Page:The Scientific Monthly vol. 3.djvu/164

 158 THE SCIENTIFIC UO$(TRLY

Individnals may be animated by altruism and act contrar own welfare and happiness in the interest of others ; but grou and nations do not. At leasts such is the situation up to tl time.* Frequently, however, the interests of a group, class or d on the surface appear altruistic. And when group interest am run in parallel channels, the emphasis is always placed upon The selfishness of groups is no new discovery of the social ps] Practical politicians have for years and probably for centui nized the potent influence of group selfishness. One examp cited from American history. In 1828, Mr. McDuflBe, a ^ South Carolinian, said :

Individuals are always open to impressions of generosity. Bni the community, and sections of country, when united and stimulated 1 of gain, being destitute, like corporations, of individual responsibilit them, destitute of hearts and souls to feel for the wrongs and suif inflict upon others.

Organized workers, like organized capitalists, are organiz rily for group or class betterment All methods and ideals n the acid test of group advancement or retardation. However may dislike to look the facts in the face, they will not down, are men and women like employers and animated by the sa] mental human animosities and desires. And the division of into revolutionary and business groups is only one of degre cumstance. There are in fact no fundamental differences, i business union may under pressure of adverse circumstanc within a few years revolutionary. Or, the reverse change place, and a revolutionary labor organization may gradual more and more conservative under the mollifying touch of ]

Miss Marot' has frankly and boldly stated the real demt unionist, be he of the business or of the revolutionary type, less work and more pay. This statement from a spokesman ized labor discloses a clear and distinct line of cleavage be working-class unionist and the middle-class reformer. But statement rings true whether it be applied to the aristocrat or to the ranks of the unskilled and readily replaceable, cautiousness and lack of vision of the goal, and the conservati\ reveals the same essential longings and desires as his more and radical brother. And, furthermore, he is not essentiall; from his employer who demands more profits without q whether more profits mean more or less service to the conmn

The attitude of the radical or revolutionary union is trated by a trade imion in one of the large western cities. ' hers of this strong union "recognize no trade or industrial

2 For a somewhat different view, see Cooley, "Social Organizf > "American Labor Unions,'' p. 4.

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