Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-17
THE GREAT COAL srRiks ENDED.

THE GREAT COAL sTRIKE ENDBn.
II would be quite impossible to over
state the feeling Of public qualification
with which the ending Of the anthracite
coal strike is regarded, not only because
It means that a great public demand
will be met, but also that a most threat
enlng danger to the peace Of the country
is averted. The deprivation Of the great
body Of anthracite coal Of
their usual supply would have been an
almost Unreasonable calamity. 1t is
quite impossible to conceive how great
would have been it's Ill effects. But wen
more serious would nave been the posi-
bilities Of violence and lawlessness as n
result Of the protraction Of the struggle
into the winter, when the miners and
their families would have peer subjected
to hardships and sufferings of the sever
est nature. In such circumstances not
even the military power of the state of
Pennsylvania would have been able to
preserve the peace and prevent out
breaks of the most disastrous character.
Nor, indeed, would such disturbances
have been confined to the mining
regions. Wherever the people were un-
able to obtain a sufficient supply of coal
there would be liability to serious
trouble.
The danger to the public peace and
welfare has been averted. The most
momentous labor struggle in the history
Of the United States has been termi-
mated. The great forces of combined
capital and organized labor have agreed
to submit their controversy to arbitra-
ton and to accept the result under con-
ditions which will insure peace between
them for several years. 1t is a most val
liable victory for the principle of arbi-
tration that cannot fail to have a far
reaching influence, and it is to be borne
in mind that in this instance labor rather
than capital is entitled to the credit. The
first proposition for arbitration came not
from the operators but from the miners
and for the victory Of that principle
justice requires that the latter receive
the honor.
Another consideration is that the re-
suit is a magnificent recognition of the
potency Of public opinion. The coal
operators had most conclusive evidence
that the popular judgment was over
whelmlngly against them. Their arbi-
trary and arrogant position was con-
demned on every hand. Their claims
found no couDtananca or Sunnoy+ o,tvi5o
the circles of monopoly. Their war upon
organized labor was universally repro
bated. Their Indifference to the public
interests and welfare was Indignantly
resented by the great majority of the
people. Finally forced to realize this
they came to the conclusion that it was
the wiser policy to yield.
Another point of Importance is the
recognition of organized labor In the
commission named by President Roose-
welt. The proposal of the operators ex-
cluded organized labor, but one member
of the commission is the chief of a union
n a man Of more than ordinary ability
In that capacity, whom the miners can
depend upon to honestly and candidly
care for their interests. Finally, the
country will not fail to recognize and ap-
preciate the great credit due to Presi-
dent Roosevelt for bringing about this
settlement Of the most serious labor con-
fict the country has ever known. No
commentator of the president for his
course in this matter can be too hearty
or earnest. Disclaiming all official
power or authority, he has acted wholly
with reference to the general interest
and welfare and in a way to convince
all parties concerned of their RESPONSE
billty and their duty. President Roose-
welt has shown In this difficult and deli
cate matter a judgement and discretion
OF the highest order.
This titanic conflict between capital
and labor has it's lessons for statesmen
and all who are concerned for the ma
terial, political and social welfare of the
American people. Its settlement is cause
for general qualification, but there is
something yet TO be done for averting
the recurrence of so disturbing and
dangerous a trouble. The American peo-
pie must not be periodically subjected
to such a menace to their welfare and
peace.