p. 13 | Industrial Unrest by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 24, 1913

Industrial Unrest

By C. M. S.

ONE of the most unique strikes in the history of the world is now in progress in Belgium. The strikers are demanding the right of the franchise for all men. “Manhood suffrage” is the slogan of the striking workmen. This particular strike is more political than industrial, and is a movement engineered by the socialists. It is a strike against the government. To most of the world it would not seem that the strikers are asking much, the right to vote on an equality with the more favored classes. But if strikes for political ends become the fashion throughout the world, it can readily be seen into what a dangerous and threatening condition the world will be plunged. If the socialists win this campaign in Belgium, it may logically be expected that their brethren throughout the world will be stimulated to use similar means to accomplish the purposes which they have in mind. The government of Belgium feels that it dare not put the franchise into the hands of 300,000 men oath-bound to revolutionize the instrumentalities of civilization. The strikers are sending their children out of the country, and many others are going away in order to be out of danger. The government is making no move to meet the demands of the strikers, but is posting the divisions of its army in the various industrial centers where trouble would be likely first to occur. While the strikers declare for a peaceable strike, it is expected that the strike will completely paralyze the industries of the nation. This strike puts a new complexion upon the struggle between organized government and the forces which are working to overthrow the present system. The first reports indicate that 200,000 workmen have joined the strike, and 100,000 more are expected to do so.

In West Virginia conditions are still unsettled, practical war existing between laborer and capitalist. The threatened strike of telephone girls in Boston was only averted at the last moment by a compromise agreement. The strike of street-car operators in Buffalo, N. Y., has come to a close after riotous scenes, an almost general suspension of street-car traffic, and much bloodshed. About 400 cars have been more or less seriously damaged since the strike began, and the hospitals have had many patients to care for as a result of clashes between the strikers and the police and militia. At Auburn, N. Y., a situation has developed which is new in the history of these industrial conflicts. A branch of the International Harvester Company, a $150,000,000 concern, has been experiencing a strike for about one month. On April 5 this branch of the company warned its 700 employees that unless they returned to work within three days, the entire plant would be dismantled and shipped to Germany. The strikers ridiculed the idea, and the time was allowed to pass. The company has now begun to dismantle its plant. In view of the fact that many of the employees had erected homes which were only partially paid for, and depended for their occupation upon the company, its decision is arousing the most intense animosity. Public meetings of protest are being held, and legislation is demanded which will prevent, in future, the removal of such plants under such conditions. C. M. S.