The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-22
DIR Sinking opERATIVES.

The strike which has been inaugurated by
the operatives in many OF the iron establish
ments of this city is one that should cause
very general regret. not only on account Of
the operatives themselves, a strike being but
"a poor means of adjusting differences between
employer and cmploye, but also on account
of the manufacturers. To all who have oc-
ca-ion % keep we'll informed rs to the con-
dtion Of tine iron business. it is well known
that the present condition of that business Is
one of the very great depression Manutact-
urcrs. in the hope that more active times would
begin. have gone on accommodating large
amount of finished product, without there
being any immediate prospect OF higher
prices ormcreaseddemand The consequence
has been natural. in order to meet the exigen-
cies of their business. and b. adapt themselves
to the depressed conditions Of the market, the
manufacturers are now compelled, whatever
may bctheirprvatewishe follower wages and
10 adopt every method that Will ensure the
suictcst economy. Any other policy would
be suicidal
IN the light Of this fact, which will be ac-
a
position TO find ont the true state
of the case. the stand which the opera
tiycs in our iron establishments. who
are now ON a strike. have taken. is one that
will not bee justified by well-informed public
sentiment The reductions that are made
are reductions that are positively called for
by the dictates of the most ordinary prudence
Is this the time for our operatives to assume
stubborn and selfish attitude. and to con-
slider only their exclusive interests? Is not
such an attitude under the circumstances
now existing essentially an attitude Of eX-
trcmc folly;
II there was any reason for thinking that
our iron manufacturers were securing very
large profits from their business, in conse-
Qu.nce of any activity prevailing in the iron
trade. the question would be a different one.
The striking operatives would then be fully
justified in taking the position which they now
occupy But this is not the case 1t is aswell
known to the operatives themselves rs to their
employers that the shipments have dwindled
in consequence of the contraction of sales
To insist. therefore upon the extreme course
conduct that is indefenslble from any point of
yiew-a line Of conduct indeed that is grossly
discrcditab'e TO their good sense and good
feeling alike.
II is in such a state of affairs as that which
is now confronting our iron manufacturers,
namely, great dullncss in their business, that
our operatives in iron would show sound
ployeTs. and instead Of seeking to hamper
and obstruct them hy selfish and short
sighted course of action. meet them in a
spirit that Will materially aid all parties 10
tide over a trying period of depression which
cannot. in the nature of the case, last for any
great length of time This would be the
proper line for our striking operatives TO fol-
low. and they would find that it would result
in far more benefit TO themselves than the
course which they are now pursuing, which
can only lead 20 their own serious injury
The iron manufacturers of this city were
probably never in a better position to stand a
strike among their workmcn than now. in
consequence Of tho very large manufactured
product which they have on hand. which they
Will now have an opportunity 70 work Of
without danger of continued accumulation,
bat this fact does not alter the cor
roctness Of the principle upon which we
have dweit namely, that in times of depres-
sion i'm the mon business. not only the most
ordinary good feeling, but their best interests
demand of operatives some concessions for
the benefit OF their employers. All are in the
same boat. and a cut-throat policy on the part
of operatives when circumstances should die
tate a concihatory policy, will only end in mu-
tual damage, but the damage to the operatives
will very much preponderate