The Irish standard., 1919-11-22


ber that their rights and liberties are
not more extensive than the rights
and liberties of others. A right be-
comes wrong when it is carried too
far, just as liberty becomes licensed
when it goes beyond bounds.
Many serious thinkers are begin
min to ask: Is not the strike an
obsolete method of obtaining justice?
1t appeals neither to reason nor con.
science, and often sides with the
strong party rather than with right.
Labor unions hold to- it very tenaci-
Ously and with some justice, because
it is their only ultimatum. In the new
order which the world hopes to estab-
lish cannot this method of settling dis
putes and obtaining justice be re-
placed by one more reasonable, more
There seems to be no good reason
why arbitration will not in the near
future relegate the strike to the mu-
scum of social antiquities. We be-
lieve that labor and labor unions will
in the end be the gamer. When Or
ganized capital and organized labor
come to blows, too often in the past
has labor lost just case by hot
headed methods and unreliable lead
ers, as we'll as by the loss of sympathy
from the public. Generally the public
realizes the disadvantages in such
contest and, unless deceived, throws
its influence on the side of justice.
Only measures founded on justice can
hope to succeed.
A sad and serious question which is
now being discussed in many quarters
is: Shall we bring back the bodies of
our dead soldiers from Europe? The
navy is outspoken in the matter, and
strongly in favor of making it gen
eral rule. On the other hand, the
army hesitates, and looking at con-
ditions as they are, 1t is we'll to hesi-
tate before taking such a step. Cen
eral Pershing, it is said, and many
officers, are opposed to disturbing the
dead. Let them rest in the soil which
they have consecrated by their blood.
1t would be impossible to attempt any
thing like certain Identification of
over $4,000 bodies. It is easy to see
that 1t would be a large task as we'll
as CHASTITY work to bring the bodies of
so many dead without confusion and
perhaps disease.
However, there is sentimental side
to the question, and in such matters
sentiment has legitimate role. Many
parents will say justly, we gave our
son to the country and the least the
body, that we may know where it rests
and bring anon our Offering of flowers
to decorate his resting place as we'll
as to feel that we can kneel beside his
grave and pray for his soul. Perhaps
this is a case where the wishes of the
people should be consulted; at least,
it seems that the government should
consult the wish of the majority.
It Is always painful to see man Of
position and intelligence make fool
of himself. Men who are addicted to
drink are more apt to- do this par
ticular act than others; but many good
citizens are wondering how in dry
Washington, where the laws are made,
Senators can, not only obtain mint
juleps, gin rickeys, high balls, pink
garters, ETC., but even with a cargo
aboard that is distinctly lopsided at
tempt to stand in the Senate and ha-
rangue that august body.
Senator Williams has several times
of late attempted this feat, and to the
chagrin Of some of his fellow Senators
has been unable to maintain the dig
nifty and sobriety which the country
has right to expect in the Senate
Chamber. When a fellow member has
to answer the roll call and explain
that Senator Williams is detained by
important business. while the august
assembly smokers, It savors too much
of vaudeville. 1t is just such conduct
that makes not only lawmakers, but
laws an object Of contempt. Senate
rial privileges should not be carried
to that extreme. We suggest that the
Sergeant-at.Arms be empowered to re-
move or prevent an intoxicated Sena-
tor from taking part in the proceed
ings and advertising to his fellow Sen
ators and the world that he is fool.
Many attempts are daily made to
explain the present unrest The think
ing man wonders why, in the midst Of
real poverty and suffering, there is
(Cont;nsed on pass:N