National Republican., 1878-07-29
THE LABOR TROUBLES.

thing like open rupture should occur be-
tween the laboring classes of our population
and the constituted authorities of govern
ment If wise counsels prevail this will be
avoided. There is no proper occasion for it,
and it will not occur, if every individual
citizen confines his action within the limits
Of his own rights It is the right Of every
man, woman, and child who can labor to
earn a livelihood by service of some kind
which will bring its reward. II is the right
Of all to press claim for employment and
its compensation. 1t is the right of each to
demand such prices for service as individual
judgment shall dictate, and If they cannot
be realized, to accept less or refuse to labor
ut all. II is the abstract right of men to
suffer and starve, and to bring suffering and
starvation upon their families, rather than
accept employment ut less rates of compensa-
ton than they may demand, but 1t il neither
wise nor humane to pursue such line of
policy. Men have right to unite, asso-
ciate and organize societies for self-prOtec-
ton and the promotion Of their individual
or associate interests. There is no doubt of
this, and that sacred right should never be
interfcrcd with 80 long and so far as it finds
scope and exercise within the bounds of
law and the peace aud welfare Of society.
But this right must be confined to each
individual member Of society. II cannot
apply to another except by his consent One
man, or q combination Of men, have per-
feet right to say that they will not labor un-
less they can secure 81 80 per day each for the
service but they have no right to say that
another man, or set Of men, shall not labor
for less than the sum named by them. This
mistaken assumption Of right where none
really exists Is the cause of the difficulties
and outbreaks that disturb the peace and
welfare of society, and which challenge the
interpositiOn Of law for their protection.
The interference with those who were dis
posed to labor on Saturday by those who
were not so disposed, to an extent which
forced the laboreB from their work, was o
grave mistake, which called for prompt
action on the part Of the conservators Of the
law and the public welfare. The demon
stration on the part of the authorities was
| JuuSiohs W HANp
toward the preservation of peace and order.
1t was clothed with patience and forbear-
ance until the temper of the mob could be
developed, and hence there was but little
bloodshed and no loss Of life. This is q
source of much congratulations; for, II pos
sible. without surrender of the majesty OF
the law, these pending troubles must be
overcome without loss of life, or even blood
she'd But II these public demonstrations
become stubborn, offensive, and defiant OF
the authorities, they must be dealt with in
manner so decisive that the struggle will
not be protracted.
The authorities are well prepared for any
emergency, and it is to be hoped
that this note Of preparation will
have salutary effect upon those
who are inclined to riotous and unlawful
conduct Those who can get employment,
and are willing to work must be protected
in their industry at all hazard. We wish
there was work for all at fair compensation
but If there is not, that is no good reason
why those who have employment shall be
iutcrfered with by those who have not
Every reasonable, sensible, and well-in.
clined mind will see this at once; but thos,
: who are blinded by prejudice and passion
may not, and from such comes all the DANCE
of the present hour. We appeal to every
laboring man in the District to stand firmly
by his own rights, hoping that relief will
come of n spirit of patience and forbearanc'
in time, bat under 10 circumstances I,
; allow themselves to be betrayed into act
inconsistent with the rights of Others, til,
= peace of community, and the general wei
: fare, for under such circumstances they can
not be sustained and defended.
= SECRETARY sHERMAS's TESTIMONY.
- r'hnsa ,,hn canraI thnt Ga.ratary SupD