The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-06-25
COMMUNICATIONS ON THE STRIKE.
The Philosophy OF the Muttcr.


have watched the progress OF the labor move
ment, not only with interest, but with great anxi-
ety. for in 1t the greatest present agitator of
the civilized world. 1t is, indeed, q momentous
question, touching vitally, not only labor and CAPT
tai but indirectly every class Of society," for with
the capital and industry OF people idle or dsor-
dered what class Of society can be exempt from its
blighting efects2
In view OF its great Importance and In obedience
to the common interest OF both labor and capital |
am led to offer the following suggestions. At the
outset assume that this question must in the end
be settled by compromise. Any end or object at
tanned by either party 80 the wrong or
detriment OF the other must be tempo
rary and lead to retaliation, and only pro-
long and embitter the contest to the great
injury OF both parties Suppose that labor by su-
perior and earlier organization, and taking advan-
tage of the necessities OF capital should force 1t to
yield to arbitrary and unjust demands without
compromise, can such settlement be permanent !?
WIN not capital organize and in its turn seek re-
venge ana advantage by debating terms to labor
when the necessities OF both parties will best enable
1t to do so Both labor and capital, after being
thus dOubiy impoverished by the TWO periods of in
activity and loss will find themselves-minus their
loss and plus much i-feelng-just where they
were before the fight commenced
Now, why will not both parties be wise and at the
outset seek settlement by compromise that will
having reference to the entire and mutual interest
OF both Labor must know that capital will and
should have at least an equal voice in making
the conditions in its contracts with labor,
and that il can in no case, for a long
period, be. compelled to pay to labor
more than 1t earns. Capital. too, must know and
recognize the fact that labor Is longer slave,
to submit to its commands or the lash but Is eman
cipated and must be met as an equal with exact
justice and that any attempt by capital to with
hold any share OF the earnings due to labor, or by
labor to eXtort from capital more than its fair pro-
portion OF the profits will lead to hosttieS and
mutual loss. Labor should make due consideration
for the use and also for the risk to which capital Is
subjected by the fluctuations in the value OF ma
terial and the manufactured article, from which
labor is exempt; so II at one time capital may seem
to receive more than its due share 1t Is liable to
corresponding loss or even humiliation. 1t should
be apparent to both parties that the adjustment OF
the whole question must be in accordance with
mutual interest and justice, and not by the
enactment or enforcement OF any law
labor as idle as if applied to the regulating OF
the supply OF light and air. No law can give to
labor more or compel 1t TO receive less than 1t earns.
The question comes what shall be the common
basis OF settlement, since labor contends quite
would seem that the only basis would be cOmpensa-
ton by the hour. This would enable the labOrer to
adapt the hours OF labor to his inclination and COM
pensation to his necessities 1t is evident that, in
spite of any law or theory capital can afford
to pay the same for eight hours labor IL can for ten
and 1t is equally certain that it Is entirely imprac-
ticable to bring all kinds of labor within the eight
hour rule; While in all branches there are many
labOrers who would much prefer, and others whose
necessities would demand, more pay than can be
given for eight hours. The sooner the belligerents
meet at the halfway point, which they must do, as
equals, to consider mutually the interest and rights
the satisfactory aud permanent solution OF this
veXatiOuS question. COMPROMISE.