The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-23
BELGIUM.

The International Labor COngress-Treatn,ent
of the ''strike' Question--DiGlcuity in the
French DelegatiOn-The Resolutions.
| BRUSSELS, Sept TO- 1868.
The action Of the Congress in relation to the reso.
lutions concerning war and standing armies has
already been telegraphed to the HERALD. Tho ma
orty seemed to feel that they had as little power to
decide anything relating to that question as to nx
the courses OF the stars and much to the relief OF
all practical men, the matter was speedily dropped.
Next came the question OF strikes and courts OF arbi
traton, and upon this any working man Is certainly
capable Of forming and expressing an opinion.
First the w0rkngmen OF Geneva sent In q report
Of recent successful strike in that city and gave
minute account Of their strategy. The gist Of this
paper Is rs follows-
Cognzant that strikes are contrary to the princi-
pies OF political economy, We believe their cause
lies In the actual state OF society, in which the
IN ali matters eoncerning the carrying on Of basi.
aueny SUBJECTED to the capres Of their empos
ers il would be rather dangerous II the working
classes did not take some energetic measures to re-
sst the encr0achments OF their employers. We be-
lieve that by propagating the principles Of soldar
ty which ought to bind together into an tmpregna-
bic bond all the sections OF the International Work
ingmen's Association, we shall render an efYectual
service to the great principles which we have at
heart. II we examine the past we shall find with
out much trouble how difficult has been the posi-
ton Of the producer left to his individual resources
II we desire to avoid in future the deplorable ef
fects Of isolation every one OF the societies AFFILIATED
to the International Worklngmens Association ought
to establish special fund for defensive purposes and
for creating central fund like the at Geneva.
There the different tlades' societies belonging to 1t
pay their contributions into central fund, which Is
managed by the delegates OF the different trades.
With weekly contribution OF two and half pence
we have sustained four great strikes and In spite OF
| these struggles have remained masters OF our
situation. Thanks to the great principles or solida
rity which have always reigned among us we were
able at the commencement OF the last strikethat of
the building trades-to place 3,oOof at the disposal
| Of the strike committee without this the building
trades could not have stirred, and would not have
gained the reduction OF their hours OF labor and the
1 Increase OF wages which they have obtained. A
similar organization throughout the association
might prove an eifectua means or preventing strikes
anu, being wei provided for all eventualities, would
| avoid conflicts, which are to be regretted at all
times We are by means In favor OF strikes; but
they are the only weapons possess at present to
| defend ourselves. Let us look for a means which
may serve us better than strikes but general or.
ganizaon Is indispensable. II our association Is to
prosper let US unite. and our adversaries will think
twice before they attack US once. Being prepared
and provided we shall be able TO resist those who
would otherwise endeavor TO deprive US Of the fruits
| OF our labor.
The workingmen OF Antwerp were opposed to
strikes on principle and in practice. AS means Of
| increasing wages they are useless, and they are
equally Intellectual In reducing the hours of labor.
They produce riots Violence injury to the bodies and
pockets OF the working people. II successful their
effects but temporary. II unsuccessful the work.
ingmen are worse or than before The only way to
benefit the working people permanently Ii by CO.
operative labor
The workinQmen OF Brussels presented A paper adj
oo,,,nr tho same v,evs hut a, ,,roa,or ,an,,h on,
Soea""s 'e SAM Tvs w Nv s'e"'e' ions'" a"u
with minute details They contended that In strikes
the EMPLOYERS often succeeded; the laborers very
| seldom, They declare that In order TO keen
| ND wages. trades unions are necessary. All
| these unions ought TO be united locally nation
| ally and internationally, as to provide for
the surplus workmen In all countries, aud
so keep up the prices OF labor and prevent car,ta-
I lists from importing workmen rom other countries
Councils OF arbitration are strongly recommended.
Foremen OF large establishments are attacked for
taking part with the employers against the labor
ers Political agitations are advocated IA certain TO
benefit the workingmen. The advantages OF pro-
ducive associations are pointed out, and IL Is asked
why the laborers should not supply the consumers
without the intererence ., the ,ra .n Tapnal