The weekly sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1886-1887, 1886-05-20

S1hiNCo, ho 10 CoA PSiASA I" JoAAi oAAS
body or else undergo a species Of
social and business terrorism thai
is almost unendurable. And when
he becomes member of the order
he is compelled to work when il
says work and stop when it says
stop, no matter what his necessities
or extremities may be.
Nor should the other side be ig-
nored. The skirts of the capitalist
are by no means clear. Possessing
greater light and better apportuni-
ties, his is the greater blame. With
the workingman it is frequently a
struggle for life, and if driven to
acts Of desperation by the selfish
ness of his employer, there is much
to be said in his determination. In
the case Of the employer it is fire.
quently grasping after more. He
revels in luxury obtained by the
cutting of wages and the increase OF
work. True he has many risks to
run. An adverse turn of the wheel
of fortune and he may be penniless
Even then he is only on a par
with many of his laborers.
Two methods have been proposed
and are strongly advocated as RENE
dies for strikes. The first consists
in giving the employe an interest in
the profits on a copartnership basis
By identifying his interest with that
of his employer he will strive te
promote the prosperity of the bust
ness and will be more resigned in q
depression. So far this methed has
hardly received countenance in oul
country although advocated by some
of the ablest political economists Of
Europe. During the recent strike il
was proposed to pass the response
bility of running the trains over to
the employees and in. compensation
to give them their pro-rata of the
profits. But the suggestion met
with no support.
The second plan is arbitration
This does not conflict with the pre-
ceding method, and indeed might
well be incorporated with it as one
Arbitration is rapidly growing into
favor with all classes at the present
day. 1t has been tried to great adj
vantage in the manufacturing sec
tions Of England, France and Ger
many. The day has passed when
the employer is supreme controller
of both sides of his business. The
world is beginning to recognize the
rights of the laboring man, and one
Of his undeniable rights is hearing
in case of maltreatment. True, il
has ever been claimed that redress
could be obtained in the courts. But
what can poor man do in court
with money and influence against
him? Now let an arbitration board
be arranged to the satisfaction OF
both parties, to which all variations
can be referred and he stands an
equal showing with his employer
If a contract calls for an arbitration
board, certainly any decision rem
dered by that board will be sustained
as valid in the courts even in those
States where no arbitration laws
exist.
One danger to be feared just now
is improper legislation on this sub
ject. Each party is jealousy watch,
ing the law-making powers of oul
land, and is prepared to resent any
signs of Partially to the other side
This danger is increased ten-fold
when we consider the unsettled con-
dition of the country, the hot-headeo
politicians and the intriguing dema-
gogues that are to be found in both
parties, and who advocate measure:
that will hardly be sanctioned by &
sober, intelligent public. The Con.
gressional committee appointed te
investigate this matter and suggest {
remedy has difficult undertaking
1t is is no new trouble. 1t ever
comes in no new guise. Some ON,
has said that when things reach
their worst, then they begin t.
grow better. This principle nigh
be of advantage in the present cas'
by restraing immoderate legislation
Certain it is that in the majority o
cases things will adjust themselve
if let alone. Let our politicians be
ware how they deal with this matte
from selfish motives 1t is fraugh
with immense interests and has S,
far evaded all efforts to satisfactor,
solution. A single mis-step Nigh
plunge our country into chaos al
most irremediable. All men ar
watching, some fearing, some work
ing. Let us hope that a peaceful