THE HESPERIAN.
pence within herself, the hitter hate that has existed between
localities has been forgotten, and she is now a united people,
awaiting an opportunity to be called to action.
The question of strikes is not a new one. We arc continu
ally hearing of local strikes in almost every branch of busi.
ness. These arc bad enough, but arc as nothing when com
pared to a railroad strike. The last ten years has been rich
in strikes and every year they arc becoming more numerous
and the strikers more formidable. Whether the railroad
officials or the strikers are to blame is not a question tha
interests the masses so much as the final outcome and injury
imposed upon society. The strike, as an act, we deem wrong
in essence and we think it will never be popular with the
masses because they arc the ones that experience the greatest
losses. Tl"c business of transportation is entrusted to the
railroads which thereby become common carriers to serve the
public at public expense and they must then accept public
responsibilities. Therefore, when the brotherhoods complain
there ought to be some method of governmental arbitration
and no cessation of duty. The people depend on the rcgulat
work of the railroads, and we venture to say the public will
not tolerate many more of these seasons of paralysis. The pub
lic who experience the greatest losses are not by any means
the only injured parties. The company is greatly damaged
and if strikes continue for any length of time, it becomes
very much cmbarassed both financially and socially, but docs
not like to yield because every victory that is gained by
strikers but urges others of their stamp to follow their
example. Lastly, the strikers themselves suffer in proportion
to their means as much as either of the other classes. These
disputes between employer and employed seem to be inherent
in man and will continue to increase as the country advances,
until some means of governmental arbitration or control is
devised. May the time be not far distant when something
will be done to relieve all classes concerned from these tcr.
rible calamities.
In this age questions in social science seem to overshadow
all others. Every day they are coming more prominently
into view. Our government will soon be called upon to con
front some of these problems and avert the dangers that are
threatening us. Never, until now, in the history of our
nation, has there been a time when it was so necessary to
investigate these questions. The dangers that governments
are subject to, and how these dangers can be obviated is an
interesting and important topic for study. If we were to
glance back over the history of nations older than ours, to
the time when the inhabitants lived in communities and
notice how each lived in constant fear of the other we would
sec that it wa the strongest which eventually absorbed all
others. The government that could meet all dangers proved
to be the best, no matter whaf its form may have been. It
is plain that a government to be strong within and able to
withstand foes from without must needs have a standing army
large enough to frighten those who would intrude. In this
country the time is not far distant when we shall have to take
the same precautions that the German government has taken.
We have not developed the first principles of government yet.
Our government has been a success so far, simply because
there has been so much unoccupied territory that when
troubles began to encroach it was an easy matter to seek
other quarters equally as good. This will not always be so;
already in our large cities the spirit of anarchy is brewing,
and unless precautions are soon taken we shall be face to face
with a bitter foe, the worst enemy of any government
anarchy, Jf a government is able to ward off danger, then it
is a success; otherwise, not, In our own country wc shall
soon be called upon to deal with a problem that reaches all
classes the labor problem. It has already begun to assume
immense proportions. At present labor fears money and
money fears labor; both are tyiants. but one is destined to
rule the other unless nipped in the bud before it becomes too
strong. If our government is able to do this the people with
brains will rule without any regard to influence. The dan
gcrs in this country are growing worse and worse and will con
tinue to grow as the nation advances. We have yet great
lessons to learn, and if the signs of the times do not deceive
us wc shall not have long to wait before wc shall be com
pelled to learn them, whether wcwant to or not.
The prohibition party in this state seems to be gaining
strength Tapidly and promises soon to hold the balance of
power between the two old parties. The issue that is char
acteristic of this party is one that has taken a strong hold
upon the people of this state. In almost every town clubs
arc being formed to keep the work that has been started
squarely before the people. In this city especially the en
thusiastic prohibitionists have a strong organization headed
by some of our best citizens. The prohibition party is be
coming strong enough now to dictate such terms as she may
sec fit, to the other parties and the circle of influence that
is therefore thrown out is yearly extending its bounds. If
the leaders are successful in keeping their party from uniting
with others, they may accomplish something. Experience
has proved that fusion is a sure indication of a party's
death.
Now that examinations are over let every student sec to it
that he comes back at the beginning of spring term fully cap
able not only to endure the coming two months of study, but
also to engage in the numerous sports that will demand atten
tion. Of course many of us will develop our muscle earning
shekels with which to liquidate board bills, etc. Others can
practice jumping over a barbed wire fence or spade garden.
But one and all should make extra effort during the present
vacation to strengthen themselves physically. The Field Day
exercises will come in June, and let us have a better showing
of athletic skill than ever before. The present vacation will
be the very best opportunity for preparatory training. Do
something, no matter what. Take the hardest work you can
get or the most strengthening exercise obtainable. There
arc many reasons for this. If we can't get a gymnasium let
us appropriate. all out of doors instead. Let us be willing to
take a five per cent lower grade (provided it is not below
sixty) and gain ten pounds more in flesh and muscle. Of
conrsc there is the fact that time is scarce. All right, we
must take it anyhow. After working hard this vacation,
come back determined that, come what will, you will'keep
the same health you bring with you until Juue at least.
Come back with a fixed resolution, that if you must grind
hard you will kick a foot ball harder and cling to a ball bat
tighter.
Choice fruits, confectionery and lunch all the year round at
Chevront & Go's, 1191 O street.
Sam Wcsterfield, the students' barber, will soon be estab
lished in his new and handsome quarters in the basement of
the Burr block.
Jas. Ii. Hooper is on hand with his new Eureka steam
laundry and does the neatest work. Leave orders atifh'is of
fice and he will call at your room.
Ewing's make children's clothing a special feature of their
business. The new stock now includes the handsomest styles
ever brought to Lincoln. Be sure to call and see them