Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-05
Rack to the Mines!

Wise colnsels have prevailed at Scranton
and the coal miners have voted not to
strike. This Is good news. the best of news
indeed for the public and for those who
believe in orderly processes of Industrial
adjustment The country will be spared the
demoralzng spectacle of clashes between
the forces OF the law and those of disorder
and destruction Lives will be preserved
Millions of dollars In wages, profits and
costs Will be saved. Business will be spared
a serious disturbance 1t is indeed inpos-
sible even IN the light OF the experience OF
1902. to estimate the full consequences OF
this decision.
The miners are to be congratulated upon
their good Judgment in avoiding an issue
IN which they would from the outset lack
public sympathy. 1t was proved in 1902 that
a way is always open to peaceable adjust
ment The work OF the strike commission
named by the President was well done
that the country accepted 1t as a demon
stration that arbitration is always feasible
and fair. The process of solving incidental
issues arising from time to time, provided
by the commission in the Cancellation boards,
met the necessities of practical everyday
management In practice these boards have
rendered their decisions In a manner to meet
the real needs of the cases. They have at
all events accomplished the great good or
averting small strikes and causing losses
20 the miners in wages.
The operators of the mines are TO be con-
graduated upon the prospect of continued
activity at the mines and the avoidance of
the necessity-sOme might say the OPP
portunity-of mulcting the public In high
prices during the summer and autumn De-
spite the feeling on the part of the average
man that the strike responsibility lay chiefly
with the miners, there is a strong prejudice
gainst the mine owners, who are phiorled
ir public sentiment as a trust. In the nego-
tiatiuus of the past few months the oper-
ators have displayed much more consider
ate regard for the public welfare than they
have heretofore In similar situations.
The public is 10 be congratulated because
the avoidance of q strike saves money TO II
by the tens of millions. Furthermore,
this result shows that both sides are now
regardful for the attitude OF the country
toward them The two broad doctrines are
growing in favor as strikes continue to oc-
cur. that for the public ownership of the
mines and that for compulsory arbitration.
II will not require many more general ces-
sations of labor IN industries which affect
the urgent needs OF the people to crystalline
"a determined national sentiment in one
or the other direction.
When this subject inquired into by
The Star last autumn the conclusion reached
was that the danger of a strike and the
dangers 10 be apprehended from strike
were so great that the chances favored
peace. The event proves this to have been
u correct estimate of the case. The opera
tors had prepared for the struggle in a
manner 10 ensure d determined fight. The
Of
determined to meet force with force and to
put down disorders with strong hand A
strike prolonged for months would probably
have been productive of unprecedented
and terrible situation. with lives sacrificed
by the hundreds and property values de-
stroyed by the millions Fortunately these
dangers have been sanely realized and to-
days decision points the way TO immediate
and, 1t is to be hoped. lasting peace.