The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-24
THE KNIGHTS AND THEIR RIGHTS.

antagonism to be the friend of either. And
he who does, whatever his profession, his
occupation or reputation among his fellow
men, whatever his sincerity and honesty of
purpose, and how great soever his acquire
ments, is at best a very dangerous friend and
champion. The great demand of the time is
for men who dare attest their interest in the
welfare of the workingman by advising him
wisely, though it may not always be agreeably.
Every friend of peace and progress must coun-
sci moderation and mutual forbearance in all
disputes between labor and capital. The in
terests at stake are SO vast, and so many inno-
cent and needy individuals may be involved,
that the greatest care should be exercised in
taking any action that may result in throwing
men out of work. For, after such a struggle
is entered upon, it is but natural that either
side should much dislike to yield, even though
persuaded that it is in the wrong. This is
especially true of such as may have made the
order throwing men out of work. Almost
any man dislikes to acknowledge himself in
the wrong and especially if the error Of judg-
ment has caused widespread distress. The
temptation is to hold out, in the hope that the
other side will give up the struggle,
even though morally certain that it
is in the right. This would relieve
the party really responsible for the trouble,
whatever might be the merits of the issue.
Against such stubbornness every friend of
labor should most earnestly protest, to the
end that all difficulties may be speedily and
amicably settled. It were better that every
railway superintendent in the country and
every master workman that ever was heard of
should be deposed than that thousands of
men and their families should suffer through
their stupidity, tyranny or obstinacy A
fearful responsibility rests upon men in such
positions that they can control the welfare of
many Others and for this reason the greatest
care should be exercised in their selection.
And if at any time it be discovered that they
are unfit for the place they hold, whether
from incompetency, obstinacy or any other
reason, they should be removed to subordi-
nate position, and their office given to such as
may discharge the trust more acceptably.
Zen thousand men cannot be ordered out
on strike without some one being fearfully
in the wrong. Some one is next to criminally
in error. Either the railway officials or the
Knights of Labor are wrong. So far as the
Missouri Pacific Railway Company is con-
cerned it has made the best showing to date,
for disinterested parties of high character
have unhesitatingly sustained its position,
and declared that it had kept faith with its
employees, while the latter had not stood to
their word. This the Knights deny; but it
remains that the advantage of the situa-
ton is with the company, as represented
by what may be accepted to be impair
tial testimony. This view is strength
ened by the reported expression
of belief of Grand Master Workman Powder
ly, who gave it as his opinion that the strike
was unwarranted. Mr.. Irons, and those act
ing with him in behalf of the Knights of La
Dor, cannot fail to realize that the burden of
proof now rests upon them to set themselves
right before the public. The knights cannot
afford to arrogantly assume to set up their
unsustaned opinion against such testimony,
Marnladuke, who would not presume to speak
so unqualifedly without the best Of reasons.
1t is now the duty of the gentlemen repre-
senting the striking Knights to produce proof
in support of their position. They claim to
have evidence that the road did not keep faith
with them. Let this be furnished so that the
public may judge of its merits.
It is undoubtedly within the power of the
Knights to infiict great harm upon the carry
ing trade of the country, and they might prac-
tically paralyze it for season. But this
would be very poor policy. since the belief
would obtain that they were none the less in
the wrong though able to do so much damage.
The only way the Knights can hope to perma-
nently benefit labor is to keep ever in the
right. The right of might is not the right of
justice. If the Knights would succeed their
cause must be founded in equity. A revolu.
ton with anything less than right as its
foundation means anarchy until such time as
justice shall at last prevail. The great army
of Knights of Labor may be the means of do
ing the workingman vast good, while at the
same time, if unwisely directed or gives over
to tyranny, it would just as certainly do last
ing harm. The hope Of every real friend of la
Dor is that this organization may be 50
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