Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-17
A DARKER PICTURE.
Senator Teller Recognizes That All Things
Are Not as They Should Be.


Senator Teller talks very Interestingly
upon laboring matters. He is a man of
ideas, and, though he is an employer, he has
a strong side for the working man. Said he:
"It cannot be denied that there is great
dissatisfaction among the laboring classes
in regard to their wages, their hours of en-
ployment and their general condition. This
is especially the case with those who labor
for daily wages in the large manufacturing
establishments, on railroads and public
works, in coal mines, etc. This dissatisfac-
tion is shared in a lesser degree by all
classes of laborers, and this feeling is shown
by the existence OF labor organizations of
various kinds, in which the laborers of the
country appear to be generally enrolling
themselves"
settled feeling?"
There are many reasons" replied Sena-
tor Teller. 1.-THE grievances of the labUring
man are some of them real and some OF them
imaginary. The real ones are sufficiently
numerous to demand careful consideration
OF their causes as well as their remedies, if
remedies there be. The unequal distribu-
tion of wealth, the accumulatious Of great
fortunes by systems of doubtful honesty in
some cases and by downright dishonesty in
others, together with the arrogance and
impudence of wealth have done much to
max the laborer dissatisfied with the pres
ent condition of things. These things have
made him believe that capital is receiving a
greater share of the profits of all enterprises
than it is entitled to receive aud the laborer
less.
THE ASS UMPTIoNs OF WEALTH.
"Then the assumption that wealth is re-
spectacle aud the possessor thereof entitled
to special consideration no matter how his
wealth was acquired. and that povert, is
the badge of inieriority no matter what may
be the intelligence aud virtue of the poor,
may be mentioned as one of the very many
evidences of the arrogance and impudence
of wealth.
"The disregard of law exhibited by some
of the great corporations and the apparent
inability of the proper authorities to COM
pei obedience to, and respect for, the plain
principles of fair dealing and statutory law
is a potent agent in creating this dissatis-
faction.
again, an inordinate desire to become
rich, not by the old and steady methods of
creation and accumulation, but by hasty
strides, appears to have taken possession of
nearly all classes OF people, and he who is
led to believe that the only way to receive
official distinction and social position is by
the accumulation of wealth, will be envious
of those who are possessors of what he sees
but little prospect of securing as the fruit of
honest toll.
WEALTH BADLY MANAGED.
''The aggregation of capital in great cor
porstions controlled by few strong, un-
scrupulous men, together with the misuse
of corporate power for the enriching of the
corporation or more frequently, the agents
Thereof, is a spectacle so frequently pre-
sented that it is not strange that the labor
ing man should believe that corporate
powers were not conferred for the public
good, but for the purpose of enrichlng the
few at the expense of the many.
''It we are to find remedy for this dis
satisfaction" Senator Teller went on, I'VE
ought as far as possible, by legislation and
all other means, to secure to the laborer fair
compensation for his labor, which must be
performed under conditions as favorable as
possible as to the time and place of employ
ment. We should seek to satisfy him that
in all legislation and administration, both
State and national, that the interest of the
American laborer is considered first and
that of capital second. That in the admin
istration OF the law no individual or corpo-
ration is above the law or may disregard the
plain provisions thereof with impunity,
but that all men are equal before the law,
and that no legislation is to be tolerated
that gives one man an opportunity denied
TO others.
REGULATION OF TRUSTS.
Corporations and associations of capital,
whether called companies or trusts, should
be compelled TO keep within the bounds
fixed by their charters, which make them
agents OF the people, not their rulers. These
things can be done by the enactment of laws
by the States aud the National Government
and the due enforcement thereof. All other
things necessary and requisite to be done to
put the Iaborer in harmony with his en-
ployer DIus be done bv tine employer him.
self. There is much to encourage us to be-
lieve that the State and National Govern
ment will do their duty in this behalf, hut
the signs of the times dc not SO clearly indi-
cate that the employer has, as general rule,
determined to join the interest of his en-,
ployes with his own.
"The American laborer is intelligent and
is not likely to overlook the evils have
mentioned nor to underrate their vicious
character. He is conservative and law
abiding, courageous in de.ense of his rights,
with aspirations beyond those common TO
the laborers of other countries He realizes
that he is not compelled to remain laborer,
that if he has ability and energy he may be-
come an employer. and hopes to take his
place among those who direct the forces of
nature, to secure the accumulation of wealth
and power.
HAS HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.
"If he doubts his own ability OF opportu.