Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-10-12

in society. They may despise them for
their humble sphere in rank and thank
God that they have been born to wealth
and luxury. But how short-sighted is all
this vain glory-this self-complacency.
A few short years are all that is necessary
in many cases, to wipe out such dis
tinclions of rank, and place the successors
of those born to fortune and luxury on a
social scale far below those who were
born to labor and penury.
Capital may attempt in some cases, to
degrade and belittle labor and the labor.
er. 10 some cases il has attempted to
own it. monopolize and Cypress it. In
others, capital has attempted to compel
intelligent laborers to work for ruinous
wages. But il has been the glory of New
England that capital and labor have each
agreed to travel together, side by side,
reciprocallY advancing the ultimate good
OF each. Capital being only the result OF
the accumulations of labor, each found
most success in mutual forbearance and
respect. Lately, however. even New
England has begun to experience some
OF the turbulence OF STRIKES" rs they
have manifested themselves in older
countries. 1t is possible that "strikes"
may have their foundation in injustice 10
the laborer, but, as general rule. in
this country, thus far, they have been
generated by class of reckless foreign
srs. and have resulted in injury and dis
aster TO the laborer.
The late strike at Fall River. Mass,
was not 4 success in this line. \ few
months ago the proprietors of these large
mills found they had large surplus of
goods on their hands. As times grew
stringent and prices fell, they found it
necessary to reduce the hours of labor as
well rs the wages of the laborers. When
this intelligence was communicated to
the employees. they all by mutual agree
ment concluded TO take "vacation."
This sep was not disrelished by the pro-
prieioTs. for they desired to make some
repairs and reduce the amount oil surplus
manufactures. Thousands OF employees
of their own free will took their "vaca-
tom" but when the proprieiors few
days ago, We're ready TO start up their
mills, the day was set and the labOrers
were glad to resume their employment.
When they entered the mill each one was
required TO sign an agreement that he or
she would not be controlled by any labor
organization or association aud that each
should give ten days notice before leaving
their employers, or forfeit the wages due
a, the time OF leaving.
Many laborsrs signed these conditions
aud wen, 10 wor6-o.herS refused and
denounced them. These last went away,
aud uniting with others returned to the
Mills, and throwing stones at the win
dows, threatened destruction generally
II those 10 the m.liS who were willing
to WORK would not JON them. Such
were The rio;ous proceedings that the
militia was called upon 20 restore order.
a large crowd met in hall and they
Were addressed 0Y some oil the more VIC I.
lent OF those who refused 10 work or sign
the conditions. A few denounced the I
aS aristocrais and tyrauts and .
declared That 10 Was disgrace and
degradation fox any MAJ OF woman to .
accept such terms. Bat these violent
ones were few in number and the labor .
ers generally desired to commence their .
work and receive their wages for them, /
selves aud families. So after some Slip .,
OF the conditions, the 100,
mass Of The laborers had the ,ood sense
10 comply with the ter e, III ~
prietors and return 90 their enployment.
Nc y ''' y OF LABOR can no more be
ga ed than the tyranny Of capital.
- fair view of the whole question Will
satisfy any candid mind that each has
rights, necessities and interests which
mus; be regulated by intelligence, for
bearauce and mutual concession. Tue
result OF the Fall River attempt at "slrik-
ing" is an illustration of the good sense
Of New England laborers. May knew
the proprietors had yet a great surplus of
goods, aad that il was as much to benefit
she laborer a. themselves that they com.
menced 10 run their mills at this time;
And that II wa, unreasonable TO take
"UGcattOH- regardless of the owners
wishes aud then Commerce labor On their
own terms. w1Ik only As long as they
pleased aud iorsANe sheir employers in a
OILY without uOIIce. a. The nod Of some
mischief making iOreig or demagOgue.
Il 10 gratifying, IN this case 10 witness the
wisdom vi me grea. mass OF laborers, and
the result canuot tai u Oe OF more bene-
IL 10 themselves than their employers.
Secretary Of State.