Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-26
TAFT THE FRIEND OF LABOR,
ROOSEVELT TELLS TRA|NMAN

land. Cincinnati, Chicago and st. Louis
railroad. The plaintiff. while working in
the employ of the company had been hurt
because the company had not provided
the protection which the statute required
1t to furnish it's employees. He got YER
dict from the jury. The railroad appeal
ed, and it's counsel. Mr.. Judson Harmon.
argued that the verdict should be set
aside because the employee had kept at
work. although he knew the railroad had
violated the law, and that, therefore, he
had really contracted to take all the
chances of being hurt.
Taft's Decision an Authority.
This case has been cited all over the
United States by counsel for workmen
injured through the failure of their en-
ployers to furnish the protection required
by statute for their safety. Judge Taft's
decision was that when law is made
applying to dangerous business in
which 1000 men are killed and g., 900 men
are injured every year, the intention is
that the railroads shall obey the law and
that 1t shall not be nullified by judicial
construction. Very many Judges. unfor-
tunately, have failed to follow his rea-
soning, but other judges. and the law
making bodies as well, have followed ii,
and this great decision marks one of the
longest strides taken in the effort to Sc
cure for wageworkers full protection
against, and full compensation for, in
juries received by them in the line of their
duty. Here again Judge Taft rendered
one of the greatest services that has ever
been rendered to the cause of labor.
The two cases to which | have referred
have a further Importance when it is
remembered that the President now to
be chosen will probably himself choose a
majority of the justices of the Supreme
Court during the next four years. 1t
would be a dreadful calamity to have
these justices chosen by a man of less
than Mr.. Taft's high purpose. great
knowledge of the needs Of the people and
firm resolution to do justice to every in
dividual and every interest. This is one
of the vital questions now before the
American people.
Labor on Panama Canal.
Furthermore. l ask you to consider
what Mr.. Taft has actually done as an
administrator. The Panama canal has
come specially under the direction and
control of Mr.. Taft as Secretary of War.
He has taken a peculiar interest in the
men who are digging that canal. He
has made a special study of all that con-
fronts them. He has made it his bust
ness to see that their interests are in
y
have ample reward; that they are well
housed, well fed, and, SO far in his
power lies. that they receive compensa-
ton for injuries incurred in the line of
Bryan Vague; Taft Explicit.
AS opposed to the entire vagueness of
Mr.. Bryan's proposals, Mr.. Taft stands
pledged to continue the definite and con-
structive program of social reorgan-
ization outlined and already entered upon
by the present administration. which has
never hesitated in specific cases of suffi-
Gent Importance to interfere for the pur-
pose of securing an adjustment of labor
troubles. at the same time conserving the
rights of the Wage-earner.
Administrator Aid to Labor.
Beyond these remedial enactments and
arbitrations achieved by this administra-
ton stands a constructive and organic
program of federal activity In the way
of social and industrial reform.
With free scope for our fedora
ton program We will do much toward
helping each member of the industrial
army to get the chance to make every
thing 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
teal bureau, is practically department
Of sociology, aiming not only to secure
exact information about industrial cond-
tions, but to discover remedies for indus
Individualism and Socialism.
We believe that America should take
the lead in this work. Much of it can
begin 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 it first and best. The work
has already been begun under this ad-
ministration. 1t will be continued and am
plified under Mr.. Taft. 1t will be brought
to ruin If Mr.. Bryan is elected.
Labor Should Favor Taft"
1t has been charged that Mr.. Taft and
the administration in which he has borne
SO prominent a part have not been suf-
ficiently interested in economic and in
dustrfal questions. The above is, it seems
to me. sufficient answer to this charge
Mr.. Tafts election should be advocated
by all who believe in making far-reach-
ing effort toward the betterment of our
scheme of social and industrial life. 1t
should also be advocated by all who wish
an immediate advance in these social and
industrial conditions.
If Mr.. Taft Is not elected, 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 1 believe that
they should support Mr.. Taft: and, fur
thermore. 1 believe that they should sup
port him because he has by his actions
over and over again proved himself to be
singularly fearless and effective cham
pion Of the rights of labor: and, above
all, feel that they should support him as
good American citizens, because he en-
bodies what is best and highest in our
American citizenship. Sincerely yours.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT,
Mr.. p. H. Grace,
Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, %
Clinton street. Binghamton, N Y