The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-10-20
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wuErLIso, W. w., OCTOBER so, 1889


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do, 10th sides are in fair way to reach a
rational understanding. II the question
between them can be discussed calmly and
in good spirit, the result ia likely to be for
their mutual welfare. A meeting Of coal
miners and mine operators just held in
Chicago was ruled by the friendly spirit,
ard the action takenmust encourage every
man who desires labor and capital to live
on neighborly terms.
1t was decided to send delegates to the
conference Of miners and mine operators
OF the east and ives. to be held in Pitts
burgh in December next to consider the
wage question. There waS feeling OF
confidence in the action Of that con.
ference, which is the first step towards a
satisfactory adjustment. From the lengthy
resolutions adopted and rigned by three
representatives from zach side, the follow.
ing is taken to show how these interests
come together on common level:
To restore harmony and friendship be-
tween capital and labor in this large and
important industry. BY 80 doing it will
bring about now era for the settlement
OF iulustrial questions in mining regions,
Tho history ami experierct OF the past
make it apparent that strikes and loCkouts
are brutal resorts for the adjustments Of
Disputes between employing capital and
employed labor. They are death blows
against society, source of public dis.
turbance, riot and bioodshed. Strikes are
contrary 10 the true spirit OF American
institutions, and violate every principle OF
law and justice, and OF Christianity and
charity. Apart and in conflict, they be-
come agents Of evil; united, they create
the blessings Of plenty and prosperity.
Capital represents the accumulated
savings OF past labor, while labor is the
most sacred part OF capital. Friendly con-
ference alone can best determine what
should be paid and received. Any reduc'
ton in labor in one coal field necesstatea
a reduction in every competitive coal
field.
The freedom hitherto enjoyed in this
country by our well rewarded labor, and
the intelligent prosperity Of American
workingmen has been a matter OF Congrat'
ulation. Each and all require that the
American workingman shall receive just
and liberal wages and decent treatment
The men employed in mines and factorie:
and fields compose not only vast army OIL
our citizenship, but also form our mighty
standing army, which ia ever ready for the
defense OF our countIy's rights and vindi'
cation OF our country's honor. They have
built up our national wealth in marvel
GUS degree, and are entitled TO receive, in
the future as in the past, not the wages Of
the Europeans, but those OF . generous re-
ward, which will enable them TO maintain
the. dignity OF their labor, and preserve
their American freedom.
These are noble words, declaring truths
which stand in spite Of all controversy.
Divorce between labor and capital is not
possible. They may have temporary
or seeming advantage over the other, but
they must stand together and move to-
gether in the progress OF the world, or the
world cannot move at all. The terrible
loss and more woeful strain OF strikes and
lockouts are not to be endured. Theyare
unnatural means for settling disputes be-
tween natural partners, who may so out
OF business but can in no other way dis
solve the partnership. Both recognize
: the partnership, labor when it says
that capital can afford 10 pay higher
wages than it oT.rs, capital when
1t maintains that it cannot meet the de-
mands OF labor without wasting itself and
so impairing or destroying it's usefulness
in the co.partnersh'p. II neither side adj
mitted this close relationship, labor would
not base its demands on the ability Of
capital 10 pay; it would Get its price,
whether higher or lower, without any re-
gard to the question Of proGtor loss, mere
ly stating what it had determined to have
or what 1t considered itself worth. Capt.
tai would fix price for labor at what it
might be willing to give, paying no more
IL, 1t were earning twenty percent than
though its return were but five percent.
II now we could carry the idea Of parti-
sauship little farther into the business,
80 that labor might be assured Of ashare
OF the profits, We could have reached a
point where an adjustment would stand
as we'll as in partnership formed pure
Iy on q capital basis, Capital replies,
perhaps, that it already offers this in the
sliding scales which have been adopted by
sundry industries 1t lis evident that the
sliding scale Is not yet the solution, for it
has not yet abolished strikes and lock-
outs. The wage.earnors have not been
convinced that they have been admitted
into full partnership, and it is as nocessa.
ry that they shall believe they are fairly
treated as it is to treat them fairly. They
mu, be content with the adjustment, or
there Is but patched-up truce that can.
not last.
II the employer will agree with the
wage-earnsr to give him through the year
q certain remuneration, and at the end OF
the year certain share OF the profits il
there be any, the solution of q Difficult!
problem will have been at least well be.
gun. 1t is not TO be supposed that no
further questions could arise; questions
arise between partners having equal CAPT.
tai and equal control, but as in such cases
there arc strong incentives to the main.
tenance OF good relations, 80 there would
be in the other.
The INrRLLIGEScER, recognizing that the
labor question is not to be settled by the
adjustment OF difficulty here and a disa-
greement there, end appreciating the
pressing Importance OF an enduring basis
Of action, invites employers and employed
to give their views upon this proposition.
Temporarily conducted, such discussion
could not fail OF good results in such
community as this.