Waterbury Democrat., 1901-05-08
CAPITAL AND LABOR.
Leaders of Both Parties Held Session
 in New York Yesterday.

in New York Yesterday. New York, May &. Cancellation as d means of maintaining industrial peace between labor and capital was dis cussed by leaders of unionism and finance at the chamber of commerce yesterday. The meeting was arrang- ed by the industrial department of the National Civic federation and all the speakers were leaders in their several fields of activity. They 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 Rub- Der company; Daniel J. keefe of the H. llnois board of arbitration: William H. Sayward of the National association of builders; James O'ConneIl, president of the International association of ma chlnists, and Herman Justi, commis- sioner of the Illinois Coal Operators association
 samuel Gompers presided and in opening the meeting expressed the hope that a new epoch had come in the re- lat1ons of labor and capital. We want Industrial peace, but not at the sacri- nee of any of the elements of man. hood, he said. "The increased growth in the organization of labor has brought greater responsibility. We are deal ing with living men and living women and and living children in the hope of bet ter things for all. The laboring peo- pie insist that they be regarded as something more than wage earners.'' He said that the unions sought to do justice to no man, but were formed to conserve the rights of those who form ed them.
 Bishop Potter expressed his grati- hcation at the growth Of the spirit of concillation. He noted 8 growth of intelligence and open -mindedness among workmen, and said that upon it could be built the highest hope for the future. He added that at the same time there was q greater interest man. ifested on the part of the employers in the lives and condition of American diplomacy in China and said that it of fered a splendid example for emula- tion-
 John Mitchell said that he was for peace because he had known the bruis- es of war. The relations of labor and capital" he said, "are purely n business proposition. There is no sen timent in it. Peace is better for both, and am for peace if we can have hon. orable peace. believe there never would be strikes if the employers and employees could meet in fair confer ence. If we could have got n hearing last year, the great coal strike would have been averted''
 Charles R. Flint, the capitalist. was humorously introduced as the walking delegate of the American Rubber com pany, who worked fourteen hours q day. He expressed bis confidence in the good that would come Of closer rela- tionship between labor and capital.
 Daniel Keefe said that conciliation was more acceptable than arbitration, for in the latter system there had to bela decision defeating one side or the other. William H. Sayward supported Mitche1ls contention that the relations of the two great industrial forces was purely of business nature. He be- Iieved that employers should meet their men in greater spirit of frankness.
 James O'Connell said that in the metal trades employers and toilers had learned the benefits of organization and mutual concessions. He was sure the conciliation movement would do great good
 Herman Justi said: Under the old tlispensation, employer and toiler sought for differences; under the new dispensation they seek points of agree ment. Our national prosperity depends upon the steady employment of every wage earner at a decent wage
 Samuel Gompers in closing said that thorough organization of labor presag- cd complete protection for the honest employer against his dishonest com petitor who ssnibbled" at prices.