The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-07-28
Sympathetic Strikes Will Be
Bad for Everybody.


began notifying their employers wed
nesday that they would take "vaea-
tons" starting Thursday in sympathy
with the city firemen who resigned"
The whole proceeding lacks the cour-
age Of straight-out definition Of the
issue II they have a worthy cause they
can afford to stand by It, The fire.
men camouflaged strike against the
city by giving II the cloak OF resigna-
ton in a body. Those who are en-
deavoriug to promote a sympathetic
strike for the purpose OF paralyzing
industry attempt to conceal the intent
by Designating their action as 'vsca-
tons"
This paper did not approve the &C
ton OF the firemen in walking out II
did not approve the stand Of the city
authorities in refusing TO restore the
flremen who accepted the proposition
20 withdraw their designations uncon-
ditionally and without any promise OF
relief. The editors OF the newspapers
saw an opportunity for adjustment Of
small difficulty with slight concessions.
and they saw also the possibility OF
general arrangement II the opportunity
for adjustment was neglected. Their
anticpations seem to be realized.
The skilled workmen must realize
that they win be the ones TO suffer
most In a general strike. II makes
slight difference to the unskilled, They
can make as much at one thing as they
can at another. n they give up one
other man. In this day men can not
live In idleness
Even those who sympathiEed with the
firemen viii not countenance a gen
eral strike. II Is inconceivable that
Intelligent men are willing TO involve
themselves In a controversy for the
restoration OF men who voluntarily re-
signed. There is nothing TO prevent
any smploye OF the city government
from resigning, and the heads OF the de-
partments can not refuse to accept
designations when they are offered,
y A resignation creates vacancy. The
charter provides the manner In which
Vacancies may be filled. They must
be filled through civil service exami'
nation. A resignation. unless 1t is
withdrawn, sacrifices all claim TO pri-
GRITTY or other benefits,
Not more than 10 per cent Of the
firemen were responsible for the strike
we know that there were some who
did not wish to 60 out Some of them
asked their friends to ascertain II their
applications for unemployment would be
favorably considered. according to city
officials. But regardless Of their wishes,
they are out Of employment and re-
Eardlsss Of who is II fault they will
not be reinstated.
We should regret to see others in
their attitude. We regret to soc cloud
on the horizon, no bigger than a mans
hand. threatening 10 preeipitate labor
troubles which may last y long time
No good will come from II TO any In
dlvidual or organization.
Before men who sre well situated and
on good terms with their employers
quit work in sympathy with the fire.
men. they should think long time.
They are driving the opening wedge
for a fight bfTeen unions and the
open shop,
No one can tell VIXEN it will end or
how far II will spread There are 100
employees to one employer The en-
ploysrs can survive longer without
workmen than workm"n can without
work, The employers, II II should come
to test, can last longer and fare bet
ter.
We are confident II the unions carry
out their Intention OF taking vacations
the places Of the men viii Re filled.
They may be inferior. less skilled and
less able. but unless the employers
change their minds they will prefer
even this kind Of workmen to those
who arc likely TO strike in sympathy
with some other craft and without any
complaint Of their own.