Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-12-22

ANA6HFS OF LABOR.
Growing Strength of the Order In View
England.
EsrABLIsHING THE PRINCIPLE THAT ARBI-
fRATioN Is BETTER THAN WAR
Boston Telegram TO the New York Herald Dec Goth.
The brockton strike Is the leading topic OF
discussion in commercial, manufacturing and
labor circles here. and as II goes on it becomes
more and more interesting and attracts the
attention OF constantly increasing number OF
people. Manufacturers not only of boots and
SHOES, but OF other articles which require q
large number OF skilled wOrkmen, are dread
ing the result, but the workmen themselves,
no matter what their employment is, are hope
! full.
EsrABLIsHISG A PRINCIPLE.
The Brockton strike Is the first one of any
magnitude in this locality which has been
fought by the knights of Labor, and the
strength. wisdom and resources Of that organl-
zation have been 50 greatly praised that all
classes were anxious to see how they would
pear themselves in q crucial contest such as
wrecked the old Crispins but this alone has
not caused the deep interest in the Brockton
i in ,G IL Is peculiar among labor contests
Trouble the Knights of Labor asked, not that
the employers should accept the wOrkmen' s
the whole matter to arbitration. Therefore, as
the employers have finally consented to the
appointment OF arbitrators, the Knights claim
.hat they nave come out Of the battle with fly
ing colors and have established a principle
winch will go far toward preventing such con-
tests In the future.
GROWING STRENGTH OF THE KNIGHTS.
For the past year it has been whispered
around that the Knights Of Labor were increas-
ing rapidly in strength and that their purpose
was TO perfect such an organization in New
l England that no combination OF capitalists
couid ignore It, The leaders in this section are
md
+. McNeii-bOth able intelligent and moderate
men. They are confident that their order can
In order 10 learn something of the plans of the
knights, your correspondent to-day called upon
both Mr.. Carlton and Mr.. Mcneil.
VIEWS OF LEADER.
MIR. Carlton, when asked for his opinion as to
the result of the Brockton trouble, replied:
"Ihe Brockton strike has been of material
ana III establishing the principle of settling all
difheulties of this nature by arbitration. The
laea Is comparatively new one here and we
old customs. Once the employer settled all
the difficulty himself. Hereafter both sides
are to meet as equals and arrange matters
SO mat When u contract is made 1t shall be a
contract and not q declaration. Just now
BrocktOn Is holding the most advanced posi-
credit is due our member in that town for their
wisdom and moderation. We are standing by
sister organization, the Lasters Union, both
bodies maintaining this principle that 'An in
Jury to one is the concern Of an That this
affair will be productive of great good TO Brock
ton is beyond doubt. With this principle of ar
bitratiOn established in BrocktOn peace will
reign. What Brockton loses to-day by diver
SION OF trade through the stoppage of machin-
cry VII! be more than made mp TO her In the
future by preventing the recurrence of these
dlIIlcu1tles undera system of arbitration"
A PURE DEMOCRACY.
Mr.. Mcneil was found at his pleasant little
home at Alton, about four miles from Boston
City hall, but within the city limits. q;
The order of the knights of Labor" said Mr..
Mcneil. sis a native product of our institutions
In It's form OF organization, in its principles
ana methods IL is purely American. The local
assembly represents the town form of govern
ment; the district assembly represents the
larger divisions and the general assembly rep
resents the federal government. The titles of
master workman is president; the worthy fore
man is vice president. The highest officer has
the humble title of general master workman.
Its membership is as heterogeneous as the citi-
Zens of the republic. Nearly every nationality,
creed and occupation is represented. Working
men and women, clergymen, doctors, manu-
list Every member has equal rights and
equal opportunities. The local assemblies elect
delegates to the district assembly and these
delegates elect delegates to the general assem-
bly,
POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES.
''Is the order growing rapidly as has been
reportede'
1.-THE growth of the order in this state for the
attention of the political leaders of both par
ties. Ar analysis of recent elections, state and
municipal, will show that organized labor is
learning to use its power. Members OF the last
session of the legislature who an tagonized labor
measures have been retired and active friends
or labor have been returned. About twenty
nve members OF the next house are knights Of
Labor and at least three honorable senators are
thus doubly honored. The knights are also
well represented in the city government of Bos-
ton, and Brockton, Haverhill and Lynn are not
alone In being largely controlled by members of
the order: All this has been accomplished with
out the discussion of party politics in any as
sembly. During the next session of the legisla-
ture every representative will be watched The
labor committee will find plenty of work. The
employers liability act will be presented with
new vigOr; the laws relating 10 the hours of
labor and schooling will be Strengthened, the
weekly payment bill will probably pass, and
demand for a referee in the employment OF con-
victs will be renewed"
Mr.. Mcneil spoke very hopefully for the fu-
ture of the order, saying that men Of all nation
alities are working tremendously together in
the different assemblies.