The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-31
Europe Ahead of United states.

/
ing into laws the things we are discussing
in the United states on the broad lines Of
| social justice. We can profit largely by
| the experience In this country as all re-
forms along these lines can be judged by
the results.
Il find on Investigation that there Ia the
most divided opinion as TO the value and
efficiency OF industrial assurance. Strange
to say, I find many workngmen distinctly
opposed TO It, especially the younger men.
The mechanics with some of whom I
have talked, ray they find no advantage
but several disadvantages In such insur-
ance. They dislike the compulsory weekly
payments they say the benefits are much
smaller than those OF the various trade
assurance organizations. They object
even TO the provisions OF the law for med
ical aid, as they are compelled to take
physicians in their districts who have
| Joined the Government Medical Commits
sion. They prefer TO have doctors OF their
| own choice.
| "Ail this may be due TO the newness OF
the act. On the other hand Il is an ex-
pertinent which II will greatly benefit us
to watch. as It will be a guide as to the
value of similar provisions in the United
States"
Continuing, Mr.. Straus said: 1T find IN
all enlightened lands to-day that he
question Of social Justice Is occupying the
thoughts of lawmakers as II Is In the
United States. 1t remains to be seen
| whether or not these groupings will pro-
duce tho benefits intended. This also ap-
plies to old age pcnsiors. Many of These
| provisions are In force IN Germany, hui
the conditions are 40 different there tina
the social reforms would probably have
to be modified TO suit more democratic
countries.
THE same applies to the whole subJec
OF the minimum wage. II seems to ms
after some observation that the main oh
lection OF the beneaciaries Is that I'M
benefits do not satisfy the minimum wants
The socialists among the workin,
people here seem to he opposed TO al
this kind Of legislation. A large per
centage Of workingmen who are no
socialists are also opposed TO IT, Tn
. new laws are, OF course. easier TO pu
I into effect here as an act or Parhamen
Immediately applies 10 the entire country
'.The thing that has struck me is tn
1 DEVELOPMENT of the cooperative system
8 II seems TO work well. particularly In III
, | smaller towns, where II is carried gu
with economy and efiic ency There y
no expenditure for advertising and tn
= cost OF delivery Is reduced; in fact mos
q of the purchasers carry on tile good
they buy. Tho profits are divided a
dividends and the system IL really co
, operative.
I'm suburban homes England is IA
, ahead OF the United States. In Americ
these homes 40 nov rtdcH 'He pppItS
classes, but the class Just above. Wit
I improved transportation and rapid transi
|, in the United states this system OF co
! operative stores and homes IS worthy o
4 the most careful attention"
Discussing politics In general wa
e Mr., Straus said: "One thing is sure, IN
e princIphs OF progressivsm will maxi
their way IN the United States as the
lhave In Europe The very causes whic
brought the Progressive party into exist
ence ore producing progressive Legislation
l. In a number OF States the old partie
have been compelled 20 take up many d
the causes OF progressivism, hut how IN
they can ne depended upon 20 suppor
them is difficult to say. az they are actin
from compuls!On from without rather tina
devotion TO progressive principles.
seems to me that the logical development
will be progressive. liberal party op
posed TO the conservative reactionar
party"