Life — September 7, 1911 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This page from *Life* magazine (September 7, 1911) contains a political editorial about trade unionism and labor activism. The small cartoon at top shows figures representing labor disputes—likely depicting the "closed shop" controversy mentioned in the text. The article, attributed to Mr. Clarence Darrow (the famous labor attorney), discusses whether unions should fight for closed shops (workplaces employing only union members). Darrow argues that while unions deserve support, violent methods and dynamite attacks undermine their cause. He suggests the closed shop will eventually prevail through legitimate organization rather than terrorism. The piece reflects early 20th-century debates over union tactics and the fear of radical labor violence that characterized the era.