SATURDAY, JAN. 22, 1020.
THE TOILER
pass iar
The Scandinavian Situation
(Special correspondence to The Toiler)
STOCKHOLM, 12-15-20.
What is actually happening in Scandinavia is a
lockout of the workers in all industries. There are
none exempt, not even those employed in the government-owned
institutions, such as the railroads,
erection of power stations, building canals, etc.
Everywhere men are being thrown out of work in
ever increasing numbers. Nothing else is of any
importance right now, except that fact. Thru it
all runs a red thread, that is, the masters expect
to get cheaper labor. Some of the employers have
already told their workers that in case they are
willing to work for a wage 25 per cent lower than
lefore, they would be able to keep them employed.
That is the opening wedge in a campaign of wage-
cutting. Of course, it is the usual whine no
markets, no profits.
NORWAY. The railroad workers went out on
strike on the first of December. As the NorwcRVi:
railroad workers (just as their fellow-workers r
the other Scandinavian countries) are very con
servative, the strike, which was declared after
several months of begging for arbitration, wa
lost at the outset. The strikers demanded oarjr at
slight increase in wages; now they are returning
to work, beaten. It is sufficient to say that they
are organized in a reactionary craft-union. Seworai
other crafts offered to go out in sympathy, bat thc
railroaders declined, afraid that a critical situation
might arise thru such action.
DENMARK. The report is about like that few
Norway no strikes, but increasing unemplqr
ment. Last year, at about this time, CopenhaBwr
had about 20,000 unemployed ; now there are 't
000. To sum up, the slaves are getting a ChristnnaF
gift of no mean size, from the masters.
Not America
By C. Amter.
There is a land where every child is fed, clothed
and housed with special care as their right as
children. But not America.
There is a land where no man must beg while
others feast. But noF America.
There is a land where every worker injured in
industry or too old too work is pensioned and free
from want. But not America.
There is a land where shoes are made because
they are needed ; food is made to eat, and machines
to turn out articles for use and not for profit;
where widow's grief is not made deeper by fear of
the rent and bread bills and hungry children. But
not America
Where the workers not only work but own the
works. Where bread sustains life, but fattens no
one's pockotbook. Where music, art and drama are
at the disposal of the workers, instead of a small
class of parasits who live off the workers.
There is a land where labor has thrown the beast
capital, off his shoulders, straightened himself to
his full height and is unafraid.
Where there is only one class--the working i
where all can join it and secure all its advantage.
But it is not America.
What then? Russia!
Well, we are going to have these things here tnr
some day; right in America.
What I Saw In Russia I
By GEORGE LANSBURY
Editor London Daily Herald
PRICE $1.60.
A iTn-r.il snrvoy of condition in RuMi obtained
in a two months survey by t It noted Editor of Eagiama.
greatest Labor Paper. The difficulties of transport
tion, general condition of labor, prehleroi" of food tt-f
health are described. The cultural activities of tw
Soviet flrivernnwnt, showing its great retults otw is
the midst of war, pestilence and blockade arc Utoav
onghlv discussed. Address The Toiler.