New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-30
THE STRIKE.

lowing upon and indirectly connected WIN 'ne
strike in Brooklyn, reached in a moment ui-
mansions emitting it to place among the noSO
notable demonstrations of organized TABOR
which New-York has seen in recent years NO
one will deny, we imagine, that the employees
of the companies, in disrupdng instantaneouslS
the transportation system of the city and ao-
solutely stopping four-ffths Of the street cars
at moments notice, have made an enecuVe
display of the initial strength that there is In
Union. 1t cannot be disputed that the act Oh
tying up'' was performed with extraordinary
CELEBRITY and precision. few days VIII PROB
ably suffice to indicate whether or not this par
hcular strike is to be o success, though IL may
take many years to determine how far strikes
in general promote the permanent interests OF
labor.
The principal points for which the men are
now contending are an increase of wages from
ST. rs to So a day, and the concession OF
regular working day Of ten hours, to be begun
and completed within the limits of twelve. 10
Is probably true, however, that the chief I'M
pulse toward sudden contest at this time was
derived from the refusal Of the companies to
treat with the Executive Board representing
the employees desire to resent that refusal
was naturally strong motive with those whose
province it is to order strike. The situation
of affairs in Brooklyn, moreover, offered some
advantages and inducements, and the hne
weather was the only adverse condition, aside
from the fact that the employees of the Third
ave. road and some Of the less important lines
could not be depended on to cooperate.
| The first sentiment Of people in general who
are suddenly subjected to Inconvenience and
loss of time BY paralysis OF transportation
facilities is evaporation. Without fault OF
their own they seem TO be the principal suffer
ers. But public opinion under circumstances
similar to those now existing has been re-
markably self-controlled and patient in waiting
for the result which seemed most just to de-
clare itself. In years past there has been great
sympathy with the employees of street-car lines.
Unquestonably they were for long time and
until recently underpaid and overworked. Their
duties do not demand high degree of skill,
but they involve irregular hours, extra fatigue,
and at times dangerous exposure TO storms and
cold and heat The increase in wages and de-
crease of hours which have been slowly brought
about can be attributed in part to the force Of
public opinion. The men will make grave
mistake if by their conduct at this iuncture they
provoke the anger or contempt of the COM
munity.
Whether, in the present instance, there is a
preponderance Of opinion that they ought to
have more pay and less work we do not now
pretend to say. But no one win think Of de-
nying that they are at perfect liberty to remain
idle if they choose, and as long as they choose
Upon that point there is absolutely no division
of opinion. Nor, outside their own ranks, do
we believe that there is any division Of re-
/ spectacle opinion upon another point, namely,
that public order must be preserved and that
the companies must have free chance TO
operate their reads if they can, The strikers,
reckoned as a body which is judged by what is
done in it's name. made bad beginning yes
terday Incipient riots, broken heads and the
destruction of property are phases which
usually mark the last stages Of desperate
cause The great majority Of the men were
doubtless disgraced by very few of their asso-
ciates. But they ought to realize that the ma
jOrity will be held responsible for demonstra-
tons of that kind, and justly so. 1t is easily
within their power to prevent recurrence OF
such scenes. Their attitude will deserve and
secure respect, whether their demands receive
the support OF public opinion or NOT IL tney
hold themselves up TO rigid standard Of So
briefly and order and make their worst ele-
ments understand that violence and intimida-
ton viii not be tolerated for a moment.
Even supposing that such tactics rs were
employed yesterday could achieve a temporary
success, they would inevitably result in for
feiture of some portion Of that general good
will which has been the employees strongest
ally more than once in the past, and upon which
they will probably be forced to depend more
than once in the future. The community likes
to have labor we'll paid and we'll treated, and
is always willing to see it making any legiti
mate effort to improve it's condition. But this
community at least, viii not contemplate with
patience the spectacle Of organized labor com
hitting acts and exhibiting spirit thousand
fold more heartless and hateful than the worst
offences of its employers.