The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-12-16
LABOR CAPITAt.
Civic Federation lnaugurates
an Important Conference.

New York. Dec 16.-Brought together
through the good offices of the National
Civic Federation, leading representa-
tives of labor and capital met here to-
day to discuss plans to minimize wage
and Industrial disputes. Aiding them
with counsel were several prominent
students of economics and leading hg-
ures in the religious world and the OPP
ening session was notable for number
of striking expressions and comments
upon the problem faced by the con-
ferees. The storm in eastern Pennsyl-
vania prevented Samuel Gompers. John
Mitchell, Theo. Shaffer and other lead
ing members of the American F'edera-
ton of Labor from reaching New YORK
in time for the meeting today but they
will participate in the session tomor-
row. Oscar Strauss, former minister
to Turkey who acted as chairman an
nounced that it was planned to form a
general executive committee with rep
resentation divided among labor, capt.
tai and the general public and that It
was hoped that it would become tr1D-
unal of peace where the cOnnlctlng IN
terests might meet on even footing and
settle their differences in a spirit OF
Cancellation and mutual liberation
Senator NJ. A Hanna, Charles M
Schwab, president of the United states
Steel corporation; Archbishop ireland,
Bishop Potter, S. r. Galloway, president
of the American Locomotive works; f.
d. Durand, secretary OF the lndustT ID
commission; Theo. Marbur; of Balt1-
more; w. H. Pfahler, of Philadelphia;
r. G. Kerens of ST. Louis; R. NJ Easley,
of the National Civil federation; John
Phillips, of the National HatterS' union;
James Ryan, of the International Typo
graphical union, and Marcus Marks,
president of the National Clothing Max
ers' association, were among the men
who attended the opening meeting.
Charles NJ. Schwab declared opposition
to labor unions as they were now con-
stituted, and said they must fail. as the
trusts had failed, for seeking to limit
ne control prices.
Il am here said he, with mind
open to conviction, anxious to see the
other side of the shield, as Bishop Pot
ter has said, and ready to do that which
is fair. 1t may be that this is a selfish
motive, but 1 realize that upon the
peaceful adjustment of the difficulties
that exist between capital and labor De
ponds the future prosperity of the Unit
ed States. The decadence of trade IN
other countries is due to the hostility OF
labor unions I do not deny that cap
ital has been arbitrary and unfair L
am not opposed to labor unions per Sc,
but am against them as they are now
constituted.
the trusts have not succeeded on the
principle of limiting production Con
solicitation for. economy's sake, far
wages, purchasing in the cheapest mar
ket and selling in the best are the traoe
principles that will stand The labor
unions have become trusts. After all
the fortunes and the prosperity of the
en- plOyer ana employed are llHASu "
gether: they are the same and the two
interests should stand together. l am
willing to come here and give you any
practical ideas that 1 can and 1 hope
that this conference will come to some
good
Senator Hanna expressed strong APP
prevail of the principle of organized
labor and his speech drew apologies
from John Phillips and John j. Don
nelly two of the labor delegates pres
ent who confessed that they had held
erroneous and unjust views as to the
attitude of the senator toward organized
labor
Senator Hanna related an experience
he had with coal miners in Ohio many
years ago. and said that the experience
had made him an advocate of unionism-
II saw them he said, land I believe
now that labor and capital could be
brought together. I believe that the
| day is at hand for their peace, and I
am willing to give the best that is in
me while life lasts to bring labor and
capital together. A settlement of the
| question will do more for good govern
| ment good morals, good social rela-
| lions than anything else that we could
! accomplish. To the end of all this.
| freely give whatever service can rem
der to this association"