The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-12
THE LOCOMOTIVE WORKS STRIKE.
Views OF n Citizen of Chesterfield Who Sym
pathizes with Worklngmen.

Editor OF The Times:
lave taken much interest in the strike at
the Richmond Locomotive Works. and have
always read the notices of the strike as given
in THE TINES from day to day.
had hoped that this trouble would have
ended with honor 10 all concerned" long
since. but / have been sOrrOwfully dsap-
pointed. ! have the greatest sympathy for
the man who earns his living by the sweat OF
his brow: and the man who earns his living in
that manner deserves the plaudits. OF the
whole world for he Is in keeping with one OF
the laws Of the Holy Book. All honor 20
such an one
1t seems 10 me that the men who struck
for principle made fearful mistake. this
time az least. The skilled mechanic has a
perfect right TO protect his trade or his skill.
but there rs proper way IN which To do IL.
But striking-One of the evils mentioned IN
the Bible-and thus idling, positive violation
of Divine law. is not the correct way IN
which 10 contend for principle but u Is
way - brIug contempt upon themselves and
injury 10 their cause.
in order b. establish an industrial plant in
Richmond If one hundred men We're 10 say
10 five capitalists, we will agree n work GER
tain period Of time for you at some mutually
agreed-on price. and We are % operate certain
machines because Of our superior skill. and
these machines are to be operated only by
men whom We shall designate as workmen OF
competent skill, but ordinary, unskilled labor
20 be supplied by you.
If tins proposition were accepted by the
capitalists and work commenced on that
basis any violation Of this agreement on the
part # the capitalists would Justly the me-
chanics IN striking But now different ~
this supposed strike from that which now
exists nc the Richmond Locomotive Works.
There some gentlemen agreed To rear an
establishment. which has proven 70 be an
honor 20 Richmond. The contract was en-
tered into with a certain number Of mechanics.
but all the risks IF getting workmen and Of
procuring market for the products Of thes<
works We're taken by the capitalists. who there
planted their money Thus they bore all re-
sponsibilty.
The success Of the enterprise rested upon
them. Its failure would bring chagrin or
bankruptcy. lnasmuch as these are the facts
no workman has tho night 70 dictate what
other wOrkmen shall be employed there. noi
how they shall work after they are employed.
IL is entirely discretionary with the capitalists
rs 20 the manner in which their employees
shall work.
II the products turned out at these works
beinferiOr. then the capitalists must suffer.
II j. strange 20 me that these skilled men,
who seek charity themselves and without o.
cepting which they would be unable 20 MAN.
tain their position IN this contest. should Do
80 uncharitable 10 one Of their tellow-work-
men, whose only fault is that he failed TO learn1
hls trade in the manner IN which they learned
theirs.
This il not the right principle. gentle men.
hope the gentlemen will see their error.
and return 10 work at once. Ny interest 10
Richmond has prompted me 10 write.
She Is the proud capital OF the Old Domin-
ion and any calamity which befalls her
tuoches my heart sorely. CHEsrEErnLD.