Show THE ISSUE in the fog of talk that surrounded the controversy over the U S steel strike the fundamental point at issue was lost sight of pres gompers warns mr gary that it the U S steel co does not meet organized labor and arbitrate differences bolshevism will become rampant this Is dodging the issue if reports are correct organized labor called this strike because mr gary refused to meet with representatives of the unions in their official capacity of demanding the closed shop principle for the steel industry he has at all times signified his willingness to meet with the employees to discuss any questions he has refused however to be frightened into adopting the closed shop principle tor the steel industry collective bargaining does not necessitate establishment of closed shop idea there is no more right jus flee or wisdom in the closed shop theory than there Is in a state church or an official political party to which a man must belong before getting a job the establishment of the closed shop in the U S would be a step backward to the days when a man bad to conform to a stated brand of religion or be driven from the country labor unions are legitimate so long as they strive to better conditions wages etc tor their members in legitimate ways even it they finally resort to the strike but when to gain special advantages tor their members they demand that an employer close his shop to any but union members they step over the line for they are then setting themselves up as a class organization superior to all but members of their organization and assailing the american principle of equal rights with no special privileges dictating to third parties not members of their organization what he or she or they may do this method of procedure Is un american from start to finish and if carried out would destroy the very foundation of our government A nonunion non union man has just as much right to job in this nation as a union man and mr gary Is doing a real service to the nation in standing for recognition of this american principle the U S must not be dictated to by any organization capital labor or political arbitration and mediation are not at issue in this case as there Is nothing to arbitrate at a convention held at santa clara on oct the following nominations were made to fill municipal offices henry grat president john M vice president adolph haten alden fray george tobler trustees |