The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-19
ENOUGH OF DEMAGOGIsM.

When Richard Mc(iuy made the
statement at the mass meeting OF
Olneyville strikers Monday afternoon
that a committee had been appointed
to confer with the manufacturers there
were some persons who accepted IT as
true, and looked forward to speedy
settlement of the trouble. How little
ground there was for their hopes Is now
made clear through the announcement
that no advances will be made on be-
half of the operatives.
The News placed no reliance on Mr..
McGuy's statement when it was made
because it regarded it simply as make
shift to escape the dilemma in which
he found himself when Mr.. Carroll told
the strikers it was their duty to confer
with their employers through commit
tee. We had not then nor have we now
any confidence in Mr.. McGuy's sincerity.
We have, however, firm conviction,
which is being strengthened by every
new development in this deplorable
affair, that-he is doing irreparable in
jury 10 the cause OF the strikers by
thwarting every movement looking to
meeting between the operatives and the
mill owners.
He has proven himself to be simply
and solely labor agitator whose coun-
sci is bad and leadership worse. Is it
conceivable that any disinterested
friend Of the Olneyville operatives
would under existing conditions pre-
vent compromise when the result must
be prolonged privation and suffering? -?
Mr.. McGuy knows better perhaps than
any one else the condition of the strikers,
he knows that but few OF them are far
removed from actual want; that each
days idleness brings them nearer the
point where it will be impossible for
them to obtain the barest necessaries Of
life, where they must accept the offer
ings of the charitably disposed or starve.
All this he knows only too well and
yet he stubbornly stands in the way of
settlement and grandiloquently de-
clares 1--WE will hold out for year uu-
less the mill owners come 10 u.s."
Brave talk this, but it is to he remem.
bered it comes from one who as the
professional friend OF the workingman
has an assured income. Neither he nor
those dependent upon him are in danger
of suffering from hunger, but how will
it be with the Olneyville operatives?
When the landlord demands his rent
will Mr.. McGuy be ON hand to settle
his claim? When the grocer and
market man present their bills will Mr..
McGuy play the real friend in need by
paying them? When the coal-bin is
empty and the woodpile has disap-
peared, will Mr.. McGuy then fill the
one and renew the other?
We fear not. The labor agitator's
philanthropic efforts do not extend
beyond himself. He is the breeder of
discomfort and strife but never the
reliever Of distress or suffering.
Such man is unfit for the responsible
task of conducting the affairs of honest
toiers, and if the Olneyville operatives
are wise, if they are guided by reason
they will reject his counsel aud repu-
date his leadership. If they expect to
retain the sympathy and obtain the sup
port of the people they will appoint
committee at once to meet the manu-
facturers. BY longer refusing to do so
they will ALLEVIATE public sentiment and
leave themselves practically helpless to
face the rigors of the coming winter.
The demagogues have had their day.
1t is now time for the sensible workers
to act in their own behalf.