Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1914-12-07
NINE CAUSES FOR
INDUSTRIAL UNREST
Preliminary Report to Congress of
the United States Industrial
Commission.
POINTS ON WHICH ALL AGREE
Matters Beyond Dispute and others
on which Serious Difference
of Opinion is Found TO
Exist. -

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.--Nine carl
causes of industrial unrest, most ges -
ally agreed upon by employers and em-
ployes alike, were presented to congress
today by the Commission on Industrial
Relations in its preliminary reports. as
follows:
Largely a worldwide movement aris-
ing from laudable desire for better liv-
ing conditions-advanced by representa-
tives of labor, socialists and employer.
and generally endorsed.
"A protest against low wages. long
hours and improper working conditions
in many Observation-Disclosures by prac-
tically all labor representatives and as
sented TO by many employers.
"a desire on the part of the workers
for voice in the determination of con-
ditions under which they labor and a
revolt against arbitrary treatment of in
dividual workers and a suppression of or
ganization.-- This was almost uniformly
approved by labor witnesses.
Unemployment and the insecurity OF
employment. Generally advanced by wit
nesses from every standpoint.
Unjust distribution of the products of
industry. by most labor rep
resentatives and agreed to by most en-
ployees.
misunderstanding and prejudice
Agreed to by employers and employees.
Agitation and Internationally ad-
vanced by employers. but defended by
labor representatives and others as a
necessary means of education.
THE rapid rise in prices as compared
with wages.
"The rapidly growing feeling that re
dress for injuries and oppression cannot
be secured through existing institutions
Effect of Immigration.
'In addition" says the report, ut has
been stated by many witnesses that the
tremendous immigration of the last quar-
ter century, while not itself a direct
cause of unrest has served to accentuate
the conditions arising from other causes,
by creating an over-supply of labor un-
familiar with American customs,
language and conditions"
While It presents no conclusions. leav-
ing those for later work, the commission,
after more than a years investigation
covering all phases of industry through
out the country in which more than 5OC
witnesses, representing all relations OF
capital and labor were examined. pres
ents the question:
''Is there need for changes, improve
| ments and adaptlons OF must entirely
new legal machinery be devised for the
control of industry?'
The final report and conclusions of the
commission win be submitted Aext
August, when it's mission is concluded.
These nine agreed causes were the re-
suit of the examination of 514 witnesses,
divided in interest as follows:
Affiliated with employers, 1s1; af-
filiated with labor, 1888; not affiliated
with either group. $50. The witnesses In
cluded seven members of the Industrial
Workers of the World and six representa-
tives of the socialist party.
From the EmplOyers' Viewpoint.
| Under the caption, What Employers
Say" the report presents the following
summary of causes of unrest:
Normal and healthy desire for better
] living conditions.
Misunderstanding and prejudice. Lack
Of conception that interests OF both labor
| and capital are identical.
Agitation by politicians and irresponsi-
bic agitators.
Unemployment.
Unreasonable demands arising from
| strength of organization.
Labor leaders who stir up trouble tc
4