Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1886-03-23
ulx Ea,,faSter Jntelli9e,tte-.
LANoAsrER. MARCH o. lss.
The OpposIng Organizations.

\ Vh0 governors of Missouri and kansas
oupesr to have failed in their effort to
bling into agreement the representatives OF
the Knights Of Labor and Vice President
Hoxie of the Missouri Pacific railroad,
ard the proposition of settlement of the
tEsusfer which the governors obtained from
Nr. Hoxie, and which they seem to have
considered to be fair, has been rejected.
The position taken by the executive
boards of the knights, as exhibited in
resolutions which they have adopted at st.
Louis, appears to be that the organization
Of labor is necessary for its protection be-
cause there has been prior organization OF
large corporations and employers against it;
and as this fact seems unquestionable, the
organization of the laboring interests, is
very fairly justified The position further
taken by these boards, that the representa-.
tives Of the organized labor interests
shall be received and treated with by the
representatives of the employing corpora
tions, seems to follow as natural conse
Quence of such organization. If work
men need to be organized 10 be protected
they need to speak through theil
organizations to make them properly effec'
tive; and as the representatives really
represent the men for whom they assume
70 speak there would seem to be no good
reason why they should not be treated with
By those who desire to employ the laborers
The whole question hinges upon the pro
priety of the organization of labor. Oi
course this is disagreeable to the employer
because it gives the united laborers &
power which they do not have singly, apt
which may be used to compel and contro
the employer. If, however, it is true tina
employers compel and control labor, b.
combination, like privilege canno
be refused to the workmen.
doubtless would be better if there was NJ
such eompulsion and control attempted OF
either side, but that is position of affair
which we do not now find
The situation then presents the employ
ers and the employed organized an
combined each in their own interest. A
we look at it, the real interest o
each is the interest Of both, and if this j
recognized by the representatives of eacl
side there should be no prolonged disagree
ment between them. If the Knights o
Labor are wisely led to demand onl!
what they should have, they may prove
to be settling and steadyinf
element in the labor situation. But wher,
great power resides great abuse of it is t.
be feared; and just as the employer
hAye abused their power, the EN-
ployes may misuse that which the.
now have attained by their com
bination. They may dictate to-
much. They may not be conten
when labor is given all that it fairly earns
They may interfere with the employer
absolute right to select his labor to his owl
pleasement. On the other hand they ma.
guarantee his labor to him upon fair term
and relieve him from apprehensions o
sudden and unwarranted demands
It should be worth great dea
to the employing class to be assured of it
labor for a fixed period; as the Pittsburl
iron masters are assured of it, 70
instance, for year ahead. And j
may be that when things settl
down, and the organizations of labor an
capital are accommodated to each Other
with y full appreciation of the benefit G
harmonious working between them, til
work Of the labor unions may prove to /
beneficial rather than otherwise to IL
country's industrial interests.