The White Pine news. [volume] (Ely, Nev.) 1906-1910, 1907-08-24
LABOR SHORTAGE
IS RESPONSIBLE
STRAUS SAYS IT Is NOT A CUES.
TION OF WAGES, But OF SUI
FICIENT MEN.
Salt Lake Herald.l

1T is not a question of wages, but
of men to do the work. said Oscar
S. Straus at the Knutsford yesterday,
referring to conditions as he finds
them, especially in the west. Mr..
Straus said he believes the Japanese
government is keeping its faith and
observing the passport system, issu-
ing papers to none who is not enti-
tied to them. Mr.. Straus believes
the bureau esta bllshed in his depart
ment at the head of which is Ter
renee V. Powderly. formerly the fore
most leader of the Knights of Labor,
and more recently commissioner OF
immigration, will do much toward
relieving the congestion of immi-
grants at the Atlantic seaport towns
and place them where labor and set
tiers are needed.
Il left Washington July l for the
purpose of inspecting and acquaint-
ing myself with the field work of the
department of commerce and labor.
| went over the Canadian Pacific to
Vancouver and thence to San Fran
cisco by way of Seattle, Tacoma and
Portland. From San Francisco
went to Honolulu, where | remained
ten days.
Shortage of Labor.
Everywhere | found evidences of
commercial growth and prosperity.
The only shortage | met with was
labor. In some parts of the country
great regret was expressed that
they were unable TO get sufficient la
Dor to pick the crops and to carry on
the manufactures as they should be.
1t is not a question of wages, but of
men to do the work. This is certain
| ly a healthy sign, especially as
through the west and northwest Ia
Dor is well remunerated.
THE last congress provided for a
new division in my department, di-
vision of information, the purpose be-
ing to advise immigrants and Others
] where labor is needed.
| Powderly in Charge.
| Il selected as the chief of that di-
vision one of the most competent and
broad minded labor men of the cOun-
/ try, Terrence V. Powderly. The bu-
reau might more properly be called a
bureau of distribution In the Allan
tic seaport towns, New York, Boston
and Philadelphia, there is a conges-
! ton of immigrants simply from lack
of knowledge as to where work can
be found. MS bureau will address
itself to remedying, so far as gov
eminent agency can, this condition.
The Japanese Situation.
while you were on the coast, Mr.
Straus, did you investigate the Jap
anese situation?"
mo; / don't believe that it needs
investigating.
is there any truth in the repor
that there is an influx of Japanese
laborers into this country, in spite O.
rigid restrictions"
There is no influx of Japanese tt
this country. / believe the japanese
government is observing in the lette
and the spirit the convention where
by only those are admitted who hav'
passports. | do not believe that thu
. Japanese government is issuing pass
ports to those not entitled to them.
Mr.. Straus impresses one as beinl
just precisely the sort of man he is
business man. He talks calmly an,
weighs every word well. AS he ha
grasped the great affairs in the mer
camille world, so has he at once takel
comprehensive grasp on the affair
of the governmental department o
which he is chief There is nothin,
pompous about Mr.. Straus. On thu
contrary, he has the appearance o
one who may feel the weight tina
rests on his shoulders, but does no
let the world know it, in manner
speech or dress.