The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-12
THE SrRIhE Frs.
Both Sides ss Firm as Ever-A Communities
ton From Pax.

There is nothing new in the condition of
the strikers at the Richmond Locomotive and
Machine Works The men say they will yet
win the fight. and the management OF the
worns say that they consider the fight at an
end and that no relation now exists between
them and the strikers. The following has
been sent 10 THE TrMEs for publication:
Like many other citizens. | have taken
great interest in tho present strike IN the
Richmond Locomotive and Machine Works.
and I am glad TO see that the columns OF our
papers have with great fairness been opened
20 both sides.
| think it quite clear that II the strisegs
can make out a case of oppression, the puolc
opinion will at once take side with them.
Nobody can deny that while great industrial
establishments are Of vast benefit to the com
munity. yet a robust, honest and indie
pendent yeomanry IS of yet greater
value. being the very life of our
body polite Trade guilds have been Of great
service IN this last particular. aud II has boon
only occasional that their action has been un-
wise or tyrannical; | think may safely say.
too, that the people here look with pride on
the works at the end of Seventh street,
aud II Is the general impression here that their
directory is not inclined o. act harshly or arbi-
trarily The large body of skilled mechanics
there has been source Of great satisfaction
here also, being mostly our OWL Southern
men.
see from the strikers an exact and precise
statement Of wherein they had been wronged
aud wherein they sought redress. The mani
festoos of the Press Committed have been
so vague and abstract that have had 20 rely
upon occasional statements III the papers 10
ascertain what was tho exact cause OF the
trouble. There is o proper and eviden, desire
on the part of the strikers TO enlist public
opinion on their side. an exact and complete
statement Of their grievance would go far IN
this direction. strike does not argue an
undoubted grievance.
Cannot something be said also on these
points 10 enllghten my mind and others;
l. Has the management at the works" ex-
hibited disposition to act oppressiyely towards
their employees? and has there been q cordial
feeling between employer and employe.
2. How does the pay at the works" com:
pare with that IN other similar works and
what solicitude for comfort Of mechanics has
the directory exhibited.
g. III similar act had been done in tho
Baldwin Locomotive Works or elsewhere,
woald the mechanics have considered them
selves aggrieyedy
(. What proportion Of those now out on the
strike have gone out willingly, and what be-
cause ordered out by the union.
o. II has been alleged that Foreman Seal
changed Hansford 10 the forbidden work
without knowing or being Informed at tho
tme that the change was offensive TO the
union.
6. II has been alleged that many union
workers in the department, into which Hans
ford was promoted, have worked no longer at
the trade than he.
T. 10 is not quite plain 10 me by what right
the strikers have established Gordon Of SEN
tinel- around the works They have no moro
connection with the institution than the editor
Of this paper. Is this for peaceful remon-
STRANGE with newcomers. or 10 abuse and
threaten2
T. have never yet seen the proprlety OF
applying such an offensive term as "scab" to
any honest, peaceable citizen.
am in no way connected with either OF the
parties in controversy. and before | take side
with either would like TO be right.
sincerely wish the parties could agree TO
some terms. PAX.