The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1914-10-27

SdSCd II SCI IhS INK CT
the same time pocketing wages esti-
mated at $4,000. 900.
In the meantime, Congress has been
considering a bill providing for free
government labor exchanges. and the
Department of Labor has been exert
ing its influence in other ways to solve
the problem of unemployment.
Secretary William B.. Wilson, of the
Department Of Labor at Washington,
had heard much the past winter Of
unemployed in Eastern and Northern
cities. notably in Philadelphia, New
York, and Chicago, and, at the the
earnest desire of the President. had
been planning to place the machinery
Of the people in a move fashion. A
practicable plan is now being tried
out through the information division
Of the Departmental immigration Bu-
reau.
After studying the question care
fully, Secretary Wilson conferred with
Postmaster General Burleson and en-
listed his cooperation. The outcome
was the novel scheme of utilizing for
the first time the United States post
offices, practically enlisting the postal
employees in a nationwide employ
ment agency project. Placards in bold
black type announced:
Harvest Hands Wanted in the Middle
West.
Persons interested in obtaining
work of this kind should apply to the
offices Of the states named. 1t will
be necessary for those desiring work
to defray their own expenses to the
place of employment" There follow
ed detailed appeals from several
states.
These notices were SEN broadcast
to $500 first, second and third class
poStofflceS throughout the United
States. The results were immediate.
Men were soon reporting to the va
riOus agencies. Some came in the
passenger coaches of regular trains.
The majority arrived on foot or on
the break beams Of convenient freight
or milk cars. Freight rains arrived
in the wheat country loaded with 100
or zoo men each. There are many
young fellows in this army Of toilers
VINO intend remaining in the West,
where there will be a chance for them
to forget the dull months of idleneSs
in the Eastern cities.
College Men as Farm Hands.
An important part in the work of
harvesting was played by the u
men from the colleges. Notices re-
garding the need of extra help were
sent by the Department of Labor to
every university and institution OF
learning in the North and East, and as
the students generally finish their
school year shortly before the cutting
or the wheat begins, and find them
selves without work, the grain harvest
is an opportunity eagerly sought. The
majority Of the harvest hands, in some
years., nave been drawn from the stu.
dent ranks.
Testimony from scores of large EN-
ployers, trade %unionists, economists
and public officials Of long expert
ence In dealing with various phases
OF n industrial problem, before tn
United States Commission on Indus
trial Relations forced the realization
mat the distribution of labor is hap.
hazard, and belief in the need of gov.
ornamental direction, through accurate
information as to where men are need
ed. The commission has decided tt
recommend the establishment of {
national abOre exchange in the Depart
ment of Labor at Washington.
1t was soon discovered in the eff
tort to determine the adaptability O
laDorers in one class of employment
to opportunities Of another class, tina
no practical, permanent solution
could be reached until the entire EN-
pioyment problem had been thor.
Oughly analysed. To recommend
hit-or-miss policy, that would sen
a garment worker from the city int,
an iron foundry or some other en-
vlronment of great physical strain
would be worse than absurd.
Bureau For Labor Market Data.
The Industrial Relations Commits
sion are now discussing the particu
lar methods by which the law shall
provide for the collecting of this in
formation. its tabuIation. and distri
button generally. A National Blu
reau of Labor Legislation. with a cen
tral office at Washington, an,
branches in New York, Chicago, New
orleans, San Francisco, and q dozel
} other cities extending from coast t
coast, with a clearing house for eacl
or the several districts into whicl
} the country would be divided, is pro
Jected. Data regarding the labo
T market in various localities will b
collected and published in bulletin:
In English and other languages. a
} frequent intervals, classified SO as t
meet the eye of all who want wor,
as we'll as those in need of worker
), The proposal for the appointment
Of an advisory council to the Ma
tional Bureau and to Zach of the dis
: trict clearing houses is a vital fea