The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-07-06
ANTIPODAL.
Two Great Authorities, Far
Apart as the Poles,
On What Should Be Done About
the Strike.
MARCUS HANNA SAYS
The Matter Should be Arbi-
trated Without Delay.
John Sherman Says 1t Will
Have to Be Fought Out.

New York, July "a dispatch to the
World from Washington says:
In speaking of the miners strike Sec
retary of State Sherman said that such
disturbances were always serious and
threatened to become injurious to busi-
ness interests. The Withholding of so
important a product as coal. if contin-
ued for a considerable period, he said,
necessarily involves a liberal increase
in price and consequently affects all
classes.
He does not believe that politics en-
terS into StrikeS-that any of the par
ties, or that either the preceding or
the present administration can be held
responsible for the existing disagree
ments between operators and miners.
Secretary Sherman said that a Solu-
ton of these problems must be found
by the employers and those in their
service. They must adjust their differ
ences in their own way and to their own
satisfaction Outside suggestions and
1nterferenceS would be resented. For
this reason he does not believe that any
general plan of arbitration for the ad-
judfcation of labor troubles, as propOS-
ed by pending congressional legislation
would be acceptable to either of the
parties, or could be made effective in
practical application. The theory is
good, he said, but the execution would
be difficult, if not impossible.
Arbitration provided by law would be
on the same principle as leading a horse
to water. The water can be provided
FfAnd the animal taken to it, but he can
not be compelled to drink.
A dispatch to the Herald from Wash
ington says:
Senator Hanna, of Ohio, in speaking
of the coal miners strike said:
Owing to the existing conditions of
business, no one can be expected to
raise wages for the present anywhere
in any line of business, and, therefore,
the strikers have chosen very unfOr-
tunate time to make their demands,
whether the latter be reasonable or not.
With better times, greater confidence
and increased demand for the product
of the mines, it ought to be possible to
give laborerS of all kinds a better re-
turn for their labor.
THAT is what we mean by prosperity
an improved condition of business,
when money is freer, operations are
carried on upon a safe, sound and pro-
itable basis, and the humblest laborer
reapS the benefit of the good times in
proportion to the value of his labor.
The hOped-fOr good times are coming.
1 believe, before long, but they will not
come suddenly, but gradually and when
business does improve employers OF Ia
Dor can listen to the grievances of the
employed. 1 do not see that they can
be expected to do so before. 1t is to be
hoped that the men will agree to sub
init the matter to arbitration and let
their troubles be settled for the pres
ent in a reasonable manner. Acts of
violence prompted by the thoughtless
passion can never accomplish anything
good.
''Of the effect of the strike on Ohio
politics, I am not prepared to say any
thing. Business disturbances always
effect the current issues one way or an
other and misunderstanding frequent
ly arise on account of them. 1 have no
apprehension personally on account of
the strike, however"
Brazil, Ind, July "a large mass
meeting of miners was held here today.
By unanimous vote, the meeting en-
dorsed the action of the miners Satur-
day in declaring a suspension. The op-
orators called a committee of the min
ers in session and argued with the men
against suspending, but it was of no
avail.