The operative engineers and their employers have assumed on both
sides an attitude of more uncompromising hostility. A great number of the masters have given the threatened notice that they will close their establishments on the 10th; and it is said that those who have not done this have abstained merely because their engagements with their workmen do not require that any such notice should be given. The operatives on their part are raising funds and making other preparations for forming them- selves into self-employing societies. There is a strike on both aides; the masters have struck as well as the men—indeed, have done it with greater determination. Experience will show that this double strike, like all that have preceded it, is suicidal. Yet so long as we have no tribunal authorized to arbitrate between em- ployers and employed, and armed by law with power to enforce its decisions, strikes will continue at intervals to paralyze industry, impoverish both masters and men, and lessen the general enjoy- ment, if not the tranquillity, of the nation.
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