UNIONS IN AMERICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1083, 29 December 1903, Page 3

UNIONS IN AMERICA.

THEIR INCREASING PC WEIL

(Per R.M.S. Ventura, at Auckland, San Francisco, Dec. 19.

Unions in the United States have become so tyrannical in their mothods as to incite an organised resistance to their demands. A citizens’ alliance has been organised, and although the proceedings in San Francisco havo boon managed secretly, tho time is at hand for a movement in the open. Tho object of the association is the ‘ protection against the boycott, coercion, and persecution of nonunion labor and other usurpations and oppressive acts of labor unions.” Tho movement has been placed on a national basis, as an adjunct to tho Parry organisation, originally composed of employing manufacturers. Many prominent mer-

chants and employers of Sun Francisco aro at work in this new organisation, and it is posiffvely stated there is already a membership uf 5000 in this city, and that it is expected to complete a total enrolment of 25,000 by January Ist. The objects of the alliance, as sot forth in the constitution, are :—l. To promote stability of business and steady employment of labor, whether organised or unorganised, by encouraging friendly relations between employers and employees, and to discourugo lock-outs, strikes, boycotts, and all kindred movements which savors of persecution. 2. To protect its members aud the community at large, and all persons who desire to work, from the unlawful interference and evil effects of strikes, boycotts, and look-outs, and all similar movements unnecessarily and uu-

simuar movements unnecessuruy unu unreasonably interfering with trade and business, 3. To protect its mombers in their inalienable rights to rnanago their business in such lawful manner as they deem proper without domination or coercion by any organised movements against such rights. 4. To consider any other matters which may pertain to tho welfare of the city and country. The membership is to comprise persons, firms, associations, or corporations owning property, engaged in business, or employees who are not members of any labor organisation which resorts to boycott or other coercive measures.

That the Alliance intends to be a positive power iu dealing with uuions is evident from the following specification : “ If any employer shall settle a difference or strike involving a question of general interest to the Alliance, without first obtaining tho approval and consent of the Executive Committee, he shall forfeit membership in the Alliance, and any right, title, or interest therein, and in the event that the Alliauco has paid out any moneys in his particular difference or strike, tho said employer member shall pay back to the alliauco such amount of money so spent, and the alliance shall then bo relieved of all responsibility in the premises.” Employers expect much benefit from the alliance, but of course the unions will do the utmost in their power to nullify any actions the new organisations may undertake.