New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-06
WITH a TALKING DELICATE,
HOW AND WHY STRIKES ARE BEGUN-A DAY OF
EXPERIENCE WITH THE AUToCRAT
OF A JAROR Union


John Johnson although a man, was employed by the
Lady Truck Drivers Association :. walking dele
gate to elevate and increase the of organized
labor. Mr.. Johnson was a Conscientious man, and
filed his responsible place with great credit to the
lady truck-drvers. He who went care
fully into the details of his profession and he believed
that nothing which could in the slightest degree affect
the interests Of organized labor the comfort Of
working men and women was too insignificant for notice
How made the acquaintance OF Mr. johnson is Of no
particular consequence, but 1t was the result of
chance meeting and long argument, in which should
have convinced him that capitalists had rights II
l had not acknowledged that workr gmen had rights
also. Mr.. johnson should have been missionary.
once I had expressed the opinion that workingmcn
had some rights, he insisted that should the
grovelllng condition TO which they had been reduced
by capitalism, and the great work which organized
labor in general, and the Lady Truck Drivers Asso-
citation in particular doing for their emancipation.
promised and appointed a day.
When the day arrived and I met Mr.. Johnson,
found him in extremely eXcitable frame of mind.
"Quick" said he, " there is not moment to lose.
The greatest mi stce is being done this minute by the
paid hirelings of capitalists"
In silence, and with heart beating at the thought
that l should crowded mass of human
beings, all but slaves, toiling without hope, amid
loatfsome surroundings, followed the rapid strides
OF the self-sacrifclng representative of the Lady
Truck Drivers Association.
Through labyrinth of dirty streets, said to be clean
by the Commissioner of Street-Cleanng, followed the
form Of the incensed walking delegate At last we
reached street where fat house being built, and
noted with satisfaction that the many workmcn
seemed cheerful and contented at their work
This is the battlefield where the forces of labor and
capital meet equal ground" said Mr.. Johnson,
breaking in upon my pleasant fancies
Il see no cruelty injustice being inflicted on
these happy worlmen," said.
Mr.. Johnson groaned horribly "No injustice!' lie
cried, "no cruelty Why, man alive, you can smell
Il In the airl"
1t was true, I smced something, but 1 had always
thought it the result Of the cruelty Of the Com
missioner OF Street Cleaning, and of injustice to the
taxpayer. / was silent.
"You are convinced" he cried. "Come, follow me
and see the chains Of test poor slaves fall at their
feet when they assert their manhood"
Strengthening himself up, Mr.. Johnson walked toward
the building until he reached the workmen.
"Boys!" he cried In a come to-dnner tone Of voice.
You must stop work at once. This job is struck"
"Tlls Job is struck" repeated from To
man, and while cheerfuly complied with the
order to quit work others fingered sullenly for they
had families to support
Mr. Johnson heaved sigh of relief. "Thank
heaven n he exclaimed. Our rights have been main
talned Now for the paperhangers."
"But / see no fallen chains" said somewhat ir-
resoutely.
didn't you7' replied Mr.. Johnson. "Well they
fell Just the same from the breasts of those men,
They the bonds forged in the furnace of capt.
talistic oppression" The argument II such II could
be called, was unanswerabe from his point of view.
However wishing to learn the nature of these bonds
asked what the trouble
"The trouble Isl replied Mr.. Johnson that those
have been forced 10 climb up 'scab' ladders aud
some of them have been TO go up two rounds at
a time Beside this, the foreman forced, yes abso-
lutly forced, union man TO run the grOwler for
pool beer, thereby trucking to gigantic and nlqu
tous combination Of capitalists who are sucking the
life blood Of workngmen by refusing to recognize the
union"
IL was to a large and handsome house In Flfthave
that Mr.. Johnson led the Here members
Of the shakespearean Paper Hangers Union hard
at work paperlng the walls. Mr. johnson ordered
them to quit work.
"What Is the matter?' / asked
"Matter enough" he grOwled. "They have been
using Scab -four In their paste flour which has been
boycottcd by the SunfOur Labor Club Of Oches ter"
We walked toward the East Side.
My friend" said the labor emancipation, Z" have
an important dnty TO perform. and you can wait
for me in this barroom. I'M one OF the committee
proprietor Of meeting room and request him to
put a union doorltnob the door. under penalty
OF being boycotted. We union men must stand by
each otlIer.'
/ assured Mr.. johnson that had an engagement
and could not wait. and / jumped upon a boy
ootted horsecar like a flash, ! solved the "labor
question "make woringmen Of walking delegates and
capitalists OF workngmen.
A child xyae aeked what dust WAS and She said I.