The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1911-09-01
STRIKE HISTORY.
Early Efforts of Workingmen to
Improve Their Condition.
THE ONLY MEANS AVAILABLE.

When First Inaugurated Strikes Were
Called Observation-Disclosures Must
Be Kept Sacred to Avoid State of
Servitude.
The strike of workmen against en-
ployers for a redress Of grievances is
not q new instrument in this country.
Even q half century before the sign
ing of the Declaration Of independence
strikes occurred. 1t is true they were
not of a general character. being spo-
radio and infrequent, but nevertheless
emphasized the spirit which was ris-
ing in the breasts of workmen who
were compelled to work under unfa-
vorable conditions.
Among the first Of strikes to occur
was that of the journeymen bakers in
New York city In 1741. The men en-
gaged in this strike were indicted, but
the records are Of so hazy character
that 1t cannot be determined accurate
ly as to what disposition was made
of the case, although from the best
information obtainable the men were
convicted under the indictment, but
sentence never passed.
The next strike of record occurred
in May, 1906, Of the journeymen shoe
makers in Philadelphia. A strike was
then called turnout" and was par
ticipated in for the purpose Of secur-
ing an increase in wages. These men
were also indicted in court. but the
issues involved in the controversy
were won by the striking shoemakers.
Another strike by the shoemakers in
Philadelphia was had in 1898, which
likewise proved successful, another In
crease In wages being secured. In
1899 the shoemakers again struck to
resist a reduction in wages. The
strike lasted about ten weeks, and the
shoemakers were partially successful.
The number of shoemakers involved
at this time was only about 100.
In November, 1903, strike occurred
in New York city which is commonly
known as the sailors strike. A num-
Der Of sailors who had been receiving
$40 per month demanded an increase
to $14. These sailors formed in body,
marched around the city and induced
other seamen who were employed to
leave their ships and join the strike.
The strikers were dispersed by the
constables and their leader arrested
and lodged in Jail. This strike was
unsuccessful.
In 1905 the shoemakers of Philadel-
phia again went on strike for an in
crease in wages of from % to rs cents
per pair. The strike was of six or
seven weeks duration and was only
partially successful. Growing out OF
this strike another court proceeding
was had, and the shoemakers were
found guilty Of combination to raise
their wages and were fined by the
court So each, with the cost Of the suit
A series Of strikes in the various
trades, dating from 1909 to 1885, was
had, but In the latter year number
Of merchants in Schuylkill. N. Y,
pledged themselves not to employ Ia
borers unless they would agree to
work by the day and from sunrise to
sunset, with an allowance OF one hour
to breakfast and one hour to dinner tc
June l and from that date one hour tc
breakfast and two hours to dinner, anc
then we will not give exceeding 81 pei
day to laborers." This act had the
effect Of creating change In public
, sentiment relative to conspiracy, the
position then being taken that If com
binations Of working men were wrong
. combinations of employers must alst
be wrong. This was the turning poin
which finally gave the right Of labol
the lawful right to strike.
Since this date the number of strikes
has increased, owing directly, o
course, to the increase in population
AS to the general success of all tn
strikes that have taken place. 1t ha
been apparent that the greatest gain
In increases In wages and shortening
}. Of hours through the medium OF tn
:, strikes has been among the building
trades, and there are now in the build
Ing trades alone in the United State
and Canada approximately 10000
? men who are working an eight hou
! day and at a wage 20 per cent highe
= than fifteen years ago. In the grea
contests between the employers an
workmen methods have been adopte
!, by employers and employers associa
!. lions to defeat the just cause OF worl
!. men in gaining better conditions In Of
der that an American standard OF II,
ing may be maintained. Orders Q
courts have been invoked. Through
J decision handed down by the Unite
States supreme court the organization
- Of labor are denominated Illegal con
= binations In restraint of trade, an
Z every other obstacle has been place
o. In their pathway to retard the prof.
n ress of the legitimate and justihab
L. demands Of labor. There is not lfkel
D. 10 be any cessation of hostility b
tween employer and employed so Ion
as inequalities exist. The ever cham
~ Ing evolution Of industry compe
4 workmen to constantly engage In Il
E. dustrial warfare to protect their Int
i'd. ests. The right to strike is an L
alienable right. and were it not th'
- this right is recognized our countl
would soon gravitate to one of Il
IN worst despotisms Of which history 7
cords. The great race for wealth
hn captains of industry intensifies Il
struggle, but the exercise of the RICH
- of workmen to resist unfair condition
cts of employment and inadequate wa