Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1886-03-24
uNroRruNATE FoR rExAS.

UNFORTUNATE ron TEXAS.
The present strike is most unfortunate
for Texas Previous TO the outbreak
there were visible signs of great activity
in railroad building throughout all North
Texas; now, the question is not whether
we can get more roads, but whether those
we have will be permitted to run. In
view of the suspension of freight traffic
on the Missouri Pacific and its leased
lines, it would seem that the public Is
served by other roads In Texas because
the employees of such other roads are not
on a strike. Practically, the law appears
to concede to the railroad employee what
it denies to the railroad employer viz {:
The right to stop traffic and to retard and
obstruct travel. In the statement OF this
practical fact The GAZETTE takes no note
OF aught save the fact. 1t is the fact that
hurts and that has not only paralyzed
traffic and business, but which has
converted the discussion of more
railroad facilities into a mockery.
The cause and the remedy for such bane-
full Influences must be debated and found;
but now, we can only regret that the fair
prospects which were so lately opening
up to this section are bllghted, if not
ruined. On this subject, New York pa
per OF recent date says; at may not oc-
cur to those engaged In provoking a
contest between labor and capital that II
the turmoil Is to go ON increasing in in
tensity as of late, that juncture will be
arrived at when capital will refuse to en-
ter upon enterprises from which labor is
largely sustained. Capital at the best is
timid thing, and Is apt TO remain mac.
tive or retire from view in times of trou-
Bile. 1t should be kept in vieY that the
ia5orers--that is those dependent upon
their daily eXertions for livelinood--are
many, while the large capitalists are very
few. Mr.. Gould IS understood to hold
the largest capital interest in the South
western railroads, yet his moneyed inter-
ests are diverse ana so scattered that he
can live in luxury until the last man on
strike on these roads dies of starvation
We would not be understood as inn
pugning the motives Of the laborers en-.
gagged In demanding concessions of hours
OF labor or rate OF pay, but as suggesting
the possibility ot4 labor troubles being
carried TO an extent that will finally react
upon wage earners in restriction of
work OF improvement through the
proverbial timidity Of capital to enter
upon new enterprises. Moneyed capital
not guaranteed full protection from pub
lie turmoil and fair return for its use is
apt to remain idle until times of safety
appear. The Boston Advertiser a few
days ago refers to this subject in eau.
tonary way: The question as to how to
find safe and profitable employment for
money Is Increasing in importance us well
as in interest. The uncertainties attend
ing all business whlcl calls for the EN-.
ployment OF labor, skilled or otherwise,
is so great as to deter capital from going
into new enterprises, and the held for it
use is now practically narrowed down to
Its use in carrying on existing affairs or
And these afford but
limited scope for its use. Already the
borrowing rates for money are very low.
while stocks and SC curitlos have risen in
price to n point which leaves
comparatively narrow margin of
profit TO Che holder. And, at
the same time, it may also be said, if the
labor troubles continue and extend, there
Is no assurance that even these small |
profits will be secure. The cost of manu- |
featuring may be made to reach point |
which viii leave no profit, and give no
nducement for continuing, and capital
may thus be left without any reward. The
have no means Of meeting their
liabilities but through the profits of their
business, aud as long as the business on
which they depend is liable to be brought
% s'andstill at any time 1t pleases the
employees TO assert claims which are
ieemed inadmisslble, then IL follows that
here Is perceptlble element of risk IL
lot Of danger, attending investment In
'uch securities. In whatever direction
turns for employment capital is con
ronted with elements Of doubt and un.
certainty, if not with obvious risk and .
LANCER II is not strange, therefore, that
should be timid, and should strive TO
reserve It's own safety by employment in
ways which offer the maximum OF Sc
nrity, even II 1t gives but the minimum
u proht. A continuance in this course,
oweyer, means dullness and stagnation
business, slack trade and general do.
ression.r