The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-05-09
CHEAP LABOR CLOGS THE
WHEELS OF PROGRESS
It Blghts Prosperity in Any Community Says
Frank Duffy, International Secretary
of Carpenters and Joiners.

lied labor for increased wages, a
shorter workday and better condi-
tions generally, that it becomes
necessary to rcfI t some of the
statements made. The general i'm
preston prevails that, to get things
"cheap,' at Il Hbargain,' at a
''knock down. price, is good bust
ness principles that should be ad-
vocated and encouraged at all times
and uuder all circumstances. But
is it Let us see.
We know perfectly well that we
can not get ''something' for ''noth-
ing,' and if we do, that ''some-
thing" is usually "DOt worth hay
ing One thing is certain good
workman will not work cheap. He
will not work unless he receives
just treatment, fair compensation
and good pay. The employer will
not take a contract except he re-
ceivcs his "price." The supply
man will not sell material until
"payment' of same is guaranteed
by the contractor or owner, or
both, at his price. And SO bust
ness is conducted and carried on
from day to day and from age to
age.
Yet we have some individuals,
some employees, some certain SOcie-
ties, some particular organizations
Of capital who believe that the
wage workers should take what
they get and go on their way re-
joicing, without murmur or com
paint. But to be fair, all sides
should be heard before passing
Judgment. "Cheap labor,n we
contend, is positive "injury," to
the community, IL ''curSc'' to So
ciety, and "detcriment' to all
classes Of citizens sAike. A "gen-
eral reduction' in wages is a 'tpub-
lie calamity.' 1t can not be look
ed upon in any other light by any
rational or tair-minded person.
''Cheapen labor and you destroy
the incentive that spurs men on to
''ctfort' and Improvement ere
- eltsee -Xia az and yeu-disAearten
the workers in the performance of
their daily toll. They become care
less and Indifferent, have no ambi-
ton in their work. and do not care
whether it is done right or not.
The "poOrly paid laborer' can not
be classed as Il "skilled laborer.'
He can not be depended upon = to
do the work required. He seldom
gives satisfaction to his employer
and is rarely employed steadily.
Glow wages,' or a reduction of
wages, lower the moral, social and
intellectual standard of any peo-
all lad I'll
pauperiZed labor is Il ''menacen to
our welfare and well being. 1t is
Il ''menaceN to the country at large.
1t results i'll decreased production.
and consequently loss to national
| wealth. 1t leaves in it's trail dis
conteut and dissatisfaction. 1t
breeds ignorance and vice. 1t is a
blight upon our nations intelli-
gence.
While, on the other hand, ''high
wages mean "Skilled labor and
''Skilled labor means ''increased
production High wages signify
and stand for intelligence, in
genuity, invention, good work and
a higher and nobler manhood. High
wages mean also better and happier
that they tend to elevate the work
ing man, render him more Skillful
and inventive and more productive
and beneficial to the community in
general. The machinery, tools
and appliances invented by Amer
lean worlingmen, by which .'pro-
duction' has been "increased' and
augmented Il hundred fold or more
within the last few years could
never be produced by people
who work ''chcap,' for low rate
of wages. Every increse in wages
has bettered not only the indivi
dual. but the community at large.
1t has left its mark in the pro
greSS of our country 1t has
aided and assisted in its .'growth. -
1t has aided and assisted in its on
ward march to physical and intel
! lectual greatness.
| Then why should we ever listen
to selfish winnings of certain indi
V1duals who care not for Others. so
long rs they are prosperous
Cheap labor is dctriment and
a curse to any country. 1t is a
'clogging of the wheels of pro