The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-05-07
TWEEN CAPITAL AND LABOR.
Continued from Eighth Page.)

Continued from Eighth Page)
interest on the investment We see just
| here danger threatens When materials
are already high, then add expensive labor
that must be utilized in the erection of
buildings 1t makes the cot to the in
weston so high that he may deem the in
yestment neither desirable nor profitable
suppose this becomes a general condition
ali investors refuse to invest work stops
and there are no jobs on which to strike;
then hearts are wrung by anguish when
we see our families without the necessary
clothing, and hear our children cry for
bread, and we are unable to earn dollar
70 comfort them. because there
not so bad as they might be
Then there is the general public, and
each one is part Of that public, and owes
certain duties to that public, and must be
held accountable for their conduct by that
public. Now, If we stop the circulation of
money, which is the blood that sustains
the life of the commonwealth, by stobrlng
public activity and industry, all must
suffer together; for IL my finger is broken
or disjointed, my whole body suffers and
is in measure disabled. Further, If the
stopping of the activities of a community
and, therefore, the opportunities for msny
to win bread, those who are responsible I
for the cessation of labor, thereby become
the cause of the suffering; then the COM
munity at large IS under no obliga ton to
those in any sense who have brought
about the discomfortss but would he just
in rebuxing whomsoeyer they be who ave
the cause of the disturbance or discomfort.
Furthermore, If rot or violence ensues
from this disturbed condition, Ii would be
the duty of the municipality with firm
hand to put down all disturbance at any
cost, and to prevent the liberty of innocent
parties being interfered with-not only 50,
but it would become the duty Of the mu-
nicipality to meet out immediate justice to
the aggressors, as this liberty is his con-
sttutional right and is guaranteed TO him
by the constitution of the United States
Now, if the capitalist, or contractor,
can possibly allow fewer hours and higher
wages, it is his Christian duty. it is his
duty to his fellow man and to the general
public to do so, and stop condition of
affairs that must work hardships and in
jury to thousands of men, women and in
nocent children If the capitalist can,
but will not, grant these requests, because
of motives of avarice, then ne is in large
measure responsible for the existence If
the present state of things.
But if, on the other hand the grant,
ing of these demands would really result
in serious detrimtnt to investors and con-
tractors. or in the cessation of industrial
activities, or prevent the planning and
carrying on of legitimate enterprises, then
let the laborer be fair and reasonable Let
him, if this be true, say--if under existing
conditions you cannot carry on the en-
terprises in which you are engaged and
at the same time do more for us; we will
go to work and only ask that as fast as
We as individuals become more skilled,
or possess greater earning ability that
you will deal honestly and honorably with
us and do the very best you find ii in
your power to dc. Then the contractor
must as an honorable man, be true to such
an agreement.
1T is my candid belief that this prob
lem will never be solved by either party
trying to compel the other 1t has never
been helped by such efforts, but if my in
formation is correct, generally made much
worse.
II am exceedingly panied to know that
here in our quiet, beautiful, historic city,
We are in the throes of discomfort and
agitation, because of disagreement be-
tween the parties of whom | have been
speaking, and of necessity all these par !
ties, and with them every citizen of Sa-
vannah. will be injuriously affected by
the existing state of affairs, and now,
without laying the fault at any mans
door, for that would probably, directly or
indirectly, involve all of us, draw to-
ward my conclusion by offering what 1
believe to be the only solutions OF this per-
picking question: Bear We one another's
burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ
IL
in national sense, as a Christian coun-
try. If il were so in reality there would
be no such problem as the one which con-
fronts the country. For If in the Christ
like sense, the commonwealth the inves-
tors, the employers, and the employees
should more sympathize with and to-
wards each other and really bear one an
others burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ the full solution of the question
would be realized.
but II the first solution suggested is
not taken. then a second is needed, and
IL the following suggestions should be
faithfully carried out they would imme-
diately put an end to every labor and
capital strife in existence The suggestions
that j now offer are not my own, but are
from one upon whom rested the inspira-
ton and power of Gods Holy Spirit. John
the forerunner of Christ, preached In the
wilderness at the river Jordon.
Such was the character Of his preach
ing that his fame spread throughout the
regions round about and great multitudes
of people from all the walks Of life came
to hear him; when their hearts were
stirred under his frey and eloquent utter
ances of truth, causing conviction to take |
hold upon their hearts, they exclaimed |
What shall we do?' There were three |
classes who came and asked this uues-
lion. He answered them separately and in |
words suitable TO their several stations In |
lie, ana TeIerdte, lnal ii literally fOl- |
lowed by both labor and capital, strikes |
and agitations would be forever done. |
Now. l shall give them to you in their |
order.
Luke $40. reads: And the people asked, |
saying, what shall we do them? Ana the |
answer was: He that hath two coats, |
let him impart to him that hath none; |
and he that hath meat lea him do like
wiser we do not believe that this means
that charity Is to be so practiced that |
laziness and vagabondism would be en-
couraged: but, there are many about as |
who are sick or in some way disabled, who |
are only dragging out of life a p.tiful ex-
istence and that In the very cities which |
spend thousands of dollars winning and |
dining the fortunate heroes OF some bat
tie. Let the people-that means capitalist