The Washington times., 1908-01-19
CAPITAL AND LABOR
URGED TO AGREE
Robert N. Harper Bespeaks
Peace Between Contend
ing Forces.

Since the reading of his report to the
Chamber of Commerce at the annual
meeting President Ro0ert n. Harper
has been the recipient of many con-
gratulations upon its contents. What
stirred most enthusiasm at the meet
ing itself and has caused no little IA
vorable discussion since. among bust
ness men generally. were his observa-
lions upon labor and capital, more par
ticularly as the differences between them
are affecting the National Capital
Mr.. Harper approached the discussion
of the question with considerable hesi-
fancy, but il was evident before he
reached a conclusion that his obserya-
lions were timely and valuable.
His View of Situation.
The part of his report relating to this
subject follows.
There are many conditions in Wash
ington most valuable to our commerce
and business interest, and some Of spe-
ciaI importance, which We have always
claimed particular prominence in being
cOnspicuously free frOm-labor strikes
and similar difficulties.
Recent developments, however, lead
us to believe that some mlsdirected
hand has been at work in our midst,
the effect Of which. If not satisfactorily
adjusted by the principals or through
public opinion, Will be to create I'M
necessary dIscord between capital and
labor, damaging alike to each.
I touch upon this subject with no
little hesitancy. and embarrassment,
and would not alIude to it, if ] did not
believe that an amicable adjustment of
the question now at issue between them
IS necessary for the continued pros
perity and the business interest OF the
District.
Favors Fair Unions.
4 am in most hearty sympathy with
the theory of organization, whether It
is that of labor. capital. or business,
but whatever 1t is, 1t must be kept
within the bounds of equal and exact
justice 10 the employer as well as the
employee.
The labor organizations permit
great injustice TO be done them by as
summing some OF the appearance ola
trust. without giving the public or the
employer the usual advantages.
They, unintentionaIIy, no doubt. BIZ
their methods, establish a trust upon
their cOmmodity-that is, mechanical
skill-but they fail, however. to grade
their output as 10 quality or value in
dispOsing Of 1t 10 the purchaser (the
employer. IN this they do not meet the
demands Of the public. as is usually
done by the trusts created by capital
BY such practice they do themselves a
great wrong as an organization. and at
the same time fail to pay that tribute
10 skill and merit each have a right TO
demand.
Rights of Mechanics.
The skilled mechanic is entitled TO-
and should receive, the highest reward
for such skill consistent with fairness
To his employer. If the wage scale
standard is to be established and up
held by organized labor, then this
standard should be measured by the
highest degrees Of efficiency, and not
the lowest, based simply upon having
served the requisite apprenticeship.
THE established rule of the union to
restrict the opportunities Of an Ameri-
can boy to learn a trade is not only
wrong in principle, and an injustice to
thrift and industry. but contrary to our
form OF gov ernment.
All labor unions should stand upon
that indestructible foundation of eff
fciency; no higher tribute could be paid
them. if such was the case. II such
conditions were a fact TO hold a union
card would mean more than power by
members.
Should Be No Monopoly
eff a union man is not wiling to work
with a nOn-uniOn one, on account of
his lack Of efficiency, it is his privilege
TO quit, and the controversy should
there end, and anyone who desires to
take his place should be permitted 10
do so unhampeTed. There should be
no claim Of monopoly upon labor, and
capital should be made 10 understand
that a monopoly on its part viii not be
tolerated.
1T must be admitted by capital that 1t
has no rights which can not also be
extended TO labor, each is dependent up
on the other, and it should be under
stood that they must work in harmony;
and in Justice to themselves, the pub
lie. and the business interests of the
community, they should, when differ
ences arise. agree TO and abide by arbi-
tratiOn.
IN conclusion. it should be borne in
mind by all that he employer. as a rule,