The occasion was too much for local unions, and after many ineffectual struggles, they one by one disbanded. During this time the iron moulders, printers, bricklayers, and a few trades, kept up their national unions and suffered but little compared with the carpenters. In the present age, there is no hope for workingmen outside of organization. Without a trades union, the workman meets the employer at a great disadvantage. The capitalist has the advantage of past accumulations; the laborer, unsupported by combination, has not. Knowing this, the capitalist can wait, while his men, without funds, have no other alternative but to submit. But with organization, the case is altered; and the more widespread the organization, the better. Then the workman is able to meet the employer on equal terms. No longer helpless and without resources, he has not only his union treasury, but the moneys of sister unions to support him.

The learned professions have their unions, for the avowed purpose of elevating their calling. Manufacturers have also discovered the benefits of united, instead of divided, action, and they have numerous unions, local and national. In various cities, we find mechanics’ exchanges composed of boss builders. They look to each other’s common interests.
 