THE 8BlIKEB.
Throughout different sections of the
North, anid especially in the coal and iron
manufacturing regions, the strikes of the
laboring classes for higher wages have
reached great proportions. It is esti
mated that in the aggregate 100,000 men,
inflamed by the advice and example of
a few malcontents, have abandoned their
work in endeavoring to command an ad
vance in the price of labor, and although
up to this writing no open act of violence
has been reported, affairs have looked
exceedingly threateniug. If thestriker&
remain orderly no serious trouble is an
ticipated other than a complete stoppage
of business, which will result in enor
mous losses, but if they should become
violent, great sacrifice of life will ensue
aind the ability of the police to cope with
the laborers is much doubted; in fact,
Governor Ludlow of New Jersey. has
issued a proclamation warning all those
concerned against violation of the laws,
notifying localities where strikes exist
that they will be held responsible for
whatever losses may result from the
proper enforcement of order, and an
nouncing that the military forces of the
State will be used to aid the local author
ities wherever necessary. Similar steps
are being taken in other places, and the
action of the iron manufacturers lately
in Pittsburg in organizing into a body
to oppose the demands of the strikers,
themselves banded together, indicates a
united and determined resistance on the
part of the capitalists. These steps ren
der an immediate settlement of matters
impossible, and not until one side or the
other realizes that its interests will be
promoted more by yielding than by con
tinued resistance will a break come.
