Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-09

The following paper was recently
read before the Tri-City Manufacture
ers' association by L. c. Blanding, as
sistant secretary of the Moline Pillow
company.
Workmen's compensation presents a
perplexing problem. Humanitarian
ism and efficacy constitute its two con-
stituent phases; one calls for reason
able payments for all serious accidents
or deaths so that the unfortunates and
those dependent on them shall be
properly taken care Of; the other pro-
vides for such payments without linn
iting the power 10 produce such bene-
fetal payments. One is equally as re-
auisite and essential as the other; IN
less the payments are reasonable in
amount the employees will not be sat.
isfied TO accept them; If the payments
are too high then the employer cannot
pay them. II the humanitarian phase
in a compensation measure exceeds
reasonable bounds its efficacy is de-
stroyed
Reports OF operation of workmens
compensation acts in Germany and
elsewhere show that at the outset an
attempt was made TO observe and fol-
low within reason its essential requi-
sites: yet from year to year following
adoption. more and more latitude has
been followed, until now it no longer
is a system for providing benefits to
those properly entitled to receive
them, but become an enormous octopus
sapping alike the character and man
hood of the people and feeding on the
vitality of the nation. That such a
condition now prevails is primarily due
TO that trait in human nature which
seeks something for nothing; another
potent factor is that impelling desire
to which mankind is prone-the Civ
ing away of other peoples money. The
scope Of the original purpose is en-,
larged by constantly increasing bene
fits allowed to fit special cases and
like the ever widening circles which
follow the dropping of a stone in a
body Of water, the payments are ex
tended 10 an amazing degree, TO cover
even the most trifling of accident
where the earning capacity of the in
diyidual has in nowise been impaired
The advocates Of woTkmen's com
pensation in our country claim, in proc
OF its desirability here. the marvelou!
results and wonderful benefits which
have followed its adoption in othel
countries; IL We accept as true thei
claims II has descended, like mama
from heaven, a veritable panacea TO
oil Ills. Would that such was indeed
re case! Then to question its opera
Zion would truly be sacrilege They re
fer most frequently 10 its operation il
Germany as the plan was first adopted
there; yet they have seemingly beef
misled by the references made to tn,
so-called philanthropic benefits with
out considering the consequential re
suits and have failed to properly al
alyze ne multitudes OF figures show
by the reports; another reason
found also in the fact that until yer
recently no statements have been put
lished In our country from officia
sources giving true and full informs
ton OF the real working OF the mea.
UT anu ItHullS lOllONlHS lIOu II, y
that but the one phase of the quet
ton, namely, the appeal to our gene
osity and benevolence, 10 which we i
America are so quick to respond. ha
received due consideration.
willingly accord to those who adv
cate the measure here that they ar
actuated by the best of motives an
that they believe beneficial results onl
will follow its adoption. Nevertheless
] ask them to consider carefully til
question: If burdens are impose
upon the employing interests create
than they can properly and reasonab
AFFORD, wherein has the general We
fare of the country or the people bee
bettered? The answer will doubtle
be- that the employing interests ca
AFFORD these charges and therefore u
general welfare is conserved. But
ask again. can the general employil