The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-04-01
MEMPHIS APPEAL.
THURSDAY. =. APRIL 1, 1855.
MnArLAnoR mas LEARNEp

WHAT LABOR HAS LRARNED
The strike initiated by the Knights
OF Labor has GENE to an end, but 1t
leaves behind II some facts that II will
be folly 70 disregard or forget. The
workingmen OF this country are now
consolidated for a common purpose
10 an extent never before seen in any
country. The order which they are
every day increasing in numbers and
strength is young as an acting power.
II almost bare Of practical expert
ence. II has conducted a complicated
and dihBcult business with compare.
lively undrilled and undisciplined
troops, It's army has been distributed
in squadTons all over the country.
Yet those equadrons have fallen into
line q. command, has 80 acted In con-
cert as TO concentrate the force OF the
whole on the point where 1t was re.
quired, and its commander, Mr.. Pow
derby, has become famous for his
sound judgment, his mastery tactics,
and mis- ability as a diplomatist when
in conference with opponents. Now
comes the question-it this labor or
ganisation in its present raw and mex
perleneed condition could accomplish
all we have seen the last few dayp,
block the avenues OF commerce,
bsfle constituted authority, hold at
im mercy vast values OF property,
command the respectful attention OF
capitalists, and struggle SUGGEST fully
with astute railway managers, what
will they do when their organ zation
is complete, their experience wider,
their knowledge OF the tactics OF
trade warfare more thorough, and
their obedience 10 the orders OF their
leaders is more perfect2 One Of the
main difficulties the order has felt in
the struggle has been the want Of die
cipline. StragRlers from the main
bodies have committed acts OF vio-
lence through characterization, though
10 very small extent when we con-
pare their mild indiscletions with the
deeds that have brought bloodshed
into Belgium-but as discipline in
creases such deeds will disappear, as
We see is the case in Ireland. As
long as the Irish people would assss-
sinate and burn and riot, the English
could hold them down and tyrannize
at will. But now Parnell and bis sup
Porters have introduced the policy OF
nenrehistance; now, the people calm
but determined, and united and law.
abiding, stand sternly repeating their
demands, their oppressors can do
nothing but obey. Against their
strongest wills, from the sovereign on
the throne to the voter at the polls,
Ireland's wishes have to be England's
law. With such results Of orgaui7a.
ton, Of discipline, OF the power to
wait in calm quiet, and Of the cOncen.
trRtion OF energy on given point,
what will the Knights OF Labor be
when they have reached to the EN-,
inence the Irish have 80 slowly and
laboriously attained TO? So great was
the danger from ind;scipline tina. the
commsndor-in-ehiei OF the Knights
had % order, from the very field OF
battle, refusal Of any reception OF
recruitS tae suspension Of limitations
into The order 1t was not mere mum.
bers that was depended upon, or all
applicants would have been accepted
but organization and discipline. II,
as they stand to-day, the order could
do what we have seen-mauy Of us
with CONFIRMATION wha' will they
do when to perfected organization
aud thoroughly acquired discipline
they add the numbers they are now re.
iec,ing2 Thestruggle now closing is ON
inous for the capitalist. He has shown
loss OF power, the workingmaa a
gain Of il. The strikers have learned
in this conflict more OF their own
power than they ever knew before,
and thousands Of them have learned
how TO use that power ia way they
formerly thought incredible. They
have LEANED the might there ia in
iorbelrAnco, the energy contained In
seli-eohtrol, the vigor that lies in
quietly EXPRESSED will. Well will it
be iov the capitalists to provoke no
uunece seary or uDjus struggle under
such circumstances. Let them realize
how powerless that struggle will be
when the workmen, allied in bonds Of
strict fidelity to each other, stand
without violence, without infringing
Jaw, as the Irish people stand to-day,
grave, calm, stern, determined-de.
msnding with Irresistible will their
right What can be done with men
in such an attitude? The police can.
no. be called in, the soldier is useless
the men present cause SO just in a
manner so loyal as toward the country,
aud 70 dignifed as it respects them
selves, that the whole force OF popular
feeling is with them, supports
them, and insists upon their success.
Can Judsses be hired or bribed under
such circumstances to aid in injustice
toward their comrades? They would