New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-08-20
THE STRIKE AND ONE Or I'm LEoooNo'

THE STRIKE IND ONE Or ITS LESSONS.
The massns of troops at Buffalo mas restored
order and will preserve it, at least so long as
the troops remain on guard. II Inc declaia-
tons of Sweeney, the Official leader Oh inc
striking switchnen, could be accepted the sol
dicrS might depart at any time ana Inueed
neo& not have taken the fold at all. but, I'M
happily, Swecney's avOwals are not safe basis
for action. To Judge of what would probably
happen il the soldiers were withdrawn we must
consider what actually happened before their
ADD aiancc on the scene. Property was de-
stroyed, traffic was interrupted by violence,
lives were endangered and mi scelancous out
RACES were committed against the rights OF
individuals and the peace OF the state. The
Grand Master declares that these intolcrable
acts were done by rascals WHIP do not belong
to the organization. and for which the Grganlza-
ton is not responsible. I}e so says that they
were done by the railroad corporations them
selves for the purpose OF divcrtiRg popular
sympathy from the strikers. The one state
ment is as false as the other. though the latter
is rather the more prepoetOrons of the two.
The public knows that the laws were fagranly
violated at and near Buffalo, in the supposed
INTEREST Oh tuc StIihClS, lOi StNN'si 49, "N"'~
the troops arrived, and il has good reason TO
believe that the laws are now sullenly Obcyed
only because the troops are on the spot III
overwhelming force 1t should be added that
the citizsn soldiers have given an Impressive
proof of discipline and loyalty. They arc moi
under arms for the pleasure OF campaigning
but in the discharge of wcighty obligation to
the state and their alacrity and obedience are
most admirable and satisfactory.
Some persons who do not comprehend the
situation fully, including some OF the strikers
themselves, are urging resort ~ ARBITRATION.
But the truth is that, for the present, at least
there is nothing to afbtrate. The single duty
now discernible is the duty Of enforcing the
laws at every point and at all hazards Until
the tight OF every citizen to dispose OF his labor
and manage his property as be sees lit, suo)cc'
only to those restrictions which the majority
have consttu, ionally decreed, has been com
pleteIy indicated, the question Of hours and
wages will not require discussion. There IA no
excuse for ridiculing the State Board OF Media
ton and Arbitration. They have done, and
are doing, merely what the law under which
thew exist obliges them to do. But in this
case, as in all cases OF similar nature, 1t is
scarcely possible for them to serve uSc1ui
PURPOSE A railroad company Is under special
obligations to the State from which 1t derives
its franchise 1t is compelled to perform It's
business if by any means it is able to do So
II cannot stop to discuss and negotiate, or wait
on the slow processes of mediation. 1.-The
Evening Post" is right when it says that the
time to arbitrate is before the strike, and
espccially in railroad controversies, which can
not DO allowed to interrupt the work for which
railroads exist, and for the performance OF
which they are endowed with special privileges
and subjected to special obligations.
"The Post is also right in saying that there
is a possible field for arbitration which the law
ought to utilize, by requiring on the part OF
both railroad managers and employees reason
able notice in advance of a purpose to alter
existing terms and conditions. The Railroad
Commissioners have proposed such plan IN
several successive reports to the Legislature
and, as we have repeatedly said, 1t Is as
crcditable that no Legislature has over PAID
the least respect to the recommendation. III Is
TO be hoped that this disgraccful and costly
outbreak Of lawlessness will impress upon tho
community the Importance OF problem OF
which such system is at least possible solu-
ton. This controversy must be settled IN the
old way. which is waStcful and distressing
way. Order will be restored, and for time
sterny maintained But this is not cure.
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