The demand for the union label is the best form of boycott ever
devised against unfair goods. Try boosting your friends for a time.
A union card in the pocket of a "scab" coat lacks a whole lot of
making a union man of the fellow who wears the coat.
WILL M. MAUPIN, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Published Weekly. One Dollar a Year. Advertising Rates on Application
THE WAGEWORKER
SB I ,cia
fi!
Entered as second-class matter Ap rll 21, 1904, at the postoffice at Lin
coln, Neb, under the Act of Congress.
A QUEER BRAND OF UNIONISM.
Not very long ago the editor of The Wageworker was invited
to address a social gathering of union men and their wives. A nice
little program was arranged, and refreshments were provided. After
the program was concluded, and pending the serving ot tne reiresn
nients, the editor jokingly suggested to a prominent member of the
union in question that an investigation be made; and all union men
present" found wearing hats or clothing not bearing the proper union
labels be deprived of a share of the refreshments.
"O, not much 1" exclaimed the union man in question. "I don't
believe that would be right."
The editor then glanced into the inside coat pocket of the gen
tleman and discovered the reason why he was unwilling to accept
the suggestion. He had on a "scab" suit of clothes. Later the edi
tor got an opportunity to look at the gentleman's hat. It was manu
factured by the most notorious "scab" manufacturer in America.
Unionism of that brand isn't worth hell room. It neither helps
the union to which such a man belongs, nor helps the cause of union
ism in general. On the contrary, it is a reproach to unionism.
The union man who wears "scab" clothing, uses "scab" tobacco
or patronizes "scab" goods of any description is not a union man at
heart, however much he may be afflicted with "unionism of the
mouth." And "mouth unionism" is the curse of the union labor
movement.
It takes a whole lot 'more than a card to make a man a unionist.
It takes a vast arnount of human interest interest in the welfare
of brother workmen in all lines of industry. The union printer who
takes no interest in the welfare of garment workers or hatters does
not deserve a union card, certainly not the support of other union
ists. The garment worker who wears a "scab" hat ought to be fired
out of his own union. Itis no worse to "scab" on your fellow crafts
man than it is to wear the products of "scab" workmen of other
crafts.
The Wageworker is doing all that it can to advance the union
label. Time and again it has asserted that if every union man in the
country would for one brief year demand the union label on every
thing, the union victory would1 be won. And The Wageworker re
peats the declaration. The trouble is that union men, so-called, will
not do it. Indifference is the great trouble. . Men who are quick to
resent any indifference towards their own particular label never give
any thought to the label of other craftsmen. Union cigarmakers
will kick if they see a union printer buying "scab" cigars, and while
they are making the kick perhaps they are wearing "scab" clothing.
Garment workers will howl if they see a union cigarmaker wearing
"scab" clothing, and while they are howling perhaps they are puffing
on a scab cigar or chewing scab tobacco.
Such unionism as that is the delight of Post, Parry, Job, and
their ilk.
It is all wrong all destructive of genuine unionism. There is,
in fact, no genuine unionism in the man who will not go to almost
any length to be of material assistance to fellow unionists no matter
what their craft. The iWageworker has no patience with the claims
cf card holders who prate of their unionism while patronizing the
"scabs."' Such men are the men-characterized by the Apostle Paul
as sounding brass and clanging cymbal. '
If you unionism is genuitae it will not be necessary to stand on
the street corners and talk about St.x It will show in your every day
life. It will show in the clothing, the hats and shoes, you wear. It
will be shown in the treatrnefYtlyoii, accord to your fellow craftsmen
of all branches of industry. "Tlretrue blue union man does not wear
"scab" garments or use scab tobacco. He does not kick on walk
ing a block extra to get union made goods. He is always ready to
vay his dues. He is always ready to help his tellows.
Get into the union game in earnest. Quit talking one thing and
nracticing another. Get the spirit of unionism in your soul.
And for heaven's sake don't claim to be a unionist as long as
vou lend aid and assistance to the "scab" by wearing the product
of his toil.
THE FRUITS OF UNIONISM.
- " -T
Let unionism be judged by the average of its fruits. There
never yet was a tree that brought forth only perfect fruit. In the
finest product of the apple tree may occasionally be found the
gnarled little apple, mis-shapen -and bitter. On every tree may be
found a limb that is irregular in outline. But we do not condemn
4 11 the apples because perchance one may be worm-eaten, gnarled
or bitter. We cast it aside and retain the good.
Be fair, then, and judge unionism by its average, not by its
worst. Unionism is not perfect, and in the nature of things can
never be perfect. One perfect man only ever walked this earth, and
He was crucified.
Where is labor the freest and best paid? In those countries
where trades unionism is the best developed.
Where is the laborer the happiest? In those countries where
his opportunities are the broadest.
And where are laborers' opportunities broadest? In those coun
tries where labor unionism has lifted him from serfdom and made
him a true man. .
Where is the life of the laborer safeguarded best? In those
countries where labor unionism is strongest.
Where is the average of education among workingmen the
highest? In those countries where labor unionism is strongest.
