The Washington times., 1894-07-29
A LABOR SERMON.

Labor agitation must of necessity meet
with opposition. 1t antagonizes the welfare
of money-makers and awakens resentment
among people who fear disturbed conditions
Men usually make money by pinchng off the
loose ends of bargains, and they seldom hesi-
tate to cut down wages or increase prices of
commodities to accomplish their purpose. 1t
is for this reason that they deprecate organ
lied labor, or In fact any movement that has
for its object the maintenance of wages, the
Independence OF wage earners. and the regu-
lating of unsatisfactory conditions
Many prosperous people look upon wage
earners as teamsters do upon horses-good
for what they earn, so long as they are sub
nnissive and faithful. better shot after their
usefulness has departed. This sentiment may
not be expressed in exactly the language OF
these people. but in substance it is correct.
This was manifested by the press and in pub
lie declarations during the late strike
Clearly, the Pullman employees were justi-
fed in their attemp. to make their grievances
heard. The American Railway Union en-
deavored to assist them by demanding that
railroads refuse to haul Pullman cars until
the employees were accorded a hearing of
their complaints. The Federal government
interfered and ordered trains to run. The
railroads insisted on hauling Pullman cars.
Mob violence ensued; the public took sides
with the railroads; the strikers became OBJ
jects of derision and persecution, and the
strike ended in humiliation and defeat. And
why? Because public sentiment was against
the strike wage-earners. aud any effort to OBJ
tain justice except by peaceful methods.
The lesson Of the Debs strike is that educa-
ton, the proper use of the ballot. and stronger
and more effective organization for the
salvation of wage-earners. Mental instead of
physical force must be the influence With
which to conquer, and the strength and Wis
dom OF righteous cause must be made to
overcome the cunning and strategy OF all
opponents.
Wage-earners do not know their strength,
or if understood it has heretofore been mis-
directed. With proper organization, free
from the influence of demagogues, they might
Ill every public elective office with friends of
labor, create laws in the interests OF the gen.
eral public, see that fair play and equal justice
govern on all occasions, and do away with
the necessity of strikes against oppressive
conditions. They have the votes TO bring
about this desirable result, but their ballots
are generally divided and frittered away on
unworthy candidates.
AZ rule, labor organizations prohibit po-
litical discussions at their meetings, but they
need not stop the consideration of the eligi-
bility of candidates, either for nomination or
election. II would be much better for wage
earpers if labor organizations would take
steps to defeat obnoxious measures and can
didates at the polls by their ballots, and this
can only be done by free and full discussion
OF what avail are labor organizations and
ballots If they cannot be used in the interests
OF labor. and how better can wage-earners
help themselves than by taking possession OF
our law-making bodies and by filing public
stations with friends and co-laborers? Let it
be tried through an organized effort. singing
out and discarding demagogues and chronic
office-scekers and electing honest upright
men. The result will be worth the trial
One thing, however must be remembered.
Party platforms and pledges have become
meaningless generalities in the estimation of