Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-28
STRAUS ON PROBLEMS
Guest of Honor at Traffic
Clubs Banquet.
PHILADELPHIA TRADESMEN
Refers to Extension of Our Com.
merce and Industries.
LAUDS ETHICAL STANDARDS
Commends Closer Commercial Rela-
tions With Governmental
Agencies.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. February 81
local and national problems in transpor-
tation were discussed at the first annual
dinner here tonight of the Traffic Club
of Philadelphia. composed of representa-
lives of transportation companies and
some OF the largest industrial concerns of
this city. Oscar Straus. Secretary of
Commerce and Labor. was the principal
speaker and among others who made ad-
dresses were c. \. Prouty of the Interstate
commerce commission. Representative
Charles n Fowler of New Jersey, and
Alba johnson, head of a great local indus
trial establishment. Secretary Straus took
for his subject Commercial Ideals" He
said in part:
The last ten years has witnessed a far
greater extension of commerce and
industries than any previous period in
our history. Our foreign commerce. which
is now in round numbers about three
hundred thousand millions, is but COM
paratlVely small index of that extension.
I'VE are now for the first time beginning
vigorously to compete in the marts of the
world with nations which have long held
monopoly of foreign markets.
Great Industrial Captains.
The great industrial captains which
our new era OF commerce has developed
and who deserve credit for their energy.
capacity and their conquests. have won
their way by fXedness OF purpose, inten-
sity of occupation. and by the spirit that
actuates coura Geous explorers
There is something more important for
"a nation than the growth of it's aggregate
wealth and the increase of its commodi-
ties. If that growth is attained at the
expense of its ethical standards or in the
lessening of the opportunities for the in
dividual. then it is not a growth-it is d
decay.
Il feel Justified In saying without any
intention Of offending either. that the
point of view OF capital and the point OF
View of labor are both too selfish and too
narrow and the problem of our day is to
enlarge their views and mutlIalize their
interests. President Roosevelt's leading
measures have been directed to redressing
The justified grievances of the masses.
while at the same time guarding the best
interests of capital.
A generation or more ago the indus
trial and commercial interests OF our
country, while much smaller in extent,
were sectionaliZed
For National Legislators
1t is very important that our national
Legislators, who are apt to confne their
interest Within the limits of their districts.
should enlarge their point o. view and
acquaint themselves with the require
ments of the country, for this nationaliza-
ton of commercial interests emphasizes
nat what Is best for the country is in the
long run best for the several congress
sionai districts.
The conflicts between the two great
Industrial forces. capital and labor are
more largely due 10 their separate distinct
and narrow points of view, and to the mis-
understandings that arise therefrom. than
10 any. and perhaps all. other causes
National Council of Commerce.
Referring to his establishment of the
national council of commerce. In order
To bring the commercial interests into
closer touch with the governmental al
agencies and to the recent conference
al bis department with certain labor lead
ers that had helped dispel misunderstand-
iugs, he continued:
II trust under the next administration
these two important movements will be
continued and further developed. and that
when the new building shall be construct
ed which will house the department il
will have an adequate chamber where the