The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-03-12
UNDERPAY AND OVERwORK.

Inc contest between ChpitAl anu
labor shows that the times are fearful
ly out OF Joint. The frequency Of
strikes, the growing strength OF the
knights Of Labor, the concentration OF
capt. II and its determination to enrich
itself by grinding labor invests the
contest with alarming interest. The
question will not down at the bidding
tf the great business interests OF the
country, which are suffering on account
Of the unfortunate strife. The contest
viii 60 on until the law interpcses
and settles a question which thrt at ans
The stability OF cur institutions, Under
Ny and overwork are the chief
causes Of the trouble, and when these
wrongs are righted the other wrongs
will right themselves. We have hui
name societies, which prevents cruelty
to animals, which Furnishes the brute
that overworks his mule. But there
is no humane society to prevent the
overwork Of men, women and children
at starvation wages. The cause OF the
workingmen has long been pIated by
Office seekers for selfish ends,
but the laborers see that they
can secure no redress without combin-
ing. They are cruelty overworked
snd shameiully underpaid. Most OF
Che colossal fortunes have been
amassed through the blood and toll OF
muldludes OF starved, honest men,
women and children. The long hours
aud meager pay OF the seamstress and
the car-driver is a disgrace TO our civ
ilizltion. The poor constitute large
majority Of the people in this country.
They are Injured to hardships, aud
hunger will drive them to desperation,
lust as II does the beasts OF the forests.
They are growing restless and discon-
tented. The condition Of society in
this country is assuming a shape that
is alarming, and the sooner patriotism
and craftsmanship Get themselves
to right that condition the better for
all concerned. Labor organizations
only date back fifteen years, aud 1t is
said the condition OF the workingmen
is worse than 1t was before. This may
be true, but il there had been no or
CARNATIONS labor by this time
would be 30 oppressed that
there would be bread riots, anarchy and
confusion in every section Of the
Union. A man compelled to see his
family suffer for the necessaries Of life
grows reckless, and is ready for COM
munism, as he has everything to gain
and nothing to lose by a change. JUS
tice and mercy cannot be overlooked
in the adjustment of this alarming
question. Corporations, which make
enormous profits by overlooking and
underpaying their employees, will
not work their horses and mules over
eight hours a day, because II over
worked, as they overwork the men,
women and children In their employ,
the strain would cause loss Of capt.
tai, but If meu, women and children
die from hunger and exhaustion they
can employ Others. Instead OF COM
pelling one man to do two mems
work for the pay Of one mao, there
should be work aud wages for two.
This might prevent 40, 90, go or 100
per cent. dividends, but 10 or 20 per
cent. dividends on money invested is
fair and honest. 1t is wrongs such as
these that the Knights Of Labor seek
to redress, and 80 long as they respect
the rights Of others and the laws OF
the land they will securS the approval
of all good citizens.