The Topeka state journal., 1919-11-12
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END OF THE STRIKE.

it would end following the order is
sued by the federal court. The result
is a triumph for democratic govern
ment and American patriotism. The
coal miners have shown that when
question of loyalty to the government
is presented they still stand where
they did during the time that. we were
actively engaged in war.
Now that it is over there should be
no delay in finding a just and fair So
luton of the controversy between the
workers and their employers. Differ
ences should be adjusted so that they
will stay adjusted. 1t has been shown
that curtailment of working time in
quently has been followed by still
further shortening by the miners. with
resulting scarcity of coal and higher
prices to the consumer. This should
be remedied, the miners should be CIV
en- adequate pay and be required to
work full time.
The American Federation of Labor's
executive council might have per-
formed a distinct service to organized
labor by not being in so great a hurry.
The council had pledged the support
of that organization to the striking
coal miners. That it could have de-
livered the goods remains open to
doubt Much good sense exists in the
ranks of organized labor, and the
unions generally probably would have
to be led to, the slaughter.
Whatever the other results of the
federations stand, it has laid the foun-
dation for disruption OF the organiza-
ton. This was impending as the re-
suit OF efforts of the radicals to gain
control. The action of the executive
may easily serve to hasten
the day.
The issue in the struggle be-
tween the miners and the govern
msnt was the upholding of govern
msnt by law-the preservation OF the
the enforcement of stat
utes, and the protection OF the indi-
viduaI in his right to life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness. On an issue
of that sort it was not hard to guess
where the majority OF workingmen
would be found.
The representatives of organized Ia
Dor made their first serious mistake
when they withdrew from the indus
trial conference called by President
Wilson at Washington. 1t confirmed
the opinion held by many that no
progress can be made toward an equit-
able settlement of industrial problems
until organized labor's leaders are
made to respect obligations.
In the case of the industrial board
those leaders were willing enough to
proceed in accordance with rules
agreed on by the board; they were
willing to accept all the advantages
that might result from the conference,
but when they lost a point they
withdrew, and charged that
the game was not played fair. 1t is
of trade unions have dem
onstrated that they will either dictate
or destroy.
The withdrawal ofthe delegates un-
der the circumstances that obtained.
and in opposition to President Wilson's
expressed desire that further thought
be given to a program for industrial
harmony, must have convinced the
employers and public groups that ne
gotiations of this character are futile
unless there be q clear understanding
that labor. like the other parties to the
conference, be pledged to abide by its
decisions.
Collective bargaining was agreed to
by the representatives of the employ
ers, and it was agreed that the en-
ployes might select representatives of
their own choosing, but the employers
would not bind themselves to deal with
representatives selected from outside
of the shop personnel. Such an agree
ment would in effect bind them to a
recognition of trade unions and the
closed shop. The labor group tried to.
make it appear that the closed shop
was not the issue; that their reso1u-
tion providing for collective bargain
ing was an innocent measure, estab-
fishing a principle they declared to be
universally recognized, but when the
Joker" was revealed. and when it was
shown how the resolution was suscep-
tible of Interpretation the labor group
promptly withdrew.
The violation of labor's obligations
to continue until the various issues
were discussed and decided upon. then
to accept or reject them as a whole if
it did not consider itself bound to
abide by the decisions of the confer
ence, was so bald as to suggest that
other reasons were at the foundation.
The Japanese government is being
criticised BY the opposition for not
obtaining greater concessions at the
peace conference. This fact should