THE HORSESHOERS' STRIKE OF PHILADELPHIA. 1
LABOR has found the union its most effective weapon in wringing unwilling concessions from the hands of capital ; while capital has, in turn, found association or agreement the most effective means of resisting what it deems the unreasonable demands of labor. But, in a competitive system, the temptation to disregard agreements for the sake of personal aggrandizement is much greater for capital than for labor. Although done with all outward show of good faith, such breaches of contract are sure to be discovered sooner or later, causing dissent among those who could otherwise unite for a common cause. Labor always profits by this dissent. Such was the situation among the horseshoers of Philadelphia in June of the present year, which resulted in a strike of the journeymen. Though purely local, this strike is, nevertheless, of much interest to all who are con- cerned with labor problems.
The strike was begun on June 9, 1902, by the Journeymen Horseshoers, Local No. 6, against the Master Horseshoers' Pro- tective Association, Local No. 23. The strike lasted over a week, in which time both parties were in constant conference. Before entering into the causes of the strike and the demands of the strikers, it maybe well to give a few words in explanation of the classes of men engaged in the horseshoers' trade. A com- plete shop includes a master, journeymen, and apprentices. The masters and journeymen are organized in unions, while the apprentices join the ranks of the journeymen as their term of apprenticeship expires.
THE MASTER HORSESHOERS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION.
The Master Horseshoers' Protective Association is an incor- porated body which was organized under the laws of Pennsyl-
1 For the facts contained in this article the writer is indebted to Professor John W. Adams, of the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Master Horseshoers' Pro- tective Association, and chairman of their committee to settle the strike.
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