Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-09-19
ARBITRATION.


TO the Editor Of the Globe Republic:
The Whiteley's and their organ versus the
Knights of Labor is not what is agitating
the Eighth Ohio district. 1t is not even
the subject which has stirred up this COM
munity. Every citizen, every taxpayer
regrets to hear iterations and reiterations
Of the false charge that Springfield is in
fected with dyna niters and anarchists and
that Springfield's established newspapers
countenance Chicago deeds of blood. All
of us know that Springield's mechanics
and laborers are orderly, law-abiding cit
izens, and have been patient under cruel
and tyranical outrages. The Knights of
Labor have deported themselves like true
knights up to the present moment and de-
serve praise instead of the cOItemptible
insults hurled at them daily by the Cham
piOn City Times. And we all know that
every property holder and tradesmen here.
whether wage worker or not as well as
the Republican party, suffers on account OF
the policy of the Champion City
Times, which has scattered broadcast
seeds of doubt and hatred and
malignant Misrepresentation Of the cOndi-
ton of affairs in Springfield But never
theless, repeat: The Whiteleys and their
organ versus the Knights of Labor is not
the case now being tried by the people of
this district. The Whteleys and their Or
gan are "a good and, in many points better,
than most of their kind: but in the opinion
of most writers on political economy and
social science this kind is a very bad kind.
The case now being tried is: The system,
the policy, which the Whteleys and their
matters versus the people.
This system or policy crops out in most
of the dealings of man with his fellow man,
but does not always reveal It's hideousness.
IL is the offspring of intense seltshneSs. 1t
is in direct conflict with the life and teach
ings of Him who loved, lived and died for
all men. Against this system individuals
here and there have in every age protested.
Occasionally in the past Ignorant and en-
shaved masses, feeling instinctively this
injustice, have risen in their might and
broken some of their fetters. Today, in
different degrees throughout our land, there
is far greater liberty than most Europeans
enjoy. but the few, the rich, the strong,
have forged new weapons and chains and
will retard our country's progress and op-
press the masses more and more unless the
governing pOwer-these masses-asSert
their rights, and asserting, dare maintain.
Capital is but an aggregation of the re-
suits of labor. Capital, itself, then, has the
power OF many men, whether it is in the
hands of one man or corporation. Cor
porations are soulless, and are cloaks be-
meath which rascalty and greed may hide
their features while robbing the
public. OF course, this capital
| these corporations and some monOpOlies
may prove beneficial TO the town, the state
and even the race. But where the tendency
is toward mere moneY-making, towards sell
iish aggrandizem-nt, great pains must be
| taken in erecting barriers and protecting the
weak.
To my mind, the wage workers, the farm
ers, the producers of all kinds, owe il to
themselves to organize and maintain their
rights. United We stand, divided we fall. "
is as true of individuals as of states. But,
still more than this is needed. The laws OF
many of the states, and of the United
| States, need an Oyerhauling.
The sentiment of the masses in this d.
rectiOn should be so pronounced that all pro
posed laws should be subjected to this test
viz. How will these laws affect the mass of
the people-the toiiing millions? If these
proposed laws do not seem likely to aid in
hic PAoPoi. Aoh oi'Niioutioh Va sic ho
ilons wealth, then the same sentiment Will
be sure to defeat them.
Now, then, II this sentiment becomes up
permost In the minds OF lawmakers chosen
by the people, and laws prevent extOrtion
and mercenary grinding and gouging, what
have the wage-workers to fear from arbi-
tration?
First, therefore, the masses should en-
deavor to secure Just legislation and fair
minded, fearless enforcers OF the law. Then
| all should welcome ali arbitration tribunal
for the adjustment OF labor troubles-a
court chosen in such way as to have the
confidence OF both sides, whose decision
cannot be delayed more than ten days and
must be binding for limited time lone
year. for instance), and be carried into ef-
feet Immediately.
When the laws favor the poor and the
poor are united, and therefore able to meet
capital on fair terms, and the court is i'm
partial, the general public should demand
and insist on an acceptance and enforcement
OF the decision as hnal.
In conclusion, Mr.. Editor, let me re-
mind the Ohio State Journal and others
that my proposltlen IN rega,d To wages and