The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-03-05
THE CAR STRIKE: CONSIDER
THE PUBLIC FIRST

There are a few hundred stock
holders of the street railway COM
panies; a few thousand employees.
The two groups taken together have
no interest in street car service that
is comparable to that of the hun
dreds of thousands who use it and
pay for it; who pay both the divi-
dends of one group and the wages Of
the other.
The partial tie-up of the Wash
ington street railway lines which
was inaugurated this morning came
as surprise to most of the COM
munity. Fortunately the first day Of
the strike was Sunday, bringing the
weeks lightest traffic demands. 1t
must be said, however, that neither
side has shown at any time a proper
conception of the fact that the pub
lies concern in this situation is posi-
lively the greatest, the paramount,
one.
1t is impossible at this time to de-
termine which side, employers or en-
ployes, has been least considerable Of
the community's rights. The men
are accused of calling the strike
when propositions were about to be
submitted by the companies that
might have brought amicable settle
ment. To this the men retort that
the companies had from the begin
ming shown bitter antagonism to-
ward the organization of employees,
and had deliberately discharged men
whose only offense was affiliation
with the union and participation in
the presentation of grievances.
Neither side, if this statement of the
case is accurate, has deserved the
unqualified sympathy Of the public.
The community will not overlook
the fact that the companies have
demonstrated a capacity for united
action, for common policy, for CO.
operative effort, in this crisis, that
has never marked their attitude to-
ward matters Of interest to the pub
lie in connection with service.
The companies have been able to
agree that they will fight organiza-
ton of their employees; but they
couldn't get within gunghot OF agree
ment to give the public transf,Ii!
One, at least, of the companies is
Offering increased wages and bonuses
in order to keep its men from Join
ing the strike; why not have given
those benefits TO the men n tacir
organized capacity, admitted their
right to organize and present griev-
ances, and avoided the trouble en-
tirely?
If the real essence of the COM
panies' position is the determination
to prevent their men organizing,
they will find public sentiment de-
cidedly chilly.
There ought to be mediation with
out delay, and a settlement fair to
both sides and conservative of pub
lie interest. The Secretary of Labor
has already appointed Two media
tors, men Of experience in ;uch adj
justments. 1t is to be hoped chat
their tender of good offices, or some
other like prefer of guidance, will
be accepted without delay. Neither
side can risk the possibilities of a
long strike. The power of the Fed
eral Government will be exerted to
whatever extent may be needful to
prevent untoward Incidents; and the
street railway companies must take
warning that they do not stand SO
well with sthis community, or with
Congress, as to warrant an uncom-
promising position. A continued and
serious condition in Washington, due
to such disturbance, would be a
powerful argument for public owner
ship, for which SO many other con-
ditionS have long argued.