Meaning: The quote you provided is from Ray Stannard Baker, a prominent American journalist and author known for his reporting on labor and social issues in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This particular quote reflects on a strike that occurred during this period and highlights the unexpected success of holding together a diverse group of people during the strike.

In order to understand the context of the quote, it is important to delve into the historical and social backdrop of the time. The late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States were marked by significant labor unrest and the rise of labor unions. Workers faced harsh working conditions, long hours, low wages, and limited job security. In response to these conditions, workers began to organize and demand better treatment and rights from their employers.

The quote refers to a time when a group of workers, including skilled men who belonged to craft unions, went on strike. The prevailing belief was that it would be impossible to keep such a diverse group of people united during the strike. However, the quote indicates that despite these initial predictions, the strike was largely successful in maintaining unity and was conducted with relatively little violence.

This particular instance of a strike challenges the common perception that labor disputes would inevitably lead to chaos and violence. Instead, it suggests that there was a level of organization and cohesion among the striking workers that defied expectations. The fact that "comparatively few went back to the mills" indicates a high level of commitment and resolve among the striking workers.

Baker's observation about the conduct of the strike with "little violence" is significant in the context of labor history. During this period, strikes and labor disputes were often met with harsh repression and violence from both employers and authorities. The fact that this strike was conducted with minimal violence speaks to the potential for peaceful and organized collective action by workers.

This quote also sheds light on the evolving dynamics of labor relations during this era. It suggests that there was a growing sense of solidarity and unity among workers, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and affiliations. This unity and solidarity were crucial in enabling the striking workers to effectively press for their demands and withstand the pressures to return to work.

In conclusion, Ray Stannard Baker's quote captures a pivotal moment in the history of labor relations in the United States. It highlights the surprising success of holding together a diverse group of workers during a strike and the relatively peaceful conduct of the strike. This quote serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of workers in the face of adversity, as well as the potential for organized collective action to bring about positive change in labor conditions.