Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-03
TERMS OF THE DISPATCH.
PITTsBURG, FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1871.
POwDERLY's ADVICE PROVEN GOOD


That particular development of the
building trades strike which attracts most
interest has been the united front pre-
sented by the employers in resistance to
the demands of the men. In no previous
strike or lockout hereabouts was there
any such attempt at resolute organization
as the Builders Exchange. The strikes
formerly were for the most part against
individual employers who soon succumbed.
Where employers as body resisted, it was
usually no more than an ineffective protest.
1t would be most instructive, if it were
possible, to find out the causes which led
each individual employer into such firm
allegiance to the Builders Exchange. To
assume that they were all so hotly op-
posed TO the mere advance of wages
would probably be mistake. Rather it
NAV be inferred that some of them had
contracts in view which might be filled
with a profit even at the advanced cost
of labor, and which they nevertheless were
willing TO forego by the resistance and
DELAY. The statement has been made, and
it is worth while to ponder it, that many
of the contractors were driven into their
hard and fast league because of the CON-
plications of authority attempted to be ex-
ercised by labor officials of the different
trades in aiming to carry on a vast system
of jurisdiction over all the details of busi-
ness, practically taking direction of it out
of the employers hands. The profession
is openly made that numerous and -unfor-
seen exactions arising from this cause had
as much, if actually not more, to do in
producing the effective organization of the
Builders League than the mere advance
demanded in wages.
If this be true-and the parties in inter-
est may be supposed to know just what
weight to attach to 1.-THE matter is one
that may prof1tably be reflected upon. One
of the ablest of labor leaders, T. Y.
Powderly, has constantly advised against
strikes or stubborn disputes upon small
matters, which, if an amicable or reason
able spirit existed in place of mere desire
upon one side or other to assert power,
might quickly be composed. Some labor
organizations, notably the Amalgamated
Association of Iron and Steel Workers, are
governed with such discretion, and their
officials are so opposed to strikes that,
while firm in the demands they believe the
state of the industry to warrant they are
careful whenever possible to avoid dis
putes and eager to settle them when un-
wisely precipitated. They never wish to
force suspension of work or breed feel
ing Of settled hostility. This seems to be
the policy for trades unions which would
prosper. 1t is the policy we believe of the
great majority of the workingmen-but
sometimes a different feeling seems to ami
nate some of those clothed with tempo
rary official authority. No matter what
demagogues say, employer and employed
are not naturally at war. Harmony and
friendly cooperation are, on the contrary,
the necessary conditions of prosecuting the
business success upon which alike capital
and labor mutually depend. The spirit of
force, tyranny or harsh exaction is equally
unwise and unworthy upon either side
and, as it surely reacts in time it is spirit
which self-interest equally with practice
should always suggest to be avoided
If these truths had been faithfully recog-
nized in the building industry would the
existing strike have occurred?