Speech 41
LABOR UNIONS AMONG GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE AT THE OPENING OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE FIFTY EIGHTH CONGRESS, DECEMBER 6, 1904.

THERE is no objection to employees of the Government forming or belonging to unions; but the Government can neither discriminate for nor discriminate against nonunion men who are in its employment, or who seek to be employed under it.  Moreover, it is a very grave impropriety for Government employees to band themselves together for the purpose of extorting improperly high salaries from the Government.  Especially is this true of those within the classified service.  The letter carriers, both municipal and rural, are as a whole an excellent body of public servants.  They should be amply paid.  But their payment must be obtained by arguing their claims fairly and honorably before the Congress, and not by banding together for the defeat of those Congressmen who refuse to give promises which they can not in conscience give.  The Administration has already taken steps to prevent and punish abuses of this nature; but it will be wise for the Congress to supplement this action by legislation.