The Hartford Herald

LABOR.

The Knights of Labor are in session at Cleveland, Ohio, and it seems that they are about to adopt the principle of arbitration. The Trades Unions have petitioned for membership, and wish to retain in their constitution the dictatorial power to organize strikes, and have sent an ultimatum to the Knights to that effect. A union between them is hardly probable. The Knights of Labor have learned from experience that more is to be gained by remaining at work and arbitrating any differences which may arise, than by striking, and thereby crippling their own power, as well as doing great and unnecessary injury to business interests generally. Working men everywhere are coming to the same conclusion, and are rapidly abandoning other societies for the Knights of Labor, who are determined that other labor organizations before acquiring membership must subscribe to the principle of arbitration. The strike and the boycott are now coming to be regarded as of doubtful propriety and if resorted to at all, will be as a means of last resort.

The Catholic powers of the United States have declared that so long as the Knights obey the law, and observe the rights of property, the Church sees nothing to condemn. Mr. Powderly has prepared and forwarded a declaration of principles to the Pope, and some notice of the matter from Rome may be looked for soon.

At last Labor is setting itself on a plain which will enable it to demand recognition, and receive it too. Arbitration or co-operation must ultimately win. Lawlessness is a very weak weapon, idleness can accomplish nothing. Labor to win the battle must be employed, must be economic, must be energetic, must be law-abiding, must be dignified; by these means alone can equality between it and capital be established and the victory won.