The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1889. THE LONDON STRIKE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1942, 12 September 1889, Page 2

The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1889. THE LONDON STRIKE.

Ths London strike is one of the greatest and most important events in, the fight between capital and labor which has taken place in modern times. One hundred and fifty thousand men, just equal to one-fourth the whole population of this colony, on strike together is something extraordinary, and what renders it more wonderful still is the great sympathy which the civilized world has shown for those who are battling for a fair share of the fruits of their labor. Ho doubt there are hundreds fattening on the sweat of these poor men in London, as indeed is the case throughout the world. It is therefore time mea combined together to look after their own interests, they have a perfect right to do so, and it is only by doing so they can at all exact fair play. Still we are afraid they are going too far just now. To refuse all mediation and accept nothing less than. what they demanded at first appears to be their policy. This is a mistake, but it is a mistake probably forced upon them by their socialistic leaders. They apparently are using the men to force their own policy ahead. They, too, are making a groat mistake in this respect. To attempt anything before the time id ripe for it must prove abortive, and only injure the cause. That socialism is bound to come to the front before long—that is, within the next XOO years—is certain, but to force it on now by means of these strikes will only retard it.. It would, therefore, have been better for the strikers to have accepted the mediation of the Lord Mayor, Cardinal Manning, and Bishop Temple, and feel thankful that they have men of such power and influence assisting them. They, - could have accepted these terms now, and make better preparations for a strike on seme future occasion, but te hold ' out obstinately at present may lead to public sympathy turning against them. In that case they would ultimately have to eome to the masters’ terms, and the men would be so discouraged that they would not attempt to strike for a long time again. There can be no 1 doubt but that the sympathy enlisted in their favor is encouraging, The Emperor of Germany is said to have declared himself in favor not only of the London . strikers, but also of improving the position of working men in general. He is wise in his generation. To make life comfortable and pleasant for working 1 people is to prolong the power of kings and capitalists. If the latter had any grain of sense they would look after the interests of the laborers, but they have not. They are blinded by present considerations. Eor inI stance, over a week ago we were told the loss sustained through the strikes amounted to one million and a half, and now it must be two millions. The masters say that to yield to the demands of the men would amount to paying them £70,000 a year more; the men say it would only come to £20,000 a year. Taking the masters statement the loss sustained would I pay tho demands of the men for 30 years, or if the statement ot the men bo true the loss would pay for 100 year?; 'Taking a medium course, wo may safety say the loss sustained in this strike would pay the demands of

the men for 50 years, and yat the blind, pigheaded capitalists prefer to waste that now than submit to what the civilized world appears to think right and proper and just. If the policy of the men is erroneous in being too obstinate the policy of their masters is suicidal. There is nothing like heartless tyranny to hasten reform, and the tyranny of capital and its blind, mad selfishness will hasten its own destruction, This madness on the part of capitalists shows the absolute necessity for combinations amongst laborers, and the London strikes will do a great deal to forward the movement for a more united effort. The highest personages in tha civilised world have shown sympathy for the London workmen; the sympathy of their blood relations has taken a very tangible and encouraging shape, and will do more than Acts of Parliament to federate the Empire. Providing the sinews of war to carry on the battle with capital is far better, and will enlist wider sympathy and respect, than the sending of a contingent to the Soudsn campaign, Besides this it will give the men courage to stand up for their rights, as it proves to them that their brethren everywhere are ready to lend a helping hand, and it will assist in cementing all parts of the Empire in the bonds of affectionate sympathy. Let the workmen of the British Empire combine together for a uniform rate of wages and hours of labor, and Customs duties henceforward will prove unnecessary. If the workmen of the British Empire were to do this, the workmen of the other countries would very soon adopt a similar policy, and the world would be made brighter and better for all even not excepting the capitalist. There is to be held very shortly a congress of labor representatives from all parts of tha world at Berne, in Switzerland, and it is probable that at this congress efforts will be made to form an international union of. the workmen of all nations. An international society was formed some 20 years ago, but it has not made much progress, It was very much damaged by having revolutionary and antireligious leaders, but the world is wiser and more enlightened now, and it appears to us probable that such a society, started on an honest basis, would have a good chance of success. At any rate, workmen will never be all-powerful until such a society is formed, and the sooner it is formed the better for all.