The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-22
SOME POINTS OF DANGER.

similar magnitude, is that it is likely to
abuse the power it has at command, not to
the inconvenience and harm Of others only,
but also of itself, as an organization and as
individuals. It is demonstrated that this
organization at present has mighty power
within its command. An official order from
its managers is enough to suddenly paralyze
business in any Of its branches and over as
large scope of country as the Knights
choose. The inevitable temptation is to
abuse this power; it is likely to
make the men quick on the trig-
GER" and the assemblies and divisions
imperious. The members Of the association
would be somewhat more than human were
this not so. The consciousness of power
tends to arrogance everywhere. It is ex-
hibited by corporations and by individuals.
The man who is a millionaire is apt to be
supercilious, and the wealthy corporation
Needless of the rights of individuals. So
common is this that it may be regarded as
Characteristic of mankind. BY this fusing Of
the myriad atoms OF strength, as is accom-
plished in this gigantic organization, a vast
power is the result and the danger
is that it may be abused. In dealing
with offenses against its interests, it's
managers, whether few or many, should
carefully discriminate between intended and
accidental, fundamental and incidental Of
fenses. Under encouragemento of the power be-
hind him, any inconsiderate member Of the or
ganization sin position to bring great harm upon
his fellows by precipitating trouble between
him and his employer. He instantly appeals
for the support that he feels will be given
him, and hundreds and thousands may be
made parties to difficulty that this individual
could have avoided had he been SO disposed.
1t is not impossible that malcontents
bor just as they are in all other organ
izations, civil, political and religious. Usually
there are few men in all organizations that
give infinitely more trouble than all the 9TH
ers combined. It is urgent that the unrea-
sonableness of such be guarded against, lest
the many suffer because of their obstinacy.
1t needs no argument to show that it would be
very unwise for any considerable body Of men
to make a personal matter of any quarrel
In cases like the one now vexing the people of
the Southwest, where tens of thousands are
thrown out of employment by reason of the
discharge Of one man, it certainly is the
part Of wisdom to make very sure that
such a momentous step has been wisely taken.
If the discharge was because of some real Of
Tense of the individual, no other man should
be called upon to suffer with him. In other
words, if member invites trouble, either for
riety, he should suffer the consequences alone,
for he would most richly deserve to. But if,
on the other hand, it be made apparent that
he has been dismissed simply because he is
Knight of Labor, OF for any other untenable
reason, then it is for the Knights to afford
him every aid within their power, to
the extent of calling out hun
dred, a thousand or ten thousand
employees. But the immense responsibility of
such movements should suggest the most
rigid scrutiny into the merits of the case, SO
that the obstinacy of one implacable and un-
reasonable man be not allowed to injure thou
sands who are innocent An impartial exam
ination should be made every time such an
issue is made, and if it should be shown that
the individual is partly to blame he should be
told SO, and warned not to offend again. If
he be wholly to blame, he should be dealt
with by his brother Knights with the severity
that the character of his offense demands, for
it is no little thing to leopard the welfare
of thousands Of workingmen dependent upon
steady employment for the comforts and ne
cessities of life. 1t won't do for any organiza-
ton to decide any question on ex- parte evil
dence nor in spirit of intolerance and big
| otry. The integrity Of this body of working
men depends upon the preservation of the
confidence of its members, and this cannot be
done if they are made to unjustly suffer at
the caprice of any number who choose to be
unreasonable.
Another danger in the way of the Knights
of Labor is unwise counsel There are many
men who make their way through the world and
otter gain high places by oficiously champion
ing popular questions. There are men now
busily engaged in using the Knights of Labor
to further their personal ambition; men who
hope to be sent to the Legislature, to Congress
and even to the Senate by reason of their