The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-19
THE STRIKE OF THE TAILoRs.

A strike Is not often a wise method of
remedying wrongs. but no man with
spark OF humanity can fail to sympathize
with the striking tailors-right or wrong.
II Is not question in this case Of more
or less wages: II Ii question whether or
not they are to die OF slow starvation
Their rebellion against the fate which is
oyertaking them is the revolt of despera-
ton. Their demand was not that of greedy
men asking for an undue proportion Of the
fruits of their labor: their demand was
pathetic plea: "Oh, take pity on US; We
are earning starvation wages now
They are the victims of the greed for
eheapness. Flocking to the already over
crowded cities from Europe. they compete
with each other. Employers take advantage
OF their offers to work for low wages. and
In turn they compete with other employing
tailors, offering their goods for sale at ever
lessening prices. The public enters into
the competition. buying Of those who retail
for the least money. and so the work of
self-destruction goes on.
BY the time the cheap goods have
reached the sale counter 1t Is too late for
remedy. II the public should offer to pay
a higher price. 1t would not go to the
undergrad worker. Whatever remedy
there may be must be applied at the initia-
ton of the work a refusal to work for
such low prices Is the natural and appro-
pirate remedy. That il the prerogative of
every man, IN any business. The refusal
OF all 10 work for the low wages would
compel an Increase. but the trouble is that
they cannot AFFORD 20 hold out. The daily
need of bread continues. and they have no
laid-up savings upon which 10 subsst
while the struggle goes on. The average
wages of the tailors is only S. a week. and
sparseiy as they may live they cannot put
by much of that sum.
The leaders know this. and were reiuc-
tant 10 order strike which. they fear. will
fail. with the result only that the workers
viii have lost Just so much time and the
wages they would have earned Since they
have decided to so out. however, It Is TO be
hoped they viii be successful. IL all en-
ployers have 20 pay the Same wages. they
will all be compelled to increase the cost to
the consumer: and rnere will be no Unjust
Ice in that.
The condition OF the men. women and
children in the sweat shops of New York
is shocking. II IL due 10 the lax laws of
immigration. which have permitted the
trades to be flooded with the cheap labor
of Europe. Five dollars a week would be
fair wages IN some parts Of the continent.
but those who are tempted to come TO this
country for that amount are unaware OF
the difference IN the cost Of living. The
conditions are not much better In similar
trades IN London and other large cities Of
Europe. bat they might have been pre-
vented In the United States IL the imml-
grafton laws Mad been more strict
The mischief Is not confined 10 those i'm
migrants. Their competition tends 20 re-
dues tho rate OF wages among Americans.
and a lower standard is set up. There ss
very much force IN the complaint Of Amer
lean workingmcn that protection should
be extended to them rs wen as 70 the man.
ufacturer. Free trade would. however. add
to the competition OF those already here
TIE competition % the hordss Of their fei-
lows In the old countries.