New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-08-25
a SAD STORY.

SAD STORY,
Who can hear the pitiful tale of these work
men from the Pittsburg iron works without
sympathy7 1t will be said, Of course, that they
brought their sufferings upon themselves. But
this is not altogether true. They were MEM
bers of an organization which they had expected
to act wisely and faithfully for the common
welfare. Unexpectedly its recognized leaders
and its most intelligent men were defeated, ana
the association resolved upon strike which
President jarrett pronounced unwlse an0 ILL
timed. But the men could do nothing except
TO 20 with the crowd. With him, some saw
that the movement was exceedingly foolish.
But they could not refuse to join in it.; as they
now say, they find 1t impossible TO face the cry
of "black sheep which would be raised
against them. 1t is the worst and mcanest
sort of terrorism, and yet 1t is so powerful that
a man whose family is starving declares,
might lust as well leave Pittsburg, for then
ii he disregarded the dictaton of his league
~ could never again work here with salts
faction"
Somebody is to blame, but who Here is "A
man who has received, he says, only $l from
the association since June 1, when the strike
Al
bouse nor n morsel to eat for himself all day,
and yet he does not dare to rise against the
tyranny OF the league. Another had sick
wife. and no money with which to get pre-
scrption filled, aud went in vain to the league
head0uarters. These ale but hints OF vast
amount OF private suffering OF which no ac-
count is published. Many of the workmen,
especially OF the majority that voted for the
strike, have no families, aud yet they are IN eX-
treme distress. Being known strikers, they
cannot get other work. But what is to be SAID
of those who care for wives and children, and
cannot get bread for them to eat Yet they
dare not 20 to work, because the association
would then make it impossible for them to live
in Pittsburg. They endure, with Spartan
patience, but for what good end Only to pro-
mote the ambitious aims OF "A few Seli-elocted
dictators, who threaten to disgrace and to
starve them if they refuse.
The iron manufacturers have pursued very
wise and patient course. Making no boasts
and no threats, they have simply exercised
their undoubted right to stop work and keep
their mills idle if they pleased and have posted
notices in several mills that the old men will
have the preference, if they see fiji to resume
work at the old wages, but that otherwise new
men will be employed. If these men stay out
any longer, it is on their own responsibility, and
a part OF them, ut least, are most anxious TO go
TO work. But they are restrained. not by Tree
choice. nor by reasonable Judgment OF their
own interests, but by the outrageous terrorism of
men who have no families at ALL or none tor
which they care. And tins is Trades Union
ism. This is the system to which wOrkingmen
look for protection OF their interests, and for
relief i'm dire emergency The mistake Of these
men WAS that they ever bound themselves to
such an association. If they had held aloof,
as independent workmen, they would have
been able to make their own terms.
Perhaps no other great strike has ever been
more unreasonable than this Of the iron work
els. The business was dull in the last degree.
Not one of the employers, it is probable, could
have paid the same wages that were paid before
the strike, without serious loss. In demanding
larger wages, the men have been virtually de
handing that the employer shall give them
part of his capital. The men have a right to
Judge whether they are right or wrong. In
that respect they differ from the highway
man who cries, Stand and deliver" for the
hghwayman has no right tC demand anything,
more or less. But the principle is painfully
near the same, if the workmen demand any
thing that the state of trade does not Justify
them in demanding. Then It is pure extortiOn,
without reason or justice. II they tail, and
thereby involve themselves in great suffering,
how can civilized society regret it 7 If they
saw fit to make peremptOry demands, 1t was
their duty to know whether those demands
we're warranted by the condition Of business
Unless they were, have the men any right to
complain They resorted to force, in order to
take from the employer part of his means
If they fail, what can be said IN their justiica-
ton 7