The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-05-12
Ghe Columbian.
BLOOMSBURG. PA.
FRIDAY MORNING. MAY 10, 1871.
The Coal Troubles.

at an end. Everywhere the miners are
going to work either accepting prices
and conditions offered by the operators,
or leaving those to be settled by local
arbitration. In struggles of this kind
strikes can never be successful against
combined capital, and this will always
be so for the simple reason that capital
does not eat but men must. The capital.
lists only lose the interest on their in.
vestment-the capital itself does not
diminisb-and in the end this is gener-
ally made up by advanced prices and
prompt sales occasioned by scarcity.
But men dependent upon labor must
use their capital constantly, must eat,
and clothe themselves, and pay rents
and taxes. When their capital Is not
in full operation their means of subsis-
tence is gone, and hence the overpower-
ing advantage of capital whenever ar
ranged against labor hence strikes will
always prove abortive when directed
against strong combination of capital.
In the recent contest the miners exhib.
tied all the pluck and courage, and en-
durance and intelligent action, that was
necessary to final success, but the want
of means to live compelled them to yield.
That want will always be in their way
when they attempt to force things by
strikes.
The miners gave the operators great
advantage by demanding control over
the works that was unreasonable and
insufferable. That demand was con-
demned by public sentiment as being
inimical TO success in business, and
through this they lost much of public
sympathy. No business can be success.
fully carried on if those who own and
conduct it can not employ and discharge
whom they please. To take from the
employers the power to discriminate in
favor of industry and skill, and against
laziness, carelessness and iDcompetency
will destroy any business. Merit should
and must always have the power to
make its value felt and receive its full
reward. Judge ELwELL's decision on
these points will be of more benefit TO
the miners in future, if received in the
right spirit and acted upon, than all the
speeches or arguments they have heard
and advice they have received during
the strike.
On the general subject there should
be some legislation. Railroad compan-
les should not have the power TO shut
off coal from market whenever it suits
their whims or interests to do so. Com
mon carriers who are awarded the mon
opoly Of the business should be COM
PEELED to carry at all times, at fair rates
and for whoever demands their services.
We know whole regions Of coal that is
kept out of market because the officers
ofa railroad company happen to be per-
sonally interested in rival fields. The
public should take this matter in hand
and see to it in the election of legisla-
tors. Beware of aemagogues who try to
ride into office on special issues, for these
are mercenary, will be bought up by the
companies, and can effect any pub
lie good even If they try. Take honest
and competent men, with correct views
and patriotic purposes, and the end can
be accomplished.
We believe that intelligent and un-
selfish legislation could reach the whole
subject embraced in the recent disas-
trous strike, and forever prevent its re-
currence, or the causes for it. But it
will require statesmen, and not dema-
gogues, to accomplish Undesirable end.
The question should be met at time
when there Is no special excitement
about it and when mems passions are
not aroused or immediate interests
threatened.
1t was an adroit move in the opera
tors to get up an issue between the Min
ers and the Laborers. If that quarrel
can be kept up the operators can whis-
tie at all opposition to their views here
after. The idea has been practiced upon
in much moro important matters long
ago. When the British government fear
edunited Irelandit granted special favors
to class of them, not for friendships
sake or other benevolent motive, but to
arouse the jealousy of the other classes.
The result was perpetual fued between
the parties, in which all the powers of
both were taxed to watch and counter
act each other. OF course divided Ire
land wasted its strength in internal dis.
sention and left the British government
free to look after other concerns. If a
Jealousy and rivalry can be established
between the miners and the laborers
who assist them, each will soon have
enough to do to watch the other, and
while they are contending with each
other the operators can have everything
their own way. Let the workingmen
beware of this trap and keep their fin
gers out of it, lest both interests suffer
by it.
The miners now having yielded the
control of the employment and dis
charge of workmen, as well as the idea
of preventing men from working who
desire to do so, and having gone tC
work in good faith, the operators can
best effect permanent peace and good
will, and most thoroughly destroy the
influence Of the active leaders of th'
strike, by paying liberal wages to thu
men and dealing generously with then
in all things. A want of generosity
now on their part would be little els
than criminal and would deserve th'
strongest public reprehension. 1t is M
time now to wreak petty spite or togiv'
place to revengeful ideas. Generosit,
will make the operators strong with tht
miners and the public, while an oppos
ite course will only entail weakness
and trouble. Let wise councils prevail
Another Scranton Riot!
On Tuesday, while the Laborers wer
holding meeting at Hyde Parke,
L.. 4. i