Where is the average wage the highest, and the average mode
cf living the highest? In those countries where labor unionism is
the strongest.
Show us a country steeped in ignorance and we will show you
a country where labor unionism is either weak or altogether absent.
Show us a country where liberty is a myth and individual free
dom a mockery, and we will show you a country where there are no
trades unions.
Ignorance and unionism can not live side by side. Despotism
and unionism are as antagonistic as darkness and light. Where labor
is the most degraded unionism is the weakest; where labor enjoys the
most unionism is most virile. ' . ' '
Everything material that labor enjoys today is the fruit of
unionism. Mistakes we have made, and many of them. But out of
all the strife and striving; out of all the error and endeavor, labor has
been lifted steadily upward to better things. .
Bankers bitterly denounce those who jiidge the profession by its
Bigelows and its Moshers. Ministers object when their profession
is judged by its unfrocked members. Merchants object when their
profession is judged by its scheming members who profit by con
flagration and bankruptcy. Unionism objects .when it is judged by
those who sully it by lawlessness and riot. " . '
Judge us by our average, and, we will utter no word of com
plaint. Judge us by the great good our organization has wrought,
not by the occasional error of judgment or the occasional outburst
of animalism inherent in us all.
A Chicago millionaire stumbled and fell white mounting his
automobile the other day, skinning his, patrician shins very badly.
The police claim to have a clue to the striking teamster responsible
for the crime.
' If Charles W. Post feeds his Union Busting Alliance on gripe
puts and roastum-serious it will not have enough energy left at the
t ncj of three months to dictate to .a stenographer.
The political bosses of the country don't give a continental how
. fjuch labor talks just so long as labdr .divides its vote at the ballot
box. Don't be chumps.
- ' . .
The union man who constantly forgets to ask- for the union
label need not be surprised if he is forgotten.
In all of Chicago's troubles most of the bloodshed was caused
by imported strike breakers.
If you are a genuine union man you can show it by displaying
the label on all you wear.
It takes more than a paid up card to make a union man, and
don't you forget it.
Perhaps we will, have a decent city park some day after we
"see Scudder."
THE AUXILIARY.
(The following verses were written by the editor of The Wage
worker and read recently at a social given by Capital Auxiliary No.
11 to Lincoln Typographical Union No. 209.) "" -
"When a woman will, she will, depend on't;
And when she won't, she won't and that's th' end on't."
Old Adage.
So runs the ancient adage, and the truth is known to all,
So why not heed the lesson therein found?
When it comes right down to hustle women always have the call,
And to win whate'er they fight for they are bound.
Now for ginger, push and rustle, and ability to hustle,
We know women who are best twixt Gulf and Lake.
And for work that adds great measure to-the printer's life and
pleasure
The Auxiliary women take the cake.
The men may hold their "sessions" and may "knock" till they are
hoarse,
And consign the "scab" and "rat" to kingdom come ;
But compared with union women you'll admit their work is coarse
When it comes to putting "scabby" on the bum.
Says the woman : "Show the label ! I will take it if you're abie.
If you're not, just keep it I'll not purchase such !"
At that kind of agitation up and down the whole creation,
The Auxiliary women "beat the Dutch."
The men get out their hammers when they get their pipes alight
And begin to talk and let it end in talk.
But these women, acting wiser, beat that system out of sight
If it isn't union made they simply balk.
"Mr. Merchant, show the label or it don't go on my table;
No non-union goods for me ; they're not the stuff !"
And the merchant makes admission that he finds in each condition
The Auxiliary women up to snuff.
Two-ought-nine is double favored by this band of women true,
And we "lords of all creation" should be glad.
They are on a noble mission and the work that they will do
Soon will put Dave Parry's crowd off to the bad.
They are fighting for our cause, sir, without ever halt or pause, sir ;
And with help like that our cause will never fall.
So this toast I give drink standing! 'Tis your duty that's com
manding ..
"The Auxiliary women bless 'em all!"
THE ELECTRICAL WORKERS.
Celebrate the Third Anniversary of the Lincoln Local with Feasting
and Merriment. '
The Electrical Workers of Lincoln organized into local No. 265,
celebrated the third anniversary of their local last Monday evening,
iruse's hall was as cool as a sylvan bower, for the members brought
along their electric fans, and with a half dozen of the aforesaid fans
going full tilt it was just like an evening in the balmy woods. It was
after 9 o'clock when Mr. Drummond called the assembled crowd to
order and introduced M. T. Caster, who welcomed the guests on be
half of the union and gave a short history of the brotherhood.
Judge Wilbur F. Bryant talked interestingly on the subject of
unionism and urged all wage earners to organize. He also urged
the workingmen of the country to. see to it that their children were
educated and expressed his belief in compulsory education.
Will M. Maupin made a few remarks along union lines and
urged the non-union men not to be "pikers" but to get into the union
game and help the union men bear the burden of maintaining all
:hat has been Won and securing further advancements in the inter
ests of those who labor.
Mr. Foglestrom, a local merchant, gave an exhibition of mind
reading that was very entertaining. Blindfolded he found all sorts
of articles hidden in all sorts of places, and created much amusement
bv his cleverness.
