Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1873-04-18
CAPITAL AND LABOR.

CAPITAL AND LABOKs
One of the most difficult problems of
the present day is that involving the
proper relations between capital and
labor There ought, indeed, to be no
conflict between the two, but, Ilnfor-
tunately both for the laborer and the
capitalist, one does exist; and recog-
nising the fact, both capitalist and la
borer seek protection in combinations.
t What the result of the conflict will be,
no one can predict with certainty.
In theory it would seem easy enough
/ for the two contending powers to work
/ together in harmony, each occupying
! its own appropriate sphere and per-
, forming It's own legitimate work.
Unfortunately, both laborers and
capitalists are only human beings, and
while labor has its unquestioned rights
and capital has its unquestioned
tights, it is greatly to be feared that it
will be a long while before the divid-
ing line between them will be accu-
rately ascertained and willingly agreed
to. 1t is an unquestionable right of
the Iaborer to be paid fair price for
his la',oT, It is an unquestionable
right of The capitalist to be paid Il fair
price for the use Of his money. Thus
far it is plain sailing. When. however,
the attempt is made to determine what
constitutes "a fair price" or, in
other words, what proportion of
profits ought to go to the laborer and
what proportion ought to go to the
capitalist, difference OF opinion at
once arises. Muscle and skill and
brain constitute one member Of the
frna, SO to speak; money is the other
member, and the question is how shall
the profit anA loss be divided out
Presented in this Shape the question
is one upon which either side has a
right to ask hearing
There is no little danger, however,
to lie appreheuded from the manner in
which redress and protection are
sought on either side. Labor combi
nations are dangerous in their abuse,
in that they tend to place the virtual
control of the government in the hands
of organizations that do not acknowl-
edge any responsibility, save to their
own orders. Any organization that
purposeiv or otherwise tends to slIbOr-
dinate a mans duties asa citizen to his
duties in any other capacity, is neces.
sarily hurtful to the State. Ulti-
mately, anarchy and mob law must re-
salt from the seizure and control of
the State by irresponsible organiza-
tions of any sort outside Of and un-
known to the law.
The danger TO be a;3prehen,lel from
the abuse Of combinations to protect
cap tai lies in the opposite direction
for while labor Is appealing to the
people, capital is appealing to the
Government, and It is much to he
regretted that it so rarely appeals in
vain. Money, like power, has
natural inclination to steal from the
MANY to tue few. and by an alliance
with power Ia secure, to the uttermOst
farthinG. F'!:ateVer may be due to it.
1t delights to cali itself ':copservatiye,
when, indeed it is only selfish, grasp
ing and covetous. It delights III a
'strong Government" and regards
more the rights OF property than the
rights of man. It's tendency is plainly
to Monarchy Imperialism, il a word,
to Absoltitisn2.
From either side there is danger.
The outcrqppinGs at the North are
plainlv TO be seen. Labor is organ
izing itself fqr the conflict. Capital,
too, is busy. Strikes are con
stantlv occurring i'll behalf Ok ianor
! On the other hand, among capitalists,
it is said that the belief is gaining
] ground that 1.-The thing has gone too
! far and that there must be il strong
/ government t. curb the tendency to
anarchy
+ 1t is iHilc TO deny that the temper of
/
with great anxiety for the future.
Neither anarchy nor monarchy pre-
sents a hopeful prospect yet there is
prospect Of one Or of the other.
The conflict between labor and capital,
if not, in its nature, an irrepressible
one, will refuse, at least, to down at
tne bidding oi any one for long years
to come. 1t is idle to think otherwise
No good can be accomplished by at
tempting to shirk the issue. Let it be
met on both sides fairly and honestly
and with determination to give unto
every man his own. 1t is the only
way to settle the questions without
ruin to the 1aborer and ruin to the
capitalist in {: word, without ruin to
the whole country.