Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-02
LABOR AND CAPITAL
THEIR RELATIONS DISCUSSED By
MR.. JAMES r. GARFIELD.
Address Delivered Last Evening Be-
fore the Mems Club Of North
east Washington.

MI. James X. Garneld, cnle1 OF tne pu-
reau of corporations of the new Depart
ment of Commerce and Labor, delivered an
address before the Mems Club of North
east Washington last evening at the clubs
headquarters 4OS H street northwest
1.-The golden rule" Mr.. Garfield said" Do
unto others as you would they should DO
unto you'-is an ideal rule for all to fol-
low in the solution of the problem of labor
versus capital" The theme of Mr.. Gar
fields remarks was the Development Of
the Industrial Conditions and Relations.
At the conclusion of his address Mr.. Gar
field answered a number of questions relat-
ing to the existing conditions. large
number of local labor leaders were in at
tendance and took part interrogating the
speaker.
Mr.. Garfield was introduced to the large
assemblage by the Rev. P. M. Rhinelander,
priest in charge of the Church of the Good
Shepherd, who presided during the even
ing. The speaker prefaced his remarks by
giving graphic review of the English
history in so far as it is associated with
labor capital and corporations and the or
ganiZing movement in that domain AFTER
making a comparison between the English
and American working people Mr.. Garfield
declared that the latter were by far more
advanced and enjoying better condi-
tons than are their English brethren.
ress in this country Of organized labor
and combined capital; traced the present
problem to it's origin, and, In discussing
the practical methods of solution, said that
in the first place where agreements are
entered into between employer and en-
ploye each should strive to conform to the
provisions thereof. Answering the aSser-
ton that capitalists will not make con-
tracts with labor because the unions are
not responsible and sometimes break faith,
Mr.. Garfield said the money men of the
country forget that they had passed
through the same stages and have violated
agreements themselves
Study Of Conditions.
Mr. Garfield said the first step toward the
practical solution of the problem will be
the study of existing conditions. If the
labor union is to become strong, he de-
clared, 1t must have honest purposes, must
make efficiency paramount principle must
instruct it's members to perform an homes,
days work, study the conditions of the
money side of the problem, and, above all
refrain from tyranny. Mr.. Garfield thinks
it is absurd to speak of industry without
including capital and labor, and for this
reason harmony is essential.
Speaking from the corporations view OF
the situation the speaker declared the CAPT,
the cost of living and the capacity Of his
employees. Under no circumstances should
either party show obstinacy. and they
must If the problem is to be solved confer
with each other, consult each other on al
matters in which they are interested, and
in general, must have an interchange OF
ideas and plans. In this way cooperation
and harmony will prevail in their relations
and make the work Of settling the problem
an easy task.
Along this line the speaker remarked thai
complete and fair statement of the exact
standing Of labor and capital is essential tC
10 rnlo nf l.
admitted, the opportunities for obtaining
information as to what is being done by the
capitalists and labor leaders are exceeding.
ly few. This plan of dealing with each
other must, in the opinion of Mr.. Garfield
be eliminated, and each must deal honestly
with the other. Civic declarations received
the Endorsement of Mr.. Garfield. He said
these organizations are gradually getting to
the root of the trouble and are doing much
to aid In the final adjustment of the diff
culties
Obligations Should Be Met.
Mr.. Garfield said the interchange of ideas
between employer and employee were, in
truth, obligations and should be lived UP
to. He denounced the attempt on the part
of number of obstinate capitalists and
radical labor leaders to keep up the agita-
ton and foment strife. This, In Mr.. Gar
fields mind, should be suppressed. There
is disposition, he said, between the more
intelligent capitalists and labor leaders to
meet each other upon friendly terms and
adjust matters
In concluding his address Mr. Garfield
said he wished to impress upon the minds
of his auditors especially the representa-
tives of labor in attendance, that the road
to peace and harmony can only be paved
by interchange of thoughts and ideas, and
that labor and capital should always be
willing to concede a point. Obstinacy, de-
clared the speaker, should never enter into
the relations between employer and en-
ploye.
In replying to an inquiry as to whether
the consumers obligation is to be consid-
cred, Mr.. Garfield answered in the mega
tive, and said the relations of buyer and
seller are entirely a question Of individual
bargain and trade. Company stores in
mining camps and other places were
spoken of, and In reply to question bear
ing on them Mr.. Garfield said they should
not be permitted. He said there is wrong
impression prevailing to the effect that a
labor union cannot be held responsible. He
could not subscribe to that assertion and
declared, that, although they are not in
corporated, the individual members can be
held amenable to the law for any unlawful
act of the organization. The equalization
of profits depends, he said, upon the condi-
tons and nature of the industry. He said
he thought recent congressional Legislation
would aid in solving the problem. Answer
ing a question as to the operation of a
compulsory arbitration law, the speaker
quoted: You can lead horse to water,
huf Won cannot make him drink