3S8 THE QUESTIONS OF THE DAY. 



are assaulted whenever tliey are caught alone. The property 

 of the offending company is injured and destroyed so far as 

 possible. Riots may follow and the military be called out. 



For all these disturbances the unions invariably disclaim 

 responsibility, stating them to be tlie work of sympathizers 

 whom they can not control. This is sometimes literally true 

 and sometimes not. It is always disingenuous, however, to 

 disavow responsibility, for tumult is known to be an almost 

 certain result of a large strike followed by even peaceful dem- 

 onstrations against new workmen. In most cases it is only 

 by intimidation of persons and destruction of property com- 

 mitted by somebody that strikers can hope to win, and they 

 count on them accordingly. Nobody claims that strikers will 

 be molested if they do not provoke attack by insult or worse, 

 and the quibble of disclaiming responsibility for riot, even 

 where not actually engaged in it, is discreditable. 



When such conditions arise it is the first duty of society to 

 preserve order. Those seeking work have the right to be 

 protected, even from intimidation and insult, and owners of 

 property have a right to its protection. With the original 

 cause of quarrel it may or may not be desirable that society 

 should concern itself. As to the duty of society to preserve 

 order under all circumstances, there can be no question 

 whatever. 



The concrete questions which arise out of this condition of 

 things, and which tend to become the subject of political action, 

 are substantially as follows: — 



It is demanded that the state make and enforce a short-day 

 law — eight hours being the length usually demanded — forbid- 

 ding all contracts for payment by the hour, or for days to 

 exceed eight hours; that the state itself shall set the example, 

 by making its days of work eight hours long, and prohibiting 

 the performance of public work by contract, unless the con- 

 tractors bind themselves to the eight-hour day. 



This involves a number of things. In the first place, there 

 is the question whether the state should pay more for its labor 

 than individuals jiay. Doubtless it does pay more if it, at 

 present, makes eight hours a day's work in all departments. 



