Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-04-29
onrnF powoBnIr,s AnrroIs.
A synopsis OF His Contribution 20
ssrhe North American Reviow.,,

A synopsis OF HIS Contribution 20
"The North American Reviow.,,
''rhe prospect for the future of the
laboring man in America says Mr.. Pow
derby, in an article entitled "Strikee and
Arbitration" in the May number of The
North American Regielo, sis brighter
to-day than it ever was, notwithstanding
the seemingly strained relations at
present existing between employer and
employe," and though we are in the midst
of an epidemic of strikes, locl-outs and
boyootts the fact must not be lost sight Of
that were II not for the growing power of
organization we should have a great
many more strikes to contend with. This
he accounts for by the fact that the grow
ing power of the workingmen compels
recognition; for instead of tyraunizing
over Il disorganized crowd Of workmen,
employers have now in many instances TO
deal with compact, united body.
This organization ON the part of the
laborer, says Mr.. Powderly, is an act of
self.proteotion and is in the natural order
of things. sin country where every
man, no matter how humble. is taught
from his Infancy that he stands the
equal OF all other men, it is but natural
for citizen who is given TO understand
that he must patronize certain store, or
that he cannot join certain society, TO
| feel FESTIVE; and, where 30 much is
promised and so little obtained, men are
| apt to lose filth in law.making system
which obliges the workman himself to
| become complainant and prosecutor in
cases where the laws are violated to his
detriment." Thus the workingmen band
| - f.<..
Mr.. Powderly is sanguine Of the good
to come from the rise of this new factor
| in politics, and sees the evening shadows
closing in upon the day when great pri-
yate fortunes can be amassed and gigantic
monopolies built up. 81 have no fears
because of the present apparently dis
turbed condition Of the labor world, says
the labor leader. "0n the contrary, the
signs are very hopeful. Wendell Phillips
once said, Never look for an age when
the people can be quiet and safe. At such
times despotism like a shrouding mist
steals over the mirror of freedom"
The end for which all should strive Mr..
Powderly believes is to lessen the hours
of labor throughout the nation, SO that
the toilers may have more time in which
to learn the science of self-government.
In order to do this the employer and en-
ployed must no longer stand apart. "The
barriers of pride, CASTE greed, hatred
and bitterness must be torn down." says
he. The workingman and his en-
ployer must meet face to face, they must
discuss every detail in the management
Of the concerns they are jointly operat.
ing. No sacrifice of principle on the one
hand or of manhood on the other need
attend such transaction. In the man
agement of great or small concerns eacl
grievance, each trouble or difference
whether in relation to discipline or wagei
should be talked over in conciliat)ry
spirit and arbitrated. Joint boards o.
arbitration should be formed between
manufacturer and workmen all over thu
country. Each party should devote con
siderable time to the perfecting of thu
plans best suited to their interest,
or surroundings, for rules governing
one case or locality might not worl
we'll in another. Having, after careful
deliberation, agreed upon the rules, eacl
party should sign the articles of agree
ment, binding itself to abide by then
until changed by consent of both. Agree
ments of this kind will DO the means o
settling differences as they arise, and witt
their Inauguration strikes, lock-outs am
boycotts will not be entered upon s.
readily, and, if ever called into play, thel
then only as the very last resort"