Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-10
AID TO DEMOCRACY
Broad Spirit of Welfare Work
Praised by A. A. Pratt.
GIVES HELP TO WORKER
Brings Him Closer to Employer, He
Tells Local Members Of
Civic Federation.
GIVES HELP TO WORKER

That welfare work is putting into the
industrial system of the United States the
spirit of democracy that is in the political
system was q statement made today by
A. A. Pratt Of the School of Philanthropy
of New York before the woman's welfare
department Of the National Civic Fedora
ton, at the residence of Mrs. A. ]. Par
sons. 1704 18th street northwest.
Secretary Macveagh Of the Treasury
Department, in introducing the speak
er, recited the facts that gave rise to
the organization OF the Civic Fedora
ton of Chicago. resulting ultimately in
the organization Of the national con-
federation. It's main aim In the be-
ginning, he said, was for the adjust
ment OF questions arising between
capital and labor. and since it's or
ganizati6n 1t has developed SO as to
reach other questions and has done
much toward diminishing the growing
hostility between the questions Of
''It is one Of the most disinterested and
public-spirited organizations in the
world" said Secretary Mcveagh in con-
clusion. Il have never seen self-interest
manifested in 1t, you can trust It always
and you need never have misgivings of
the purposes and spirit Of the organize
tion.''
More Consideration for Employees.
Mr.. Pratt stated that he appeared not
as an employer. but as a student Of in
dustrial conditions.
There has been a growing feeling on
the part of the manufactures toward the
condition of the employee" added Mr..
Pratt, (which has three main issues-flrst
the movement to improve working condi-
tons. principally environment; second. to
improve the wage system, and third, to
raise the efficiency Of the individual work.
err for his own benefit as well as for his
employers"
Looking at the problem from the his
torical standpoint, Mr.. Pratt declared
that two things were lost in the develop
ment Of the factory systematic gradual
disappearance of the apprentice system.
resulting in the elimination of the per-
sonal relationship between employer ana
employe, and the loss or actual palms.
taking instruction OF the empioye oy the
that welfare work is attempting to re-
place.
, Mr.. Pratt said that the most significant
fact about the present industrial system
ia ito mOnarchial spirit, conflicting directly
with the democratic spirit OF social and
political systems. , =.
."The labor union, after ALL, he said, lis
an attempt on the part OF the employe to
get q voice in the industrial management:
to take q hand In managing MS own IN
dustrial conditions"
Employer Seeks Efficiency.
In view Of the present conditions Of the
Industrial system, Mr.. Pratt declared that
the employer who is looking after the In
terests of his business and at the same
time the interests Of his employees wants
two things, namely. efficiency Of the In
div,dual worker and uniform working
force.
work. he said 1t is the Improvement of
Industrial environment with a view to
raising the industrial :: emf fleas as =,
Everything he pointed out and fs one Of
the Essential things for which the Civic
Federation Is working. with It ID reach
ed a better, understanding between the
en,nIoyer and the employe. resulting In
better conditions and closer relationship
A. the conclusion Of his address. Mr..
Pratt displayed views OF modern factories
where the welfare work Is established,
and showed descriptive scenes In con-
nect,on with the work that Is being con-
Quoted by the federation.
First Of Series Of Lectures.
The meeting was the first OF a series Of
special lectures conducted under the
auspices OF the welfare department Of the
national federation. The next lecture will
be held at Mrs Parsons home January "a.
The officers Of the Washington branch
are Mrs. Archibald Hopkins. chairman:
Mrs. John Mclaughlin. vice chairman:
Mrs. M. J. Filling, treasurer. and Mrs.
Farar smith, secretary Mrs. William
Howard Taft Is honorary president Of the
national organisation and Mrs. John hays
Haknmnnd IL tho nat1onA pssatoenk