The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-10

treated on an equality, for I'm these matters
relating to laLor and capital and TO their
respective representatives the department.
must stand in the position of an educational
office, collecting and publishing such infor-
nation as will enable each party TO under
stand more fully the prevailing conditions.
The department has executive func-
lions relative to the settlement of labor
disputes. 1t cannot interfere on behalf OF
either employer or employe in controversies
arising between them.
Whatever enables either party to secure
necessary information falls within the au-
thority OF law. That authority does war
rant the department In publishing any
information drawn from conditions In TINS
or in other coutries which will be heipfui
in bringing about fuller knowledge ana
better understanding. Employer and EN-,
the recognition OF the welfare OF both, and
Of the means Of assisting In securing tnat
welfare. will be assiduously cultivated. All
possible measures OF an educational nature
will be employed to induce the representa-
tives of labor and capital to conduct their
afairs on a basis which shall not inter-
fere with the general welfare OF those not
engaged in the disputes. This general
policy must commend itself to the wis.
dom of employer and employee alike, as 1t
is In the interests OF both.
SPECIAL ARTICLES.
AS the result of Investigations in progress
or completed, forthcoming bulletins will
contain the following special articles:
Labor Unions and British Industry"
Labor Conditions in Australia
Labor Conditions in the Philippine ISL
ands."
The Revival of Handicrafts in the
Trade Union Movement Among the Coal
Mine Workers of the United States.
The Bureau of Labor his rendered ehec-
tive service in IT'S special field. The depart
ment will utilize to the fullest extent the
experience that has been gained in this inn
portant bureau, and will seek TO make more
and more available the information Ii can
obtain and to secure larger results from
its work. Not only is there at present a
bureau doing work pertaining exclusively
to Labor but It is to make do eVe it
share so far as its organization Will per-
NIT, to foster, promote and develop
the labor interests or the Oniteo
Dor, well as its statistics on other sub
Jects. will be gathered fairly, given out
fairly, and, as far as possible, will be mace
to represent accurately conditions found 10
exist Whatever Encouragement may be
found necessary in any of the duties now
assigned to the bureau. the great interests
of labor and of industry in their broadest
sense will be subserved-
The new department should not be ex-
pected to do impossible things. If 1T can
be helpful to any considerable extent IN
improving existing relations as between
employer and employe; If it's publications
can furnish facts from which there may
gained the confidence of the people. 1t can,
from time to time, point the way to better
feeling and broader views as between con-
tending interests, it will accomplish one OF
the most beneficial results of its organiza-
| ton.
FUTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
In concluding his report the secretary
says
1.-The department deals with the great
| concerns of commercial and industrial life
| To be of service to these interests Ii must
| have their hearty cooperation and support
| 1t must be department of business. IL
must be progressive, but at the same time
| conservative. 1t must not deviate in its
| course from the pathway Of justice, strict
| and impartial. 1t must be nonpartisan In
| the highest and broadcast sense. 1t must
recognize no distinction, as between large
and small interests, as between the aff1uen
| or powerful and the humblest citizen. II Il
attempts to occupy field that properly be-
| longs to private endeavor 1t will inevitably
| fail to realize the high hopes of its present
| well-wishers. 1t must adhere rigidly to the
lines marked out since the foundation o.
| the government for federal agencies In exc
| cutting the will Of the people. If these gen
eral principles are made effective, II con
| servatism and impartiality, coupled witt
| ever-increasing efficiency, mark its admin
| istration, I cannot but believe that thi
new department will become mighty In
| fuence for good in our commercial and in
| dustrial affairs"