The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-07-05
The Pullman Labor strike.

Editor The Times: Few events
like the Pullman strike have happened
In the history OF this country which are
50 well calculated 10 do the true interests
of the laborers great and untold harm.
The commencement Of such a strike was
the very essence of stupidity and tony.
II successful, Il will tend 10 disOrganiZe
society and will lead 10 anarchy and
misguided labOrer Will be the greatest
sufferer. Let us analyZe il: The Pull
man Car Company lowers its price lot
work on account Of the present financial
panic. Ii acts with the greatest courtesy
TO it's employees but declines arbitration.
because II knows and proposes 20 manage
its own business, and il knows that there
can be no profit In scale OF wages
higher than II agrees 10 give.
1t recognizes the fact that the legitimate
object OF business is not loss, but profit,
and the further fact that IL knows its
own business better than IL is possible
for any arbitrator TO know IL. What fol
lows? The Pullman Company has existing
contracts with many railroads 10 haul
their cars, which must be carried out In
good faith, or else the railroads will be
liable for heavy damages. The labor union
proposes 10 make these innocent compl-
MES, who are not charged with doing
anything wrong, or with making any
attack on the rights OF the laborers.
suffer vicariOusly for the sins OF the
Pullman Company and inaugurates a
strike for that purpose, which is almost
In extent cOequal with the entire country
In other words, II invades the rights of
innocent people unJusty and for an i'm
proper purpose. All men. all CORPORA
tons. all bodies Of men, including labor
unions, must stand the test and receive
the sanction OF an intelligent public opin-
ion before they can succeed in their enter
prises. Now Is there In existence an
intelligent human being who can, after
reflection, uphold these people In this
effort TO disorganiZe society? | appre-
bend not and II this is true what ought
10 be the action Of the railroad COM
panies and the Government? The answer
Is. that that action should be quick, sharp
and decisive. Wherever the malls have
been delayed or disturbed the Govern
ment ought to take prompt action and
the railroad companies should unite to-
sether in getting and uphoding new men,
who should be protected In their work
against the strikers. No compromise
should be made-indeed. none can be
made without a sacrifice of principle. and
the public should bear with equanimity
the temporary inconvenience to which
they will be subjected.
The present is as good a time as anv 10
settle the question as 10 whether one weak
and irresponsible man can. with a few SEN
fences of his pen, disOrganiZe society ana
infiict unmerited loss upon millions or
people But Tor the very large infusion Of
the Slav, Hungarian and Italian popula-.
ton, brought here by unwise Immigration
laws. such a strike would be. perhaps. i'm
possible. These ignorant people seem TO
have an idea that liberty means an IN
restrictd license TO do as they please
They do not know that liberty properly
restricted by law. is the very essence
Of republican government. and the present
is a most excellent time to each them
salutary lesson. IL a good precedent
is established, It will be in the highest
degree beneficial
A TRUE FRIEND OF THE LABoRER.