Refreshements were served, and the generosity of the gentlemen
who dished up the ice cream was remarkable. The wives and sisters
of the Electrical Workers showed that-they are as prohcient in con
structing cake as the members are in stringing cables or making
inside connections. While refreshments were being served the
orchestra got busy and dancing was indulged in. The- evening was
delihtfullv soert bv the large crowd present, and the third anni
versary celebration of the local Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
was such as to long remain a pieasani reconecxion.
,.. Laugh and Hustle
Are things going wrong with you?
Laugh and hustle!
Does dire trouble still pursue?
Laugh and hustle!
When the clouds of trouble lower,
Don't get morose, sad and sour
Just turn on a little power.
Laugh and hustle!
Does it seem that you are stucK?
Laugh and hustle:
Are you up against tough luck?
Laugh and hustle!
Grit your teeth, spit on your hands;
Gather up the broken strands,
Tackle ill luck where it stands.
Laugty and hustle!
Does the vrorld look sad and blue?
Laugh and hustle!
That's wfien things are up to you.
Laugn an . hustle !
Just when worst of luck appears
uon't give up to foolish tears
Banish all your doubts and fears.
Laugh and hustle!
Are you lagging in the race?
Laugh and hustle!
Are you running second place?
Laugn and hustle!
Hold your head up good and high;
Keep on going ne'er say die
And you'll get there by and by.
Laugh and hustle!
Good old world if tackled right
Laugh and hustle!
Lots of good things yet in sight.
Laugn and hustle.
Live your life upright and square;
Keep on striving, fighting fair,
And in good time you'll "get there"
Laugh and hustle!
Our Subtle Language
The people weri about to take mat
ters in their own hands and insist up
on lower freight rates, when the mag
nate appeared and said:
To arbitrary, lower our rates nt
this time woula, iriously cripple some
great improvements we are contem
plating. If we are not molested now
we will be able to so improve our
service that we will be enabled to low
er the rate3 much more than this
measure contemplates."
Being somewhat unsophisticated the
people agreed to' wait.' Long months
alter the improvements were made
freights rates were hoisted another
notch. The people immediately sent
a committee to see the magnate.
"You told us that the completion
of the improvements would enable
you to lower the rates," said the
spokesman.
"To be sure I did," replied the mag
nate. "We can lower the rates when
we please. Good day."
Since then the people have been in
quiring into the subleties of the lang
uage with a view of meeting magnates
on their own ground.
Brain Leaks
Steadfastness is not pigheaded
ness. i
A thing worth having is worth going
after.
Love of home is the foundation of
patriotism.
Punctuality is the advance guard
of progress.
Selfishness and stinginess are not
evidences of thrift.
Today ia the crucial point of yes
terday and tomorrow.
Charity given , to cover a sin is a
thin and gauzy garment.
Men who ride hobbies never walk
in the footprints of others.
': Have you ever wondered if a "sum
mer girl" is as cool as she looks?
Christianity is vastly more than be
ing good through fear of punishment.
The man who Quits work by the
clock will always have to work by the
clock.
It is unsafe to intrust an important
matter to a man who has nothing else
to do.
A kind word to the. living is bet
ter than a hothouse full of flowers
for the dead.
' - . I.
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TO BE CONSIDERED
There are better things in life than money although
money is a good thing when used for good. But money
of itself is worthless Its worth depends on the use it is
put to by its possessor, : : :
OCXDOOCXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXiC
COMFORT
OOOOOCXXXOOOOOOOOOCO
CLEANLINESS
-CONVENIENCE
GOOD HEALTH
300COCOOCOCOCOOCOaDCOCX5dOO
CXXXXOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOO
These are the best things that life affords, and money is
the first aid in securing them. All four are to be found
in that modern wonder ..-.
BE
MS
CLEANLINESS Because there is no soot, no smoke, no ashes, no
dirt, no kindling. Just the range and a common Iucifer match.
COMFORT Because the heat is confined to the spot where it is
wanted, and not difused throughout the house. A cool kitch
en is a gre,at boon to the housewife.
CONVENIENCE Because it is always ready. Turn a valve and
touch a matchand all the heat at once, just where you want
it. When done, turn the valve again and both heat and ex
pense stop instantly.
GOOD HEALTH Because Cleanliness, Comfort and Convenience
prevent worry and save work. Work and worry are the in
veterate foes of good health. ,
FUEL GAS IS CHEAP
The average fuel and lighting bill of
the average family or firm is less
than $3 a month. And there is no work about it. . We do all the
work. We furnish the fuel, and save you the work .of carrying
coal and ashes and hunting for and splitting kindling.
ASK THOSE WHO USE IT
They know. We'll abide by
their verdict: Once used, al
ways used. We sell gas ranges and connect them free.v You are
invited to our exhibition rooms where you can see the ranges in
operation. All sizes and kinds, all prices., Gas water heaters, too.
OPEN EVEINIFNGfe y
& Electric Light
BELL 25
COMPANY
1326 O ST., LINCOLN.
AUTO 2575
4U,
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