CHAPTER X. 



IS THE UNION A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION? 



IN THE consideration of this branch of our sub- 

 ject, we are aware that we are treading on grounds, 

 every inch of which has been hotly contested. In 

 the outset, we desire to state that what we shall 

 say on this subject is done with a spirit of due defer- 

 ence to the opinions of those who may see cause 

 to differ from us. We hope in treating this subject that 

 we are prompted by a desire to do justice to all. Politics 

 in the wheel as also in other labor organizations has 

 been a great bug-bear since its organization. The trouble 

 is not so much in the fact that the Union has something to 

 do with politics, as it is for the want of a proper 

 understanding as to the true meaning of the term, 

 and the relation which the Order should assume 

 in carrying out its cherished objects. The fact is 

 too frequently lost sight of that there is a wide dif- 

 ference between the terms partisanship and politics. If 

 we were asked the question, "Is the Union a partisan 

 organization ?" we should answer, No. But if asked, u ls it 

 a political organization?'* we should answer, Yes. 



We cannot express our reason for this any better than 

 to quote the language of T. V. Powderly, as applied to the 

 organization of the Knights of Labor: u The world as 

 knighthood would make it, would take up more time than 

 I could give it here to-night. 'Thy will be done, thy 

 kingdom come,' These are the words spoken by all 



