The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-26

with every advance of mechanical in- vention, 1t Is no exaggeration to state, has awaited that precise knowledge which has come only within the last five years.
 Problem of the Unemployed.
 Given that knowledge, and given wis., dom, self-restraint and high purpose in applying it. and there is little this nation cannot do for itself. With free scope for our federal programme, we will do much toward helping each member of the indus trial army to get the chance to make everything possible out of himself We can solve this problem of the unemployed best by having no more unemployable. Already our bureau of labor. for the past 20 years of necessity largely statistical bureau, Is practically a department of sociology, aiming not only to secure exact information about industrial condi- tions, but to discover remedies for indus- trial evils. At this moment we are con- ducting investigations as to the labor of women and children, the disease and nor tality, rates of the various occupations, the problem of dealing with the unem- ployed, etc. The whole principle of ma terial and social advancement has come to quicker fruition in our department of agriculture for the reason that biology is more easily handled with reference to seeds and plants and cattle than as re- gards men. It Is our confident claim, however, that applied science If carried out according to our programme, will suc- ceed in achieving for humanity, above all for the city industrial worker, results even surpassing in value those today in effect on the farm.
 lndividualism and Socialism.
 We believe that America should take the lead in this work. Much of 1t can be- gin now. All of it will have to be done at some time, and the first place in the world will come to that country which does 1t first and best. The work has ale ready been begun under this admlnistra- ton. It will be continued and amplified under MT. Taft. It will be brought to ruin if MT. Bryan is elected. The na- tional government must help toward this great reform by putting the results of It's extended researches at the free dis posal of all citizens. We believe not merely in retaining but developing to the utmost possible extent individual initia- tive, but we are not to be frightened by any outcry of paternalism or socialism from going into any experiment which promises to benefit either farmers or wage-earners; for we regard lawless anu lnulVluudllSHl dS III itself quite as undesirable as the most deadening form of socialism.
 Labor Should Favor Taft' It has been charged that Mir Taft, and the administration in which he has borne so prominent part, have not been suf- hciently interested in economic and in- dustrial questions. The above is, 1t seems to me, sufficient answer to this charge. MT. Taft's election should be advocated by all who believe in making a far-reach- ing effort toward the betterment of our scheme of social and industrial life. It should also be advocated by all who wish an immediate advance in these social ano industrial conditions.
 If MT. Taft is not elected, a period of industrial chaos and business bad times will ensue in which the workingmen will suffer far more than any other class. They are the people who, more than any other, will pay the penalty. Because of their own material interests I believe that they should support MT. Taft and. fur thermore, believe that they should sup port him because he has by his actions over and over again proved himself to be sngularly fearless and effective cham pion of the rights of labor; and, above all, I feel that they should support him as good American citizens, because he em- bodies what Is best and highest in our American citizenship. Sincerely yours, THEODORE ROOSEVELT. MT. P. H. Grace Brotherhood of Rail- road Trainmen, 9S Clinton Street, Bing- hampton, N. Y.