The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-17
THE STRIKE REVIEWED.


Sides Of the Cnse.
New York Christian Advocate.
A month ago we stated it in the words
following:
There are two sides to this strike. In
our opinion it could be settled with the
greatest ease IL the union did not require
the operators to recognize il exclusively
and to refuse to employ any persons who
do not belong to the union. The despotism
of organized labor and the despotism OF or
gained capital are two forms of despotism.
Recently we spoke of them as two great
Juggernauts, and so they are.
"Our creed is that every man has an alb
solute right to work when, how and where
he pleases, that is, to dispose of his labor
as he pleases as to wages, employer and
occupation; and that every employer has
right to choose those who work for him.
"Our sympathies in any struggle where
that is the main issue are with the side
whose inalienable rights under these two
propositions are being assailed."
In March. 1902. at the convention held in
Shamokin. this resolution was passed:
Members shall suspend operations at coli
lieries where nonunion men fail to join or
ganiZations." And prior TO that, In lyVl, a
resolution was passed In the First district
convention making it Compulsory on the
part of any men employed in and around
the mines to become members OF the United
Mine Workers Association.
We also noted that when the order Tor
the practical closing of the mines was
made there was great difference v OF opln aon
more refused and continued TO work by dis
obeying the order of the union. THESE were
separated from union labor and ignomin-
iously called ''scabs." Divers miners de-
termined that these men should not go TO
work for the preservation OF the mine prop.
erty, but stopped them on the highway ana
turned them back; If they refused. force
enough was used to prevent them from
reaching their work.
We believe in the right OF labor TO organ
ize and to form unions. and have always
defended il.
Further, we hold that II would be i'm
possible for labor to exert any permanent
influence without some kind or organiza-
ton. Capital can easily organize because
il is held by corporations managed by
heads. There is no practical or legal OBJ
lection to leaders I'm labor organizations;
for no organisation can exist long with,
out a leader. Labor could never contend
with capital without organization and with
out official leaders; and II capital should
declare that it would employ no men who
belonged to a labor organization, while II
might have the legal right TO do so, we
should regard Ii as serious alteration or
judgment.
Shamokin resolution explicitly declared, we
deem 1T within the right of employers and
to be a sound exercise OF Judgment neces-
sary TO the preservation OF self-respect
and the control OF ones possessions. TO re-
fuse to make such a surrender
All violence against nonunion men has
the spirit of anarchy. The perpetrators
are anarchists, and those who cheer them
on are abettorS.
Miners should have the legal right to
ask for more pay. Operators should have
the legal right to refuse it. Miners should
hoxr tn
legal right to refuse arbitration.
II operators refuse 10 employ men who
belong to labor organizations, miners are
outraged by the proposition.
When miners demand that in order to
secure their services operators should agree
to employ only those who belong TO labor
organizations, operators are outraged, as
also are men who wish to work but DO not
wish to join the union. II operators en-
ploy members of labor organizations who
threaten TO strike because the SAID oper-
ators employ some who do not belong to
such labor organizations, or IL some OF their
employees belonging to labor organizations
attack and abuse those who do not so be-
long, operators have the moral and legal
right to discharge such employees.
Further. employers have the moral and
legal right to discharge employees with
whom they are not satisfied; and employees
have the moral and legal right TO leave
employers with whom they are not satis-
| fed
when miners strike for higher pay or
their proper sphere. When employers find
IL necessary to reduce rates or wages. they
are within their sphere.
In the majority of instances wise en-
| ployers and judicious employees can and do
| come to an understanding. When they do
| not, arbitration may with propriety be re-
| sorted TO II both parties consent Foolish
| strikes and foolish refusals OF just de-
mands teach wisdom by their cost. Pub
| lie sentiment also. a high court, tends
| to produce just action.
| Compulsory arbitration could be made
| to coalesce with absolute monarchy or
state socialism. but IL is not compatible
| with free government. That hardships are
| felt by the people outside OF employers
and employees, as the result OF strikes. is
| always the case where the necessities Of
| life are involved But this is not a reason
| for the governments interfering with the
| rights of owners and employees. any more
! than for its interfering with the right OF
| strikers to refuse TO work unless satisfied
| with work hours and wages. These are
our principles. and from the beginning this
| strike has seemed TO i'll advised. be-
| cause IL demanded a recognition Of the
| union TO the exclusion OF nonunion work
ers. and later because the leaders have not
| been sufficiently earnest I'm discountenanc-
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