St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-04-05
ALL SAID AMEN,
How Patriotism Worked on the
Milwaukee During the Strike.

In ancient days and also modern times
the world has been treated to specimens
of patriotism that reflect the greatest
honor upon human nature, and that fur
nish very strong arguments against the
doctrine of total depravity. A Roman
hero stood on the bridge. A patriotic
Greek said, ''strike, but hear" The
Spartan lawgiver after performing his
duty went away and died. The great
Grecian orator, after having done all he
could for his country, sought the pro-
lection of sanctuary in Grecian
temple and died by poison rather than
to survive and behold the enslavement
of his country. '"The boy stood
and the burning deck" Patrick Henry
defied the English king, and suggested
to him to make the most of his treason;
and the Massachusetts Adams said,
"Give me liberty or give me DEATH"
Some of the ancient specimens of
patriotic ardor are perhaps open to
question, and it may be possible that
subsequent eloquent writer's, seeing a
chance to make point, may have
placed some of these warm sentiments
in the mouths OF some of their ancestors;
but whether all of them were uttered
by the persons to whom they are cred
tied or not, one thing is certain, and
that is the great railroad strike has pro-
duced degree of Self-Sacrifice and
simon-pure patriotism that was never
equaled among the Romans and
the Greeks, or among any of the
modern nations of the earth. The
strike had proceeded for several weeks
with great virulence, and finally hit the
Chicago, Milwaukee & st. Paul road
right where it lived. The blow was an
uncomfortable one. Like shrewd bust
ness men as the managers OF that road
are, they began to look around to see
how they could counter" that is, how
they could get back at the strikers, and
at the same time do something to get
back some of the money they lost
through the strike. They, hit upon
very unique and successful plan. All
of nearly 5000 miles, they have many
men in their employ, ticket sellers,
freight agents, etc, etc. They con-
Guided that the best thing they
could do was to cut down the
pay of every employe 1873 per cent,
or one third. That is to say
the official that before the strike re-
ceived $50 per month should not here
after receive more than $100, and the
man that was getting SIS per month
should not receive more than $50. This
was touching all the employees in ten
der spot, and it was regarded as just.
1t touched all alike. The tony ticket
agent boarding at the Ryan or residing
ON the avenue, and the poor little girl
typewriter were reached alike. 1t cut
off at once one-third of their income.
One would think that an order like this.
as broad and sweeping as the torch of
Omar, would have put every one of
these employees in antagOnism with the
road, but it was not so. 1t was received
with demonstrations of rejoicing. In
the natural language of his heart
Mr.. Dixon said "Amen! More if
necessary" Judge Chandler, who is
enjoying vacation at the hot springs,
responded with, 'All right, Roswell and
you may have my rheumatism with it,"
Mr.. Boyden, who never says anything
any way, and whom nothing ever dis
turbs, broke out suddenly with "Good,
old boy. Hit 'em again." and the little
typewriter said, call right. If you must
take one-third, why take it. Take any
thing, but pray let the take be tempo
rary, for my landlady is eXacting and
dimity is high this year, Roswell"
And so the noble, patriotic responses
came forth from the sufferers. 1t is not
believed that ever, in the antique world,
in Rome or Greece, or along the blue
Egean, or in the republic of the west
ern hemisphere was displayed such
self-sacrificing patriotism. The prayer
of the typewriter was heard and yester-
day dispatch was received ordering
full pay to commence Monday next.