New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-15
THE WELFARE OF THE wORKINGNlEN.

EMPEROR WILLIAMS SPEECH AT THE MEET
ING OF HIS STATE COUNCIL on LABOR.
Berlin, Feb. 1.-THE Council Of state summoned in
pursuance OF the purpose announced in the Imperial
reScript was opened to-day. The Emperor presided,
and in his opening address, said The object for which
the Council is summoned is the consideration Of the
measures necessary to regulate the position of the
working people before submitting these measures to
the legislative bodies with whom must rest the final
decision as to their wisdom. regard it important
that the Council shall conscentiousy and impartally
examine my proposals and give its judgment upon the
eXpediency praccablity and scope Of the suggestions
The task is serious and responsible one
Referring TO women the Emperor said: &" 1t Is es-
pecally necessary to consider their position in tie
households of workngmen, important for domestic
life from the point of view of morality and Of thrift
The state Council should endcavor to frame scheme
for the protection of wOrkingmen from the arbitrary
systems and operations of employers by which gross
advantage is taken of their needs and their inability
to help themselves by any other means than the des-
perate remedy Of strikes 1t should also attempt to
protect and children against protractcd hours
of labor At the time due regard should be given
as to how far German industry will bear the increased
burdens thus placed the cost of production without
jeopardy TO Germany's position a competitor in the
markets Of the world. If that is overlooked, the
changes propose instead of resulting in the improve
ment desire would lead to the deterioration of the
workingman's position. To avert this danger great
measure of wise reelection will be needed. The set
tlement of these questions is essential bearing upon
the agreement labor questions through an inter
national conference. Not less important for assuring
peaceful relations between masters and men are tho
forms of the guarantees 10 be offered to worknGmcn
70 secure to them the right to express through rep
reSentatives enjoying their confidence their own state
mcnt of their interests in any difference. The en-
deavOr must be made in this connection 10 place tho
representatives in communication with the mining Of
ncialS and state supcrntendcnS to enable both sides
to be thoroughly informed and to be kept in constant
touch with each other. The closest technical study
should be given to making the stacdircctcd Industries
patterns and examples Of effective solcitude for the
workingmcn's welfare
The Emperor concluded as follows: Il do not
lose sight Of the fact that all We desire cannot be
attained by state measures alone. In these hborS
of love the church and the school have also wide
field of fruitful action I'm helpful support and ad OF
what the law shall ordan: but if with Gods help
YOU shall succeed in satisfying the just interests oil
the worllngmcn v0ur work will receive my royal
thanks and the gratitude Of the nation BIS shall
be submitted to You without delay. | appoint the
sections OF the Council to have for the special cN
animation Of each the subjects Of commerce. trade
public works. railways, mines and affairs OF Internal
administration. and I will add to your numbers cN
pertS acquainted with these subjects ana rrPuc-l
that YOU assemble again on IN" 2Oth INST i alp"N,
Herr MiQuel the reporter Of your prOCccdlht> ana
Herr Jencke the assistant reporter ana Fc,erNc
myself the power To TccpnNene the 'ouhCI "'cI '"o
conclusion Of the sectional discussion.
invoke upon yOur dbOr~ blessings ron on
high without which human acts never prosper. ,
The committee. sections. INTO Whlch the 'OulCH
is divided are pledge TO absolute secrecy as 10 INC
contents of the bills 10 be laid before them