The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14

average manufacturer. venture 10 say.
would reject proposal 70 arbitrate II
his right 20 employ whom he pleases
were denied by his workmen. In other
words, he would decline 10 let others say
whether his shop should be shut or
open. Such a question, the manufac-
turer thinks, would infringe upon his
personal liberty, and therefore. IS closed
against outside discussion or decision.
Matters for Arbitration.
Nor do I believe the union man would
willingly submit a matter Of that sort
10 arbitration" Mr.. Marks continued TO
say. Liberty to work where he chooses
is as fundamental with the employee as
liberty TO hire whom he chooses IS fun
damental 10 the employer. Wages, hours
light. heat. sanitation. and such subjects
are matters of operation, and are open
to bargain and negotiation. Principle
however. cannot be given over TO barter
cannot be left 20 the judgment or con-
science of another. but must be the per-
sOnal problem Of the individual, whether
he owns the factory or IS a hand at the
bench"
Are the relations Of capital and labor
growing better?"
THE employer and the employee are
more tolerant toward each other than
they were ten or fifteen years back" Mr.
Marks answered, because there Is a full
er knowledge Of the common sense rules
Of everyday business, also, perhaps. Of
human nature. But the cordial feeling of
half q century ago has passed away.
Then the employer, a little man, ordina-
rily. hired his help personally, knew their
names. spoke to them when he met them
In the street, and loaned them money
when they were sick. That era OF mutual
and daily interest and familiar associa-
ton is over to return no more.
when the individual employer van
ished his place was taken by the man
ager. representing new ownership and
methods. Man. capitalist or worker, is
now an invisible unit in the sum total Of
modern Industrial conditions. Naturally.
the violent change in all the customary
forms Of employment occasioned misun-
deTstandings and antagOnisms. Fifteen
years ago the relations between capital
and labor were more hostile than ever
before, or than they ever have been since.
Growth and Readjustment.
1.-THE evolution Of our Industries from
small concerns TO great establishments
was n trying and difficult process, The
growth and readjustment required both
time and price. So we had strikes and
/ lockouts. We came safely through the
troubles, though thoughtful men had
fears and doubts. We now understand
that capital and labor are dealing with
each other by the rules Of trade. or che
mathematics Of pure business. The work
man to-day wants good wages, steady
employment, as short hours as his en-
ployer can afford to give, plenty OF light
and air and healthful surroundings. He
has ceased 10 expect or desire personal
favors. Perhaps he would not know his
employer If he met him on the street.
Some manufacturers" Mr.. Marks said,
make the mistake OF coddling their men,
Of patting them on their backs, and OF
pretending to give them something for
nothing. I approve Of welfare work. as
it is called. but I am opposed TO pater-
nalism. So is the workman himself. He
objects, for example, when he is asked
to pay only nickel for a luncheon that
costs HIS employer 10 cents. Nor does he
care for Sunday school classes that are
/ formed for the spiritual uplift Of his
children He demands modern facilities
/ for doing his work and cash IN hand for
/ all that his services are worth. He would
prefer TO carry his own luncheon In q
bucket or basket, and he resents outside
| assistance in caring for ard rearing his
! family.
Welfare Work Opposed.
Welfare work. projected into pater.
nalism and Dragged about and used as
an advertisement. is hurtful ethically
and is Objectionable because its supposed