The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1903-01-01
Paper Read Before the Chautauqata Circle.

cIu0Q. OnC6 more Uno rival
forces of capital and labor
have met in battle, and after
causing untold suffering, peace again
reignS supreme. AS usual, the public
has been forced to dance to the music
of the battle, and no matter which
party to the recent controversy gains
any benefit, the public as usual pays
the expenses. OF the merits of the
different issues at stake in the coal
strike, it is not my purpose to speak.
In point of size as we'll as the finances
involved it has been very disastrous
affair Every few years some great
clash between capital and labor has
happened, not to speak of the minor
strikes that are occurring at all times
throughout the country. In reviewing
the history of these troubles, the aver
age citizen is astounded at the figures
which represent the enormous loss of
property and what is worse the awful
sacrifice of valuable lives. And yet
there is no evidence at hand to warrant
the belief that the immediate future
will produce change. That,a remedy
exists have no doubt. And it seems
strange that in this, the most enlight-
ened country in the world, with our
twentieth century civilization, we are
unable to cope with the situation
AlthO great combinations of capital
may serve to emphasize the fact that
isstlussriaa egisietio,. s-.eee<led in such
legislation, whether state or national
tariff revision or constitutional amend
ment, the remedy will not be found.
In all the great labor troubles that
have been constantly occurring during
the past quarter Of century, the
centre of the stage, so to speak, has
been held by the labor union. 1t is one
of the greatest factors in the social
problem of today. Indeed SO strong is
the position of the different labor or
CARNATIONS throughout the county,
so we'll are their forces marshalled, that
any attempt to better the existing
social conditions, without regarding
the union as dominant factor, is
doomed to certain failure.
In comparing the condition of work
ingmen here and abroad, the average
person is moved to admiration for the
system of organization that has been
in a great measure responsible for the
present enviable position of the Amer
lean workman. How has the labor
union accomplished all this? To an
swer this question we have only TO re-
view the history Of the many strikes
that have occurred up to date. 'Tis
true we would find many a bloody
page, but we must remember that with
the wolf at the door striving to gain
entrance man is driven to desperate
deeds. But must this awful war be-
tween the two great forces go on for
ever? With all our boasted Knowledge
our progress, our culture, and refine
ment, can we not find way to effect
peace? There must be some means
by which these industrial wars can be
avoided, and it bshooves the American
people to give the subject no rest until
the remedy is found and applied. One
may pick up the paper any day and
read of half dozen strikes and lock-
outs in different parts of the country
with all their attendant evils. Indeed
so common have strikes become, that
outside of the immediate vicinity of
the dispute, they seldom cause more
than passing comment. l believe the
era of strikes will soon pass away and
also believe that organized labor if it
would continue to bs power in in
dustrial affairs must resort to less bar
barous methods.
There is no truth in the statement
that great combinations of capital
have lowered the standard of wages.
Theevil that they work lies not in that
direction. Through over-capitalization
or "watered stock" they very often
force the price of commodities higher,