The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-05-08
Better ERA IN SIGHT
EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYED ARE
BEGINNING TO RECOGNIZE THEIR
INTERDEPENDENC
DAY FOR STRIFE IS PAST
BOTH SIDES MEET ON COMMON
GROUND IN NATIONAL CIVIC
FEDERATION
ARBITRATION BOARD MEETS

NEW YORK, May 7.-Concil alton as a
means of maintaining Industrial peace
between labor and capital was discussed
py leaders of un on.sm and finance at
the Chamber of Commerce this after
noon. The meeting was arranged by
the industrial depar ment of the Ma
tional Civic Federation and all the con-
tributions to the symposium were lead
err in Their several feds of activity
They met upon common ground, and
ere unit in the hope that strife would
be eliminated from the relations of en-
ployer and toiler and a perc etual truce
declared. Thel speakers were Samuel
Gompers, president of the American
Federation Of Labor; Bishop Potter,
John Mitchell president of the United
Mine Workers of America; Charles r.
Flint, president of the American Rubber
company; Daniel ]. Keefe, of the Illinois
board of arbitration; w. H. Haywar +,
of the National Association of Builders;
James O'Connell, president of the AS
sociation Of Machinists, and Herman
Justi, commissioner of the United States
Coal Operators as sociation.
WORKERS ARE MEN.
Samuel Gompers presided and in open
Ing the meeting expressed the hope that
a new epoch had come in the relations
of labor and capital. eve want indus
trial peace but not at the sacrifice of
any of the elements of mankoo >" he
said. THE increased growth in the or
ganlZation of labor has brought greater
responsibility. The work is going ahead
actively, however, and we are meeting
our problems in practical way. We
are dealing with living men and living
women and living children in the hope
of better things for all. The laboring
people insist that they be regarded as
something more than wage earners
They are men with rights and hopes and
aspirations and love"
He expressed the belief that the plan
of conciliation should be aided by every
man who was against strife and for
peace. He said that the unions sought to
do injustice to no man, but were form
ed to conserve the rights of these who
formed them.
Bishop Potter expressed his gratifca-
tion at the growth of the spirit of con-
citation He noted a growth of intelli-
gence and open-mndedneSs among work
men, and said that upon it could be built
the honest hope for the future. He add
ed that at the same time there was a
greater interest manifested on the part
of employers in the lives and conditions
Of their men. He praised the humanity
of American diplomacy in China, and he
said that it offered a splendid example
for emulation.
IF you rise to this opportunity" he
said, you will set the world another ex-
ample that it viii be your privilege to
remember with pride all your lives"
John Mitchell said that he was for
peace because he had known the bruises
of war.
1.-THE relations of labor and capital" he
said, are purely a business proposition.
There is no sentiment in it. Peace is
better for both, and l am for peace if we
can have an honorable peace. I believe
there never would be strikes if the en-
ploYers and employees could meet in fair
conference. If we could have got a
hearing last year the great coal strike
would have been avoided
He said the public was a party to every
strike, and should be consulted. He hoped
that the Chamber of Commerce of New
York would lend its mighty aid to a con-
ciliation plan.
STRIFE HAS NO PLACE.
Charles R. Flint, the capitalist. was
humorously introduced as "the walking
delegate of the American Rubber com
pany, who worked fourteen hours a day.'
HC expressed his confidence in the good
that would come of closer relationship
between labor and capital He eXhaus,
lively reviewed the export trade of the
country and the accomplishments of the
American skilled laborer, and said in the
greatest industrial evolution the world
had ever known there was no room for
strife between labor and capital
Daniel J. Keefe said that Cancellation
was more acceptable than arbitration for
In the latter system there had to be a
decision defeating one side or the other.
William II. Hayward supported
Nl-chelPs contention that the relation of
the two great industrial forces was pure
ly Of business nature. He said the lab
orer did not want sympathy bat good,
square treatment, and when he got it he
generally returned good, square treat
ment He believed that the employers
should meet their men in a greater spirit
of frankness.
James OConnell said that in the metal
trades employers and toilers had learned
the benefits Of organization and mutual
concessions. He was sure the Cancellation
movement would do great good.
Herman Justi said in conclusion: "Un-
der the old dispensation employe and en-
ployer sought for differences. Under the
new dispensation they seek the points
OF agreement
He related the experience in Illinois
With policy of conciiation, and said
that it had worked eXcellentIy. 'T hope
this is the beginning of the great move
ment. Our national prosperity depends
upon the steady employment of every
wage Garner at a decent wage, and l be-
heve every employer in the country with
q heart i'll his breast Or a brain in his
head knows it."
Samuel Gompers, in closing, said the
thorough organization of labor presaged
complete protection for the honest en-
ployer against his dishonest competitor,
who "nibblcd at prices"