Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1877-08-22

JupGE WEST, at his home in Belle
fontaine, Ohio, opened the Republic
an campaign in that state, on the 10th
inst. This effort must be regarded as
the Keynote for this Falls political
battle among the Buckeyes, and as
having been carefully prepared and
digested by the very able Republican
standard bearer. IL is speech full
of thought, and exceedingly well put.
His speech is very largely devoted to
the capital and labor question. He
tavors the view taken in the resolu-
tons. of the State Convention, viz !:
that a Bureau of Industry be pro-
vided for by Congress, to thoroughly
examine into the question of capital
and labor, and see If some light can
not be thrown upon the causes which
lead to labor strikes, and, if possible.
suggest some remedy to avoid the
conflicts that are constantly arising
between capital and labor. tits well
known that these conflicts have been
the bane of Europe, and that they are
becoming more and moro common in
our own country as our manufacture
ing, mining and railroad interests in
crease. We believe, therefore, that it
is the part of wisdom and, indeed, a
necessity, that in some manner the
government should give this subject
the most thorough investigation, to
the end that if possible, some partial
remedy may be had for this very
prevalent disturbing element in soci-
ETY.. We can never hope to allay, by
peaceful means, all these disturbances
the imperfections of humanity are
too numerous and deep-rooted to
hope for entire freedom from them.
Yet, we do believe that much can be
avoided through the thorough indoc-
trination of the laborer with a COM
plcte knowledge of the true relations
existing between capital and labor,
and the vital mutual dependence of
the one upon the other. Much, too,
we believe, may be done by dcvising
for the voluntary adoption by the
capitalist and the laborer, of methods
of controlling the relations between
employer and employee, which will
lead to good results. We know the
subject is one Astounding in difficult
ties, but it is one also of great mo-
ment, and it is certainly worthy of
earnest investigation.
Judge West does not claim that the
Legislature can make any law that
shall impair the constitutional right
of men to contract as they shall choose
he evidently does not expect a rem.
edy to come through legislation SO
much as through the light which may
be thrown around the question by
investigation, and which may lead
both parties to voluntarily adopt the
plan or plans that may be proposed
because they shall commend them
selves to their better judgments. tt
this extent we think there is wisdom
in asking Congress to give this sub
lject its careful attention. Judg
West suggests a plan, and this plan h
does not advocate with the vigor o
one thoroughly convinced that it ma
be correct; indeed he distinctly say
investigation may prove it to be i'm
practicable. His plan involves tn
fixing of minimum rates of wages
which shall be paid in any event, an
then an increase of pay depender
upon the profits of the compan,
which is the employer. 1t seems to L
that this will be found wholly CHI
merical and visionary plan.
To note single objection to it, "
would say that it would be entirel
impossible to satisfy the employees tn,
. a correct return of profits had bee
made. Scores of other objection
occur to us equally, if not more pt
tential, but we will not enlarge
this direction. We reiterate, no wev
er, that we do think in regard to tn
main subject of giving this ques
ton thorough investigation by til
government, Judge West is substar
TALLY right.