This contention for jurisdiction has grown into such propor-
tions and is fought with such intensity as to arouse the most
bitter feuds and trade wars. In many instances employers fairly
inclined toward organized labor have been made innocently to
suffer from causes entirely beyond their control, and other em-
ployers, again, have taken advantage of the first inception of the
fancy or notion for "expansion" of trade jurisdiction, fanned it
into a flame and taking advantage of the excitement and hatred
of and war against each other, refused to recognize either organi-
zation, pretending to claim it a war among labor organizations
with which they do not wish to interfere. On the surface the
employers' claim appears tenable, but in their hearts they enjoy
the situation by which their pockets are enriched. Nevertheless
the employers' contention in regard to this question can not be
disputed. But of the organizations the same can not be said.
The interests of the wage-earners of the craft, to promote and
protect which the organizations were primarily formed, have no
moral or lawful right, from a trade union point of view, to be



1 82 LABOR AND THE EMPLOYER

jeopardized by pursuing a policy in an attempt at trade invasion
made without the knowledge or consent of the crafts invaded. — •
From annual report to A. F. of L. convention, New Orleans, La.,
November, igo2.
