Kentucky Irish American., 1913-08-30
Interesting Suggestions Point
ing For Social Reform
Action.
Sees Need of Proper Industrial
Education and Trade
Training.
RECOGNIZE The TRADES UNIONS

The resolutions adopted at the
national convention Of the German
Catholic Central Verein, recently
held at Buffalo, present an interest
ing study in more than one respect.
The social resolutions, as an express
sion of the social programme of the
Central Verein, are of special, timely
interest. The preamble emphasizes
the fundamental nature of natural
and Divine law as the basis Of true
social reform, and the close connec-
tion between the universal transgres-
sion of these laws and the present.
day social question. Special stress
IS also laid on the need of constantly
bearing in mind as our ultimate aim
in social reform the reconstruction
of society, not the mere treatment
Of symptoms. These fundamental
thoughts must determine Catholics
to use their influence for social bet
terment and to interest themselves
in social politics and civic politics,
and must also serve as their guide
in all such efforts.
With these thoughts in mind the
reader is led to the consideration of
a number of specific problems and
means of treatment. The "benefi-
cent movement for the welfare of
the people," as this thoroughly
Christian movement has been called,
considers the welfare of all classes
of society, but directs its solicitude
primarily toward the working class,
&c the most sorely oppressed and
the weakest class and as that most
endangered by radical propaganda.
The Central Verein proclaims its un-
qualified endorsement of the right
of organization of working men and
working women, and regrets that
this right is so frequently denied.
On the other hand, the drafters of
the resolution are not blind to the
danger of abuse which is concomitant
with the right of organization and
raise their voice in warning against
this abuse. They recognize the trade
Unions as the sole existing organiza-
tions through which workers can
safeguard and advance the interests
of their class and craft; they indorse
the just and proper efforts of the
trade unions, and recognize the right
of the Catholic worker to labor in
and with his union for better condi-
tions. But they likewise insist on
the duty of combating socialistic and
other dire influences in the unions,
lest the radical elements gain con-
troll and make it impossible for Cath
olics to retain their membership.
Solicitude for the Fifth estate"
fhn raun1nftnu uuh oh
deals with the vast masses of unor-
ganiZed laborers who, unprotected
and helpless as they are, become an
easy prey to exploitation on the one
hand and to the radical agitation of
the Industrial Workers of the World
on the other. Missionary work and
extensive personal and organized ef-
fort Is necessary, in the so-called 'la- |
Dor camps" as well as in the cities, |
and that particularly among immi- |
grants, Immediately upon their ar
rival and afterward also. The Holy |
See has entrusted immigrants to the |
tender solicftude of their more for
tunate brethren. This years conven- |
ton renewed its previous declara-
tions asking for adequate control of |
woman and child labor, and insists
that this question, in addition to be-
ing an economic one, is also a re-
ligious and an ethical question. The
convention went on record as recog-
nizing, in addition to other means,
legally fixed minimum wages and |
legally determined maximum hours,
as aids for proper adjustment OF this
difficult question.
Another important resolution Is
the one treating of social services
IN favor of the middle classes, and
the farmers in particular. "All true
social politics" we read, "are
primarily middle class politics" And
justly so. Therefore the convention
expresses its desire to cooperate, for
permanent strengthening and ad-
yancement, with the small enter
premier, the small business man."
storekeeper, the clerk, the Office man,
etc. This class is vitality necessary
for the maintenance of society and
must be strengthened. In addition
the convention declared In favor Of
pension system for civil service en-
ployes, and asked Congress to con-
slider this recommendation faVorably.
The last social resolution favors the
organization OF Catholic women for
charitable work.
It will be seen from all these
resolutions that the Central Verein
believes in practical and practicable
work, in constructive effort and in
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