Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-04-22
THE STRIKE ILLOGICAL

The strike as a means of adjusting business difficult
ties is as illogical as is international war as a means Of
adjusting political differences. Except in the minds of a
few German philosophers. and a very few others of their
class, war has always been regarded as something to be
avoided II avoidance were reasonably possible. 1t is
destructive to at least one party, and is usually costly to
both. OF late there has grown a more complete recogni-
ton Of Its frightfulness and wastefulness. and the ability
Of our wtsest men has been taxed to find ways whereby
It may be avoided.
Thoughtful men everywhere are substantially agreed
that, If not Immediately, at least ultimately, all interna-
tional differences must be settled in one Of two manners.
Questions arising under international law must be set
tied. and settled absolutely, by courts created for the pur-
pose of interpreting that law, and behind whom there is
authority for the enforcement of their decisions. Ques-
lions, the subject matter of which are not covered by law.
must be submitted to international tribunals which will
make their awards on the basis of fairness and equity.
In both cases intercourse between the hations will con-
tinue without interruption. The work of the world Will
60 forward.
The strike is a measure Of industrial warfare. It
is wasteful and illogical because it damages the interests
both Of the parties Immediately concerned, and, in the
vast majority Of cases. of the entire community.
The right to quit and to seek other work is one Of
the inalienable rights Of the individual, and there can
properly be no infringement on that right. But the strike
is not an individual matter. 1t affects groups of employees
who. II the strike is to be successful. must act in coacert,
and 1t affects the general public because, if successful as
intended. 1t deprives that public Of the opportunity to OBJ
tain goods or service in the accustomed manner and at
the accustomed places.
- Most Of the differences which result in strikes are
not Of q 'justiciable nature" That is, they relate to mat
ters not covered in the statutes, and over which the courts
OF law. therefore, cannot assume jurisdiction. Usually
they are matters for investigation and adjustment on the
basis Of reason and justice. but not Of statutory Law.
Frequently they. are matters for compromise, in which
each party yields something.
A strike always comes to. an end: Sometimes ono
party wins, sometimes the other. Sometimes each side
makes concessions. But always. in some way or other,
the strike is ended. The business proceeds, and the en-
ployes resume work, there or elsewhere. In the mean
time there has been a loss Of wages to the employed, a
loss Of business to the employer, and a loss Of service to
the public.
Under a more enlightened arrangement differences
which cannot be settled amicably by the parties them
selves will be admitted to boards Of arbitration COM
posed of men known to be fair and disinterested, and the
awards made by such board will be accepted BY both
parties. In the meantime the work will have proceeded
without interruption. The employees will have continued
to perform their labors and receive their pay, the en-
ployer to dispose Of his goods. and the public to receive
the service which it needs.