A telegrapher's day included a considerable number of chores that present-day telegraphers probably never did or will do in the course of a day's work. He used to clean and fill lanterns, block lights, etc. Telegraphy was just part of his job, though he perforce was expected to keep his ear cooked at all times for the messages passing through the station sounder. In other words, he was an actor with a wide repertoire. Today, capital and labor seem to understand each other better than they did a generation or so ago.
Capital is out to make money.
In the old days there was a breach as wide as the Pacific separating capital and labor. It wasn't money altogether in those days, it was a matter of principle. Capital and labor couldn't see eye to eye on a single point. Every gain that either made was at the expense of the other, and was fought tooth and nail. No difference seemed ever possible of amicable settlement.