The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-30

outsiders what our profits will be, and
what we can afford to pay, 1t is our right
and ours only to determine whether we
will fix the wages of operatives at two
dollars per day or three dollars per day.
CAN LEAVE If THEY WANT 10.
If at any time the operatives become
dissatisfied with their wages or with dis
cipline, 1t is their undsputed right to
cease their work and leave the institu-
ton. Under the laws of the State the
owners and managers of that factory
have the right to employ other men TO
take the places of those who have left
them. Any Interference with the exer-
else OF this right is illegal. unjust, i'm
moral, unChristian and unpatrotic and
revolutionary. 1t Is nothing short OF
knavcry or insanity for any man to con-
tend that the State is not solemnly bound
to protect that institution in the control
of its own property and IN the reguiation
Of its own business.
The State, in its organic law, guaran-
tees to every citizen and subject the right
to pursue his own chosen vocation. II 1t
be a legitimate one. and to enjoy the
fruits of 1t.
If a carpenter Is offered employment
in the building of house 1t is his nat
ural and his. civil right to accept It..
ItTis his rightHto do the work which he
is offered and receive the wages rendered.
The State is under solemn compact
with that man to defend him against
any interference In the exercise OF this
right. If 1t fails to give him such pro-
lection, 1t is derelict In duty, unfaithful
to Its subjects and false to the terms Of
Its own Constitution.
You employ clerk at a salary Of fifty
dollars month. Soon afterwards he
becomes dissatisfied and asks that his
salary be raised to seventy-fve dollars
per month. You say to him, my busl-
ness will not warrant mo in giving you
that amount" He at once gives up the
position. but at the same time tells you
that he will not allow any other man
to take his place. Where Is the warrant
in law. or Justice, or religion, or reason
for such an interference with your bust
ness? Will the State quietly tolerate
such conduct? It cannot do 1t without
surrenderins the function which It is
bound by tho terms OF its Constitution
to perform. The State must protect YOU
in the exercise Of your constitutional
rights, even If 1t should require the en-
ploynent of its whole military force and
the expenditure of every dollar in its
treasury. This principle Is fundamental
and vital. TO surrender 1t is to sacrifice
personal liberty. to abandon civil govern
ment and leave the country to reign of
riot and anarchy.
When the employees of n railroad be-
come dissatisfied with the management,
and believe that their wages arc not
commensurate with their service, 1t is
their legal and moral right to Quit their
places and seek employment elsewhere.
No one would dare to disturb them in
tho exercise Of this right, But when
they cease to labor for that corporation
and band themselves together TO prevent
other men from doing the work which
they have forsaken, they array them
selves against the authority OF tho State;
they trample In the dust constitutional
liberty, and become the deadliest foes to
the peace. order and prosperity OF So
cety.
GOVERNMENT AND CONSCIENCE.
That there are thousands OF business
corporations In this country that are cor
rupt and despotic. do not doubt; that
they are paying their employees much less
than they could pay and ought to pay is
equally certain, ! have not hestated to
tell some OF them of their cruel and re-
morseless injustice. But what Is the rem