The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-05-06
hANNA,s SENSIBLE WORDS.

Senator Hanna, who has been inter
esting himself in what is known as the
National Civic Federation, and who has
done valuable service in bringing about,
or at least endeavoring to bring about,
a better understanding and 2 better feel
ing between the great employing con-
Germs of the country and their employees.
was interviewed Saturday last by the
Philadelphia Record, and made some
interesting statements and sensible OBJ
servations concerning the general situa-
ton First of all he declares that men
like John Mitchell and Samuel Gompers
are a real benefit to the country, and
that they have assisted very much in
the progress toward arbitration that has
already been made. Mr.. Hanna further
says that the National Civic Federation
has made three great achievements.
First of all it has brought about a con-
dition of kindly interest between en-
ployers and employees. A large number
OF minor points that have always caused
trouble have been settled once and for
ever; and thirdly. the Federation has
enunciated these three great principles
which have been distinctly agreed upon
by all parties in interest: First no more
sympathetic strikes; second, no curtail-
ment of product; third. no interference
with men who want 10 work. These OBJ
servations are added:
ORGANIZED labor Is here to stay. 1t
will be with us forever and it must be
handled on its meritn. The present or
CARNATIONS won't do. They are too
European for our growing country and
educated work peoples We must develop
them as we develop our resources.
Americans must control them. and they
must begin by recognizing and support
ing men OF the Mitchell and GomperS
type. They must get rid Of the men
who create organizations for the sole
purpose of making paying places for
themselves. We want organizers of
labor. but We do not want creators of
trouble.
THE whole idea of trades unions came
here from England, and it is all wrong.
it Slapped the life from industry in Eng
land, and it will kiln Industry here unless
It Is AmericaniZed and kept in the con-
troll OF upright men, who have the best
interests of the country and our people
tn mind The process of Americanizing
must be perfected by the men them
solves
American worilmen do not need TO
learn from Europe. They are the best
workmen in the world, and to that one
fact, more than to any other. is due the
great progress which we have made in
The industrial world. In Europe work
men have not been permitted to do their
best. They have been hanpered and re-
stricted by rules. They have been taught
and no more for given wage, and that
it is his duty to restrain his energies in
order that other men less competent may
find employment. The tendency. If not
the aim. of this sort Of teaching and this
plan OF action is to reduce all men to the
dead level of mediocrity. Such teaching
tends to destroy ambition. and. there
fore. to destroy energy and endcavor.
If man is held by hard and fast rules,
which prevent him from going beyond
certain attainment. there is no stimu-
Jus to action. and be he ever so compe-
tent the world Will never get the benefit
OF the best that is within him.
A public SPEAKER recently said that a
man's work. no matter in what situation
he may lnd himself. should be the express
eion OF his character. 1t is noble say
ing and it win be an inspiration TO every
man who gets firm grip upon the idea.
This saying Is complete and compro-