The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-08-19
PICKET SHOTS.
From Both Long and Short
Range.
PortentiOus omens of a Mighty Con-
flict that Must Soon Reach
Its Crisis.
American Drawn aud Brain It Wal
Shortly BE Determined.

As all along anticipated, the con.
test at Homestead has settled down 10
a question OF endurance between tho
forces Of organized capital aud organ
lied labor The principle at issue is
clearly defined. Capital asserts that
the rights Of property hpve become
established beyond question by long
series OF legislation, and that every
conclusion OF both common and statu-
tory law is upon the side OF the Car
negie company. 1t Is undoubtly true
that if there is any flaw in this argu-
meDt, it results from the nature Of the
case and not from the disposition Of
the lawmakers to legislate in the in
terest OF property against the rights
OF man. If public sentiment was with
the side OF the Carnegie company
nothing could save organized labor
from entire destruction in this con-
test. The machine to do this has
been prepared, but that subtitle power
calleu public opinion, prevents IL do
ing perfect job. Under the power
of public sympathy with The locked
out men the Pinkerton thug business
was hurled back to a detestable de-
structiOn. Under the same power the
civil army OF the sheriff OF Allegheny
county fell helpless and under the
same silent but irresistible influence
the militia OF the ST tie OF Pennsylva-
MIA is a helpless incubus. 1t is a
protection that does not protect"
the one thing that Carnegie needs to
have protected.
The militia has been in overwhelm-
ing force ut Homestead for over q
week, but it has as yet done nothing
that Carnegie wants done, Six mil
lions OF American worklngmen wait 10
see whether the militia will attempt
to destroy organized labor. The issue
is now an open one. Mr.. FriciS de.
clares that he would not permit union
men to work and that he relied upon
the military power to protect him in
the destruction OF the unions.
The militia can never do this. II Is
nothing itself but the power OF union
over non union. How then can 1t at-
tempt TO destroy organization without
destroying itsellP The militia exists
only by the will of the people, and
the power that makes can unmake
whenever il assumes 10 take sides
with capital against labor. The pro.
blem with Gov. Patlison is going to be
how to get his military out OF the
scrape. viii they fight or back out!
The militia can not stay there forever.
II they leave now, what have they &C.
complishedp II they stay, what will
they 6op When it is demonstrated
that plutocracy can only operate IT.
works by the aid OF military despot
ism, then another chapter will bt
begun.
But should Mr.. Frick succeed ii
starting his mills with non-union mer
his troubles are not ended. The wal
will be extended. All organized LABOR
will be drawn into the light, The
mills and the product will be boycott
led throughout tho world. The rail
road men will not handle cars loaded
with its material; its structural iror
will not be popular in any city OF The
country. The politicians will no
dare to use its hrrnor plates for the
navy. The carpenters ard the mason'
will not work on It's buildings OF
where los material is used.
The fight Is Il vital one. The Car
negie company must be beaten or all
organized labor must disband