The wageworker., 1908-06-13
Methodist Church
And Labor Problems

Several mo0l0S 1&O. I0S& 8ASSA HsSs-
W. NJ. Balch. pastor Of Trinity NJ &
church Of this city. had been elected
delegate TO the Baltimore conference. |
Mr.. Balch called upon the editor Of |
The Waseworker and outlined q set
of resolutions dealing with the labor
problem which he purposed present.
ing TO the conference Nh Baich ls
in thorough sympathy with the union
movement. and he keenly realizes that
the church has mot given this phase
Of modern progress the consideration
that IL deserves That he made MS
uresence felt at the Baltimore confer
ence is evidenced by the fact that the
resolutions as outlined by him weze
adopted almost seriatim by the con-
ference-and Mr. Balch was . meua-
her of the committee
The labor resolutions" rs adopted
cy the Baltimore conference are in
mart as follows
I'VE recognize the gravity of the
social situation and the responsibility
of the Church collectively. and Of its
members severally, for bringing about
better conditions through the prac-
teal application of the ethics of the
New Testament We hold it an inn
perative Obligation that the Church
and All Christians interest themselves
profoundly in such questions As those
of the iniquitous exploitation of child
labor. the carelessness as 10 life and
limb too often shown in factory, IL
mine. and on railroads, the down
ward pressure sometimes brought up
on wages by the competitive system
the chronic phase of misunderstand-
ing and Industrial warfare between
employers and employed. the regret
able breach. caused by misconcep-
ticn on both sides of the spirit and
purposes of each. which exists be-
tween large numbers of artisans and
Church of Christ
I'VE welcome eyer indication of a
desire to end disputes and hosiiities
and to and basis of reconciliation
fraternity. and permanent co-opera-
ton. We especially commend all
those employers. whether individuals
or corporations, who. in the conduct
OF their business. have exhibited fra
ternal spirit and a disposition to deal
Justly and humanely with their EN-
ployes-partsculariy as to wages,
profit sharing and welfare work,
49, A~x<1rs- conditions IA
toll. protection against accidents. and
willingness TO submit differences tc
arbitration We recognize the per
plexities that arise in great industrial
operations. and sympafhize with thoe<
who. while carrying these burdens
are vet striving TO fulfill consistently
the law OF Christ We cordially de
clare our frasernal interest in the
aspirarions of the laboring classes
and our desire 10 assist them in tbs
righting Of every wrong and the al
tainment Of their highest well-beins
We recognize that the fundamental
purposes of the labor movement an
essentially ethical and. therefore
should command the support of Chris
tian men We recognize further tha
the organization of labor is not onl,
the right Of the laborers and condu
Give to their weffares but is incident
ally Of great benefit to society .
= large in the securing OF better cond
lions Of work and Life in its educz
tioual influence upon the great multi
tudes concerned and particularly i
the Americanixation Of our immigran
population While We cordially a
precsate the social service rendere
the community by captains Of indu'
try in maintaining large business:
afording employment to hundred
and by their products serving th
needs Of their feilovmen. yet our pr
mary interest in the industrial pro-
lem is With that great number VII,
by their conditions Of toll. canns
share adequately in the highest be-
TO improve their conditions should II
ceiye our heartiest cooperation I
must all similar efrort ON the part
employers or disinterested organiz
tons.
We are gratifed by the growth
the spirit of conciliation and the prs
tice of conference and arbitration
adjusting trade disputes. and ve uu
that these methods may increasing
supplant those Of strikes and loc
outs. with attendant boycotts n
blacklistinEs. We urge all our mel
bers. both employers and employs
to the fullest possible promotion
the principles Of Industrial peace ~
human brotherhood We record Q