The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Cortelyou'S Address to
Jewellers and Silver
smiths in Providence.
describes the Organiza-
ton and Objects of His
New Department.
Has Unbounded Faith in
Business Interests of
the Country.

rotary Cortelyou delivered an address
the banquet OF the New England Man
ufacturing jewelers. and Silversmiths
Association here tonight. The Secretary
OF the Department OF Commerce and
Labor was cordially greeted by the
members of the association when ne
asose to speak. He said. in part:
Recently, upon the occasion of my
appearance before the Appropriation
Committee OF the Senate. one OF Its
members. after saying that he noticed
the legislation creating the department
provided that we should foster, promote.
and develop pretty nearly everything
under the SUM- asked, How are you
carrying out the law?'
Il replied that. first OF all we were
building the foundation; that we were
bJssy with the details OF organization;
that If we were TO organize we must
heSve appropriations, and that If the
necessary funds We're provided and the
organization promptly effected. as &
would be, the next step would be to
make each bureau do live and practi-
osa work for the commercial and in
drastrial interests OF the nation.
I'VE have made fair progress in or
ganization. we have done as much as
Was possible in improving the conditions
in the various bureaus, and in SO d.
recting their work that they may Yield
more substantial results. We cannot
perfect such an organization or get such
results IN a day or a month or a year.
we have important laws to execute We
have to do with some OF the gravest
problems before the American people to-
( day. and I assure you that those charged
/ with the administration or the new de-
-.
gravity Of these problems. nor have they
( fsdled TO insist that they must be APP
ppoached in the most conservative spill;
and with the determination that. while
every law Will De fairly and impartially
J executed. nothing shall be done that will
s'rerve this new executive establishment;
from the great end it has been set 10
accomplish, to foster. promote. and de-
velop our commerce and industries.
Aims of Department.
~'The department aims TO help such
interests as those you represent. We
shall try to establish high standards
in its work. We shall try TO make it a
business department. We shall try to
supply il with modern appliances and
up-to-date equipment. We shall, try TO
secure for IL the best trained and most
do away with useless red tape and
meaningless ceremony in the conduct OF
tho public business. We shall try to
have its chief officials men who are d.
rectly accessible TO the people. loyal
in their service and devoted to their
work. We shall in every bureau and
division, set a high standard and a high
ideal. and while many OF US may not
measure uD to either, we shall give 20
the work the best that is ia us.
You are engaged IN a line Of busi-
ness activity which peculiarly reflects
commercial conditions. and which is
quick 10 feel any change in the general
prosperity OF the country. Cognizant as
you are Of such conditions, You can
realize the extent OF the problem given
10 this new department in its relation
TO what are popularity termed capital
and labor.
1T seems to me altogether fitting that
IN this city OF business activity L should
dwell more particularly upon these tvr
subjects than upon other phases Of tn.
ospaftnents work, important though
they may be. There has never been Z
time in the history OF this country
Wnen there was greater necessity fol
pain speaking or for conservative an,
day.
NN@C NACotAOnc
However much may be the agitation
or the discussion or even the clamo
Upon any great public question I'm thi
country, the American people have
way or eventually settling these cues
tons and settling them right. The
may be vehement outbursts of dissatis
faction and discomfort with certain ex
lifting methods OF business. but tn
Doher second thought of our people will
II am convinced. approve Of a coups
thar approaches these questions witt
judgment and strives 70 work out thei
solution without unnecessary interior
Cnce and without the employment o
means that would jeopardize interest
which are alike-the interests of com
rnerce and OF the labor that makes com
uerce possible
This new department is TO execut
certain laws relating TO the toilef
whether he be employer or employ,
Shall II discharge this great public duJ
hastily. with Imperfect organization
with the desire merely TO make a recorc
even though II may be in response {
public clamorr What would be ~
answer TO such a proposition from an
American audience, whether II reprt
sented the business world or the grea
world OF labor? l think ! know tn
american spirit well enough 70 say tina
the answer would be an emphatic dis
approval OF such a course
Shall Not Dodge.
There is no question that comes be
fore the new department that I sha
dodge or upon which / shall equivooat'
The best friend OF the business man e
day. as he IS also the best friend OF III
labOring man. is he who speaks plainl
OF shortcomings and OF inherent veal
uesses, but who IS. at the same time,
conservative force. ever attempting [
appeal for n broad view OF the gres
questions involved and ever determine
10 keep himself aloof from the Mario
prejudice of the hour.
Il have uEbounded faith I'm the grea
business interests OF this country Ad
herring strictly 20 the lines OF FEEDERS
jurisdiction. the new department Will d
it's share 10 improve conditions. and
have every confidence that in what
may attempt 10 do it viii have the sur
mort of those who have the best interest
OF our country at heart.
"Reiafed most intimately 10 our con
mercial welfare is the subject OF whe
f. currently known as labor, but l wis