Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-08-15
sHALL1WE

r. ~ I1SHlCCi years ago II country experienced a
great coal strike. 1t was apparent that if the strike
the inconvience and loss which it had al
ready caused world speedily become irretricvable
disaster and untold suffering. Theodore Roosevelt
convinced both strikers and their employers that the
strike must be ended, and that unless work were
resumed at once the government would take what
ever steps were necessary to supply the country with
fuel. Since then the country has been menaced every
lew months with another great coal strike, and it has
actually experienced several of considerable proper
lions. For nearly FIVE months past. a nationwide
coal strike has actually been in progress.
Nearly thirty years ago an attempt was made to
tie up railroad transportation throughout the United
States by means of a general strike. The plans for
this strike did not work out fully, but enough dis
trcss. was caused to direct the attention of the nation
to what such a strike would mean. In part. at least,
that strike was averted,b but since then the menace of
a great railway strike has been constantly before the
country, and scores Of strikes, more or less extern
slve, have actually occurred. For six weeks now
there has been in progress a general strike Of one
large and important group of railway workmen.
Railway service has not been discontinued, but it
has been seriously impaired. The whole business Of
the country is being held up riots are occurring here
and there trains are being abandoned and passen-
gers are being left to. swelter in the intolerable heat
of deserts. y 4.
Presently the strikes will be over. Peace will
be declared or a truce will be patched UP. Coal
will be mined trains that have been discontinued
will be restored. Crippled engines will be repaired
and business. viii beeiil1sto, assume its normal aspect:
For how long? 5I. 49,
There is i4 sight today not a single fact which
will tend. to remove the menace Of other strikes
when1these now inprogTess have been ended. There
is noHassrranee that when the disputes in which the
present contestants are involved are adjusted, new
deputies will not arise among other groups, with the
resultant calling Of new strikes, and the tying Of the
hands Of thf american people with new,cords:1
We have had ample warning of the constant
irnminerce of strikes. Weghave had ample demon
~stration Of what strikes mean, and ample indication
OF what they may be. made to mean. In twenty or
thirty years we have taken no steps even moderate
~ adequate to prevent this disaster. We have
watched and waited and let things take their course.
Shall we stand and suck our thumbs for another
quarter Of = century, wondering what is to be done,
or shall we take the position that the experience
which we have had is sufficient. and that it behooves
us to take positive action Oh the basis that in this
matter The public interest is supreme, and that it
must supersede alike the interests Of those who
work fof wages, in 4 given occupation and Of those
who pay the wages?
When such an issue eoifronts the nation the
petty political intrigIuss which occupy so much time
and Inonopoliselsa much attention dwindle into in
significance. sgh 81 ~ ~