The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-09-06

The address of Mr. ODay before the
members Of the labor unions at the Exposi-
ton Grounds yesterday contained several
statements worthy of careful thought. We
publish the whole address IN another
column. but only intend here to call atten-
ton TO two points touched on by him.
In speaking of the introduction OF ma
ohinery. which he termed rude ehaking up
of the the sleeping workman. he seemed 10
deplore the invention Of labor-ssving
machines. and 10 ignore the view
taken of this subject by some OF
the foremost friends of labor. who
recognized at once the unity OF labor 70
labor saving machines. yet were Obliged
10 own that no one could have fore
cast the untold blessings which this
newly discovered power would confer
on the human race" In their warfare
ON labor-saving machines the workmen
have but repeated the example, OF which
history is full, of resistance TO progress,
social. political and scientific, in which not
only the uniformed masses have taken
part. but also tho educated, the enlightened
and the wealthy, especially when what was
called their interests" was attacked.
HOWELL
This process of evolution and develop
ment is continually casting aside old
methods for new. for progress Is no re-
spector of persons in its march. 1t treads
down tho capitalists with his obsolete ma
chinery no less than the mechanic with MS
tedious. hand made products.
Upon the decisions of profit sharing-that
dream of amiable doctrinaires-Mr. O'Day
gave q striking case in point.
1t is conceded by one Of the most thought
full of Union-Labor writers. that while this
profit-sharing is an excellent way OF testing
Quest ions relating TO wages and profits, yet
before the plan should DO entered upon 1t
is necessary ITO equalize the proportion
which should be paid for supervision
and for labor after deducting a
fair percentage for tho use OF the capital
employed" I'm order that the dl-
vision shall be equitable and just to all con-
cerned in the undertaking it is necessary
that the value Of the plant shall be
accurately computed and the working
capital stated and the cost of materials
made known. The salaries of every person
employed, and the wages of every worker,
must also be gwen so that the net cost OF
production shall be estimated with per-
cision. &c"
This is only the beginning of requirements
which may be reasonably demanded by
workmen who are induced to give their la
Dor and their devoted attention to bust
ness with the promise of share of the
profits. 1t is plain, therefore, that profit
sharer becomes a partner or stakeholder
in effect. The question arises at once,
Suppose there :are no profits. but losses,
who will bear them?
We are accustomed to speak Of the labor
problem-when after all upon closer exam
nation practically and honestly in a full
sense Of duty the problem. which has
been made such mainly by mans devices,
resolves itself into q very few ele-
mentary truths the first of eli being
the liberty of the individual and his perfect
right TO sell his labor alone or in combina-
ton with others, as he may deem best for
the highest price he can get for it; and,
Secondly. the absolute non-interference
OF all kinds of government except to keep
the Deace.