Evening star., 1901-07-16
TACT, NOT TORCH
Rules Upon Which Steel Strike is
Being Conducted.
INSTRUCTIONS AGAINST VIOLENCE
Statement by Mr.. Frank Morrison
of Federation of Labor.
PAST LABOR DISTURBANCES

Now that the great strike of American
steel workers-the first consequential labor
disturbance of the new century-is on, the
eyes of the country have turned in the di-
rection of the affected district with the
view of observing just how this gigantic
ebullition of labor sentiment is to progress
and end. Past history shows that such
great strikes have almost Invariably re-
suited in human injury, and in many cases
death; the vast destruction Of property
and the mobilization of the police and
military to quell disorder. The question be-
ing asked is: Will history but repeat itself
or will advanced ideas and methods tend to
throw the whole subject into the channel
of diplomacy and effect an amicable and
satisfactory conclusion by moral rather
than physical means?
Representatives of labor organizations
in Washington declare that that element Is
now so thoroughly compact and disciplined
that violence in the steel regions is but
the remotest possibility. Secretary Morri-
son of the American Federation of Labor
said to Star reporter today he was con-
fident from reports which had been re-
ceived at headquarters that If there was
violent outbreak among the strikers 1t
would be caused by some one not recog-
nized by the union or by some one aligned
could only arise either through some IT.
responsible individual with ak to grind
or by some agent of the employers seeking
to create feeling throughout the country
against the workingman and his organtza-
ton.
All of the strikers either belong to the
American Federation of Labor or to an
organization-the Amalgamated Associa-
ton of Steel Workers affiliated with 1t.
These men, while upon a strike, will be
guided by the advice Of an executive COM
mittee, appointed as an intermediary be-
tween employers and employees while that
committee will in turn depend upon head
quarters here to some extent In framing their
actions and conclusions. Instructions Of
the most specific and stringent nature have
been given to every man involved to keep
away from his place Of employment, and
to conduct himself along the most orderly
lines. The organization aims to avoid even
the slightest friction, and 1t Is proposed to
settle the differences prevailing through
the exercise of tact rather than by violence
and intimidation.
Violence Never IndOrsed.
In speaking OF the matter, Mr.. Morrison
said:
"Organized labor has never instituted
strike that has indorsed destruction Of pri-
vate or public property. When the organi-
cation orders a strike it's members are
placed under the strongest possible system
of discipline. Every man is cautioned
against violence. He is told to remain at
his home as much as possible. Under no
circumstances must he commit or connive
at any act tending to destruction or vto-
lence. Go home and stay there is the
keynote that is given by our leaders to the
striker, and in the present situation that
edfct has gone forth with unusual en-
phasis. In my Judgment there will be no
violence during the progress of this strike.
1t will all be settled, l believe, in a tactful.
diplomatic manner. Such was the case in
the anthracite strike in the coal regions OF
Pennsylvania last year. Thousands OF men
were involved but there was no rioting;
in fact, there was no violence of any kind.
Some Of the workingmen may have been
Kissed and hooted but where do not such
demonstrations occur? They happen at our
theaters. upon our streets and almost
everywhere in public No one was injured
in this strike and no property was de-
stroyed. l think the steel strike will be
fought out along the same lines. When a
conclusion is reached satisfactory to both
factions in contention 1t will be arrived at
by sober. studied agreement and not by in
ttmidation.
'If you will view the history Of all the
great strikes Of the country you will readi-
iy perceive that incidental violence has
been instigated. In a great many cases, by
agents of the employers, who have per-
formed some ilegitlmate act in manner
rejecting discredit upon the workingmen
in order that the sympathy of the country
might be aroused. In many cases inJunc-
tions have been secured at the behest Of
tne employers Whcn nave but fOmented
the trouble and caused angry outbreaks
All such DEGREES, you will find upon inves-
tigatOn, have been secured for the purpose
of intimidation Their effect upon the stu-
alton has been detrimental rather than
beneficial and the facts prove that the
strikers have very seldom taken the initia-
tive in these proceedings which inevitably
lead to more serious trouble.
History of Strikes.
1.-The history of all strikes by laboring
men is usually about as follows: The en-
ployes demand more wages or other condi-
tions of various tenor conducting to their
betterment. They appoint committee to
call upon the employers and lay their de-
mands before them. That committee rep
resenting the laboring body, makes known
It's demands and then awaits reply If
the company or Individual employing the
men refuses to comply with such demands.
even, as In great many
cases, refuses to meet the commit
tee, there are but two alternatives
for the dissatisfied. One Is for them
to remain at work at the wages they have
been receiving. or even at a less rate, or
cease work until such time the employer
shall decide to have a conference with rep
resentatiyes of the strikers, with a view to
reaching an equitable and agreeable settle