Croker, a Piatt or Jones, big and little political bosses, dictating nominations and platforms and manufacturing "issues" without consulting anybody but their immediate henchmen. The political machine has become as thoroughly organized and compact as the machine he operates in the shop. ”

“ To mention the various national, state and local unions that have joined the progressive labor forces, and to quote from their preambles, constitutions and resolutions, would only tend to weary the reader, and, therefore, it is only necessary at this time to recall a little recent history as proof that organized labor is moving forward. ”

“ The Federation took even a more advanced position, declaring that the trusts and capitalistic combinations are the natural product of the capitalist system, and that they cannot be destroyed by enacting laws against them. ”

“ The writer is firmly of the opinion that the Federation and any national unions would have declared in favor of socialism same years ago if certain fanatical leaders, so-called, had not kept up a running fire against trade unions, and made loud boasts and bluffs of disrupting the "pure and simple" organizations. ”

“ This action was taken after it was shown that lobbying for labor laws in Congress and State Legislatures accomplished little if anything. Some of the most influential delegates admitted the logic of the socialist position and predicted that the time is rapidly approaching when a plain declaration for Socialism can be made without injuring the unions by frightening the ignorant members, who are nevertheless necessary in carrying on economic struggles. ”