The Washington critic., 1886-04-05
WASHINGTON. APRIL 3, 1886.
PUBLIC OPINION AS A POWER.

Some Of the Members of the House
OF Representatives who voted for Mr..
O'Ncilis Arbitration bill seemed to
think 1t necessary to state that they
did so under sort of protest. But
what occasion was there for any such
mealy .mouthedness? The bill Is not
perfect by any means, but 1t certainly
has merit enough to claim either open
support or open opposition, and we see
no reason why any Member should feel
called upon to apologize for giving 1t
his vote-least of all to admit that he
did so for fear of being boycotted.
Members who really believe the
measure to be fraud, or Il barren
ideality or anything of that kind, or,
in word, regard 1t as piece of
worthless legislation, should have hal
the courage of their convictions like
the twenty-nine men who bravely put
themselves on record in the negative.
There is no doubt, however, that
for the bill did so honestly and in the
conscientious belief thatit would prove
Of effective service.
The CRITIC is disposed to think that
eventually some legislation of a much
more stringent character will have to
be adopted, but for all that the O'Neill
bill is good beginning AS the New
York World says: ut will doubtless
be of great value as law in conse-
quence of the moral obligation it will
impose on railroad companies and their
employees to consent to arbitration and
abide by the decision"
Then there is certain degree of
suggestiveness In the bill which should
not be lost sight of. Observers of all
riotous demonstrations in this country
have noticed how speedily they quail
at the sight of Federal bayonet. A
corporals guard of United States
troops as rule is more efllcacious than
whole regiment of militia. 1t is not
necessary to explain why the reasons
are obvious; and the analogy holds
good with Federal legislation. 1t car.
ries with ita weight that city ordinances
and State laws never do. There is one
thing in this country which the people
hold in wholesome respect-the power
of the General Government. This is
SO in the United States, not for the
same reason that it is in Germany or
Spain, because it typifies a centralized
despotism, but because it represents
the public sentiment, the concentrated
moral force, the universal common
sense of the country.
Hence II is that Congress is invoked
to find remedy for existing labor
troubles, and it is far better that the
Government should interpose with stat.
utes than stands of arms.
The Arbitration may not be all that
we could wish, but it is reflex of pub.
lie opinion. Should 1t prove unavail-
ing, public opinion will demand other
and stronger legislation, and Congress
will rise to the requirements Of the
emergency or q Congress will be elected
that will.
The whole question lies right here
The impending conflict" like that
between free and slave territory, will
be decided in accordance with the YER
dict Of the people, and as in that case
we now all admit the verdict to have
been just one, so in this. We need
have no fear but what the controversy
will be adjusted at last upon equitable
principles, because it will be as the
people direct.
There may be trying episodes to pass
through--there may even be dangerous
uprisings to contend with-suspensions
of traffic and industrial catastrophes
in consequence-but sooner or later
the patience of the people with the
giant combatants will be exhausted,
and in their thoroughly aroused and
consolidated patriotism the country
will find safe anchorage.