Strikes and the Spirit of Strife
“Like Father, Like Son,” says the Union Signal. “Strikes are in the labor order of the day. A few days ago every messenger boy employed by a telegraph company in this city [Chicago], walked out on a refusal of the company to pay higher wages. The boys were discharged, and a new set engaged, whereupon the strikers gathered to whip those who took their places. Mere disability in matter of size and strength made the combatants yield to police force. Thus one generation educates the next, and the world is at the mercy of the children.” Not only is the strike the order of the day on labor’s side, but the provocation is the order of the day on capital’s side. Both are foretold in the “sure word of prophecy.” The consequence is that many employers are made to suffer without cause, and many laborers are compelled to strike against their will. We need not expect more than a temporary cessation of hostilities at best. We are in the last days, which the Lord Himself has said shall be as it was in the days of Noah, when the earth was “filled with violence.” The spirit of strife is abroad in the land, and the world is ignorant of what it means. Let those who do know “sound an alarm” with increasing energy.