Union Labor Bulletin

FEDERATION
In our issue of April 29. Mrs. Julia Ward Pennington called to our attention the importance of federation of organizations that have many purposes in common. An instance illustrating what workers can do through federation is readily seen in the power of good it has been to the industrial workers who compose its membership and yet these members represent every known kind of labor and it would naturally be expected from this cause alone that much friction would arise, yet the reverse is the case as is evidenced by the promptness with which they rally to one another's assistance when assistance is needed.
How harmony and cooperation are secured and maintained in the American Federation of Labor can be easily seen, as none of its work is "under cover," Each craft has its own organization, and preserves its own self government. In its own organization it plans and conducts that business which pertains to the occupation it represents. But sometimes a condition arises which is beyond the power of the organization or craft affected to handle successfully without assistance from other crafts. This aid may be of such nature that it can be given through a recommendation by the Executive Board of the A. F. of L., or it may have to be acted upon by the annual convention itself, which is composed of representatives of every national or international union affiliated with the A. F. of L.
There are many strong organizations that while not affiliated directly to the A. F. of L. support many of its measures, especially those of a legislative nature.
From the viewpoints of humanity and justice we have no hesitation in saying that the general opinion of the members of the A. F. of L. is that the farming class in some manner is discriminated against in the business activities of our country so that their financial condition is not only discouraging to them but is a serious menace to the future prosperity of the country.
The industrial unions are anxious to assist in improving agricultural conditions, but are powerless to do so until the farmers themselves agree upon a measure they approve. There are several farmers organizations in the United States and they disagree among themselves as to the best means of handling the situation. It is probably impossible for these organizations to merge into one, and if possible would probably be unwise as farmers, like industrial workers, have largely specialized their work so that they have Cotton Growers Associations, Fruit Growers Associations and so on down the line. But it does seem that as all of these farmers organizations have so many interests in common that they could federate. and through their federation agree upon legislative measures they think needed to give them a fair show with other occupations, and in this, as we have said, there is no doubt they would have the active support of the industrial labor unions in addition to that of a large part of the general public.