Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1877-07-23
THE RAILROAD STRIKE.

The strike Of the railroad men of the
east to-day assume a more serious phase
than previous reports of their doings had
led Che public to anticipate. The conflict
between labor and capital has produced in
the past numerous rebellions on the part of
dependent men against the power which
seeks to take from the mouths of their wives
and children the bread which is their due
and their necessity, but American history
furnishes no parallel to the present case.
The fact that it does not, makes the present
emergency a fit subject for profound study
and the wisest legislation which the guardi-
ans Of the nation can produce. The collision
at Pittsburg last night is not an affair of the
moment. Neither is it of merely local sig
niicance. 1t is the elimination of plans
undoubtedly Of long preparation and wide
spread in their bearing upon the interests of
the most important class of people within
the republic. Its effect will be felt in all
future transaction. between the employer
and the employee. The man of muscle has
asserted his right behind the rifles muzzle
in terms so decided that capital must yield
to a portion of his demands and concede to
him all that is within the bounds of justice.
We do not think the laboring man will ask
for more. he wants what he earns and
is satisfied to say that he earns
but the pittance which will give to his fami-
~ the necessaries Of life. If capital can not
furnish this then it is time for lis to 90 back
to barbarism-for every man to take his
gun; or his bow and arrows and make his
living off the game of the plains and the
forests. But capital can furnish these neces-
saries and it should be compelled to. Not
by such transactions as occurred last night
in Pittsburg, but by wiser and more effect
i've means.
Our railroad magnates claim that the
s%tringency of the times renders it impossible
for them to pay their employees a fair price
for their work. Without doubt there is a
depression all over the country, particularly
at this season OF the year. Values have
been gradually decreasing for years and
wages have gone down. The process ha, been
slow but certain and powerful corporations
have taken advantage of the tendency of
the times to enrich themselves out of the
earnings Of those who labor for them. 1t
Is nowhere noticed that the salaries of rail
road presidents, or the salaries of the other
high officials, have been reduced. Neither
has it been noticed that railroad cornora.
ti0ns have ceased to build expensive build.
diDgs because the times are hard. The
whole effort in the interest of economy is
directed at the poor men who are endeavor.
ing to make an honest living by days
work. This disposition On the part of rail.
road managers has brought its legitimate
fruit. The bloody streets of Pittsbure
and the ashes of millions of property de.
stroyed are the horrible result of the
system of oppression practiced. We
cannot uphold the means employed by these
railroad strikers. The contemplation o.
their work is one of those sickening expert.
ences from which humanity %recoils. AS il
usual in such cases most of the killed are
parties innocent Of any share in producing
the cause of the conflict. They are citizens
Of the United States endeavoring to protec,
property and quell a public disturbance
Hence the bloody resort of the rioters will
ever stand against them and will weaken
their case in the eyes of a fair minded pub
lie.