New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-21
TUE STRIKE. And S1RIAES IN GENERAL


IL IS necessary To 20 back to first principles
once more. The strike of telegraph workers
will be- misunderstood, both by the strikers and
the public, and just result will thereby be de-
layed or prevented, unless there is close attention
to the principles which govern all employers
and all workers in the proper exercise of their
rights The great railroad strike, few years
ago, with lis enormous loss of property and in
jury to the interests of indi, iduals and corpora
tons, was caused by failure TO regard those
principles. Public sympathy at that time,
greatly misled at first because the companies
were represented as cruel and grasping monopo-
lies, was presently turned by the wrongs and
outrages peTpetrated by the strikers or those
associated with them. So disregard of law. OF
equity, or of public interests, by companies OF
by strikers may in this instance AFFECT public
opinion powerfully. Thus far the strikers have
behaved themselves in an orderly and lawful
manner and with scarcely an exception have
abstained from any injury to property. Strict
adherence to that course will go far to secure
for them fair appreciation of any claims that
are really just. In 1877, the corporations hast
eDed q restoration on business 10 It's accustomed
channels 10y showing readiness TO remove real
grievances, while resisting unjust demands or
dictation by secret leagues. III the telegraph
companies meet the difficulty in the same spirit,
they will go far to gain public approval.
Every employer, whether an individual, a
firm, or "soulless monopoly" has right to
buy labor at the lowest rate attanable. Every
worker has an equal right to get as much as he
can for his labor. If the worker thinks he can
get better pay by refusing to work without it,
,...l,t EI.o ,.,tn
whether there are or are not other persons
capable and willing to do the same work for less
than he demands If there are his strike was
foolish, and his temporary loss will not be com
pensated by subsequent gain. So every EN-
ploycr, when asked to pay higher wages, has a
clear right to decline if he believes that he can
get the same service performed without paying
more. The result will prove whether his judg-
ment of the state of the labor market is correct.
If it is not he will lose money and public SYM
pathy. But it Is crime against civilized so-
ciety for either party to seek false decision OF
the controversy by means of threats, force, or
lawless destruction of property. The railroad
employees put themselves wholly in the wrong
in 1877, the moment they rcsortcd to such
means. 1t was u confession that, but for threats
and force, their places could be filed. In that
respect, the telegraph operators have acted more
wisely as well AS more honorably.
ANY league which binds every member TO de-
mand whatever "a majority of its members may
demand is an offence against society. IL de-
stroys the freedom of the abcrer, for the pur-
pose of destroying the freedom of the employer
Tie incompetent and shiftless are apt to get |
control of such organizations, with those who |
having no families bear less than their proper
ton of the burdens of civilized society. To per-
init majority thus composed to dictate to the |
men OF family, of care, thrift, sober habits, and |
sincere desire to improve in efficiency, is to de-
grade labor On the other hand, men whn vol |
rutary agree mat they WISH To stop work unless |
they can have increased pay for it, if they exer-
else no comnulson over others who do not want |
to stop, have perfect right to associate them
selves 10 order to secure unity of action. and to
be represented by chosen leaders OF commit
tees The essence Of the objection Of civilized
society to Trades Urionism is not that.the men
organize TO give strength to mutual desire,
but that they deny and destroy the freedom of
choice which is the right of every laborer as of
every employer. 1t will soon appear whether in
this respect the Telegraphers' Brotherhood has
given or does give freedom of choice to its men,
bers. If not, it is an engine of injustice to its
members and to society.
The public has rights to be considered. 1t
has the right to have its services regularly and
promptly performed. That means that neithcr
employer nor employed shall wantonly disturb
public business. when reasonable decision can
be otherwise elected. Persons who make a
strike, thereby disturbing public business, with
out first taking all reasonable means to secure
put themselves In the wrong. 1t
cannot be said that the telegraph operators per-
formed thei. duty In this respect. After their