The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1902-01-18
ust as intense as it is among the en-

just as Intense dS IL lS dLuOu6 Tic Gill;
ployers.
Much as absolute Industrial peace
may be desirable, not even the most
sanguine friend or participant in this
new effort entertaIl the belief that
STRIKES and n AZ ntiraely
l y -
that II WIN naa i.ssI os,d Ii f6r
the better recosnitf ~ each iof the.
rights to which the other may be en-
titled, no sane or reasonable man will
dispute.
"One of the great contentious for
which organized labor has stood for
years Is the opportunity to bring it's
demands or grievances to the atten-
ton of the employers, and have confer
ences for such purposes. These the
new movement unqualifiedly declared
for and stands committed to.
1.-The representatives of the employ
ers. by participating in this conference
and equally standing for the declara-
ton made, have placed their seal of
disapproval on the hackneyed and un-
warrantable position occupied by many
Of their fellows-'there Is nothing to
arbitrate.' The hope is entertained, as
it certainly should be realized, that this
phase Of the differences, controversies,
and If needs be, struggles between the
workers and their employers may be
relegated into the limbo of oblivion
never to be resurrected.
"The trade union movement seeks to
reach agreements with employers as to
wages, hours, and other conditions un-
1oH SI, ho norforrno1
This the declaration proclaims, and
adds what our movement has always
insisted upon, the faithful adherence to
their terms in both letter and spirit.
"Some mistaken friends have urged
that the legislatures in the states Of
our country should enact laws for the
compulsory arbitration Of disputes be-
tween the workers and the employers;
but none have gone SO far as to insist
that the state should enforce compul
sorry arbitration unless both parties,
that is. the employers and the workers,
consent thereto.
"This conference and the establish
ment of the Industrial Department Of
the National Civic Federation is the
effort by both parties in industry, the
workers and employers, to avoid con-
flicts, to bring about peace when a
strike or lockout has occurred, and to
voluntarily arbitrate matters in dis
pute when both parties in interest
agree thereto, without interference Of
the politician and the courts.
1.-THE influence Of the conference, the
declarations made, and the personnel
of the executive committee. have al
ready had q splendid influence upon
the public mind. 1t is recognition of
the splendid services rendered to the
cause by organized labor. 1t is prac-
tical acceptance by employers, gener-
ally. that there is something to concede,
discuss. and adjust. That the work.
ers' constant agitation and 1nsistence
that they become greater sharers in the
product Of their toll is justified: that
the employers have no right to assume
the position Of absolute dictatiOn as to
terms and conditions under which labor
shall be performed.
There is no attempt to confuse the
situation by proclaiming that the in
terests of the workers and employers
are identical: but there is mutual
desire for peace with the hope. for in
dustrial improvement and economic,
social. and human progress.
And in 80 far as the effort has
brought forth the declaration quoted
above and the establishment of the
Industrial Department Of the National
Civic Federation.it it should be hailed by
all, the workers, the employers, and the
general public with cordial sympathy
and supported TO the end that it shay
make for the good of all. $ : . .sf.. i