Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-04-07
The Labor Question.

The condition of labor and the attitude of
the so-called laborers are calculated to excite
the greatest apprehension among the law and
order and other people of the States at large.
The labor Commissioner reports million
OF operatives out of employment; and esti-
mating their wages at an average of one
dollar day, gives an aggregate loss daily,
OF one million, an aggregate loss annually
of three hundred millions. Strange to say
the product of the country is not proper
tionally less, owing possibly to improved
machinery and other causes. We have the
fact, that one million is out of employment
and seeking it that they may support the
many depending on them; yet, in the face
of SO depressing state of affairs, in addi-
tion we hear of strikes in all directions and
for the most frivolous reasons. At one
time it is because mas has been discharg-
ed when not needed. Yet his society is
pledged to protect him. Again, receiver
has been appointed by the Court for some
railroad, and the employees. do not like
him. Now, because they want increased
pay; and again because they fear there will
be reduction. The Knights of Labor
have put themselves and their interests,
their manhood and independence in the
hands of few men, who go about the
country organizing societies and disorgan-
izing the industries to such an extent that
in many cases manufacturers are declining
orders because they cannot depend on their
employees who are likely to be ordered out
at any time by their self-imposed masters
who receive their pay regardless of circum-
stances. This deplorable state of affairs
has an air of permanency which makes it
the more threatening, and it is growing
worse rather than better. 1t seems to be
the offspring of desire not merely to bet
ter their condition as wage-winners, but it
looks to control of the government through
the control of its industrial interests.
What right have they more than any other
class of workers to say, we will not work
nor allow others to fill our places? Why
may not the minister abandon the pulpit,
the Judge the bench, the lawyer the forum,
the teacher the classroom, the merchant
his warehouse, the clerk the sales-room.
the farmer his farm, and thus through all
the varied vocations of life, and proclaim
that they will no longer pursue their bust
ness, nor allow others to do so? The one
has no more right in such case than the
other, and the law, if not now sufficient to
protect those who wish to labor at prices
agreed upon by themselves, should be
strengthened and enforced by all the
power of the country. And when in adj
dition to this boy-cotting is added, there
is degree of transplanted socialism that
should not be tolerated for moment.
Private property though under the protec-
ton of the law, is not respected; engines
are killed or destroyed, bridges burned, and
private wells poisoned to prevent persons
from being employed obnoxious to them. 1t
may be well for them to be thus aggressive
for they will the sooner drive from them
all who are conservative in such matters;
and the law will be the more promptly en-
forced. There must be an end, but we fear
the end is not yet Wd,renton Indec.