The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1882-07-01
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THE STRIKES.


THE STRIKES.
Throughout different sections of the
North, and especially in the coal and iron
| manufacturing regions, the strikes of the
laboring classes for higher wages have
reached great proportions. 1t is esti-
mated that in the aggregate 100,0 900 men,
infamed by the advice and example of
a few malcontents, have abandoned their
work in endeavoring to command an adj
vance in the price Of labor, and although
| up to this writing no open act of violence
has been reported, affairs have looked
exceedingly threatening. If the strikers
remain orderly no serious trouble is an
ticipated other than acomplete stoppage
Of business, which will result in enor-
nous losses, but if they should become
violent, great sacrifice of life will ensue
and the ability of the police to cope with
! the laborers is much doubted; in fact,
Governor Ludlow of New Jersey has
issued a proclamation warning all those
concerned against violation of the laws,
notifying localities where strikes exist
that they will be held responsible for
whatever losses may result from the
proper enforcement Of order, and an
nouncing that the military forces of the
State will he used to aid the local author
tiles wherever necessary. Similar steps
are being taken in other places, and the
action of the iron manufacturers lately
in Pittsbnrg in organizing into a body
to oppose the demands of the strikers,
themselves banded together, indicates a
united and determined resistance on the
part of the capitalists. These steps rem
der an immediate settlement Of matters
impossible, and not until one side or tho
other realizes that its interests will be
promoted more by yielding than by con-
tinued resistance will break come.
A great many plans have been sug-
gested by the press for solving the labor
problem, notable among which was a
tariff, but most outrageous proposition
is contained in periodical published at
Washington and devoted to the interests
of the Veterans of Mexico. After stating
that a Journal should have "views" on
questions agitating the public mind, and
fearlessly express them, arhether correct or
not, it unhesitatingly declares its synpa-
thies to be with the working men :" W ln'
appear to be the bottom dogs in this
pending controversy" and advises them
to organize on a military basis in order
that they may effect q more perfect sys-
tenn of intelligent discipline and promote
a feeling of confidence in each other in
what it terms " the coming strife" That
such suggestions should be entertained,
much less expressed in a newspaper pub
lished at this date in these United States
at the Capital of the Nation, is indeed
surprising, and they need every condem-
natory epithet which can n5e bestowed
i upon them. 1t is {! published treason
| and in such troubles leads to the shed
| ding of blood. There have been strikes
| from time lmmemorial, but when force
has been employed, the organization OF
| capital and force to oppose it has been
the necessary consequence, and the dis
| comfture of the strikers coupled with
IF ;n;J -
them, the result. Capital and labor are
| necessarily connected and these disturb
ances of their relation should be checked
the only question is how can that be
done? All plans hitherto suggested
have failed to prevent the breaking on,
of these strikes, and it would seem
as though nothing now brought to light
is a preventive of this growing disease
i'll our country. 1t is pretty generally
agreed that the remedy must come
through legislation, and in carrying out
this idea resolution has been submitted
to the Senate Of the United States by Mr.
Morgan of Alabama, providing for the
appointment of select committee "to
take into consideration the subject of
of the labor strikes in the Uuted States.
and to inquire into the causes thereof.
and what measures can he properly
provided to modify or remove such causes
OF disturbances, and to provide against
their continuance or recurrence" The
purpose OF this resolution is to examine
into the matter and to ascertain and
place before the Senate and the country
the facts on which an intelligent and inn
partial judgment may be formed so that
Congress may not err in the laws to be
passed on subjects pertaining to the re-
lations between capitol and labor. In
this matter the most vital interests Of
the country are at stake. The causes
which have led to the excitement and
disturbance should be looked into and
legislative action, either State or Nation
al, according to jurisdiction, should be
invoked.
Edward and Levina johnson, and