The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1915-05-20
JUSTICE TOALl OF THE PARTIES
Congressman of First Wisconsin Dis
trict Urges Laboring Men to Look at
Both Sides of Question in Labor Dis
putes-Laws for Betterment of Labor

Congressman Henry Allen Cooper of
Racine, gave very interesting talk on
Labor legislation before one of
the men Is organizations in Racine on
last Saturday night which will be of
especial interest to laboring men all
over the first congressional district
1T was the contention Of Congress-
man Cooper that labor conditions in
this and other countries had improved
greatly during the past several years.
To prove this belief he cited many in
stances, and his idea was that the i'm
provements were due to broader
minded public opinion with reference
to the rights Of the laboring man, and
more intelligent understanding Of the
many problems.
Years ago laboring men could OBJ
tain no lien on the property they work
ed on; they were imprisoned for strik-
ing for what they considered right, and
in Massachusetts years ago there was
an instance where a man was imprison-
ed for thirty days for debt of only
four dollars.
In striking contrast to these condi-
tions are the laws passed by the United
States legislative bodies during the
past several years for the protection Of
the working man. The sentiment in re-
gard to the working man has changed
entirely, as is evidenced particularly by
the clause placed in the law regulating
trusts and which reads: .fThe labor of
human being is not commodity, nor
an article of commerce This senti-
ment will go around the world, accord
ing to Congressman Cooper, the same as
Thomas Jefferson s declaration that
call men are created equal and endow-
ed with certain inalienable rights by
their creator,' which now adorns the
walls Of many schoolrooms in Europe
and has even spread to Japan.
! He said that questions were constant
ly arising between capital and labor
and he urged the unions to take up
these questions in calm, wise and pa
triotic way, looking on both sides of
the question and doing their best to
see that justice is done. What is need
ed in the United States more than any
thing else in order to compete with the
evils confronting the people is that
they shall know the facts, according to
Congressman Cooper. There are too
many attempts being made to smother
these facts. He expressed confidence
that the great mass of the American
people was ready to do what was right
IT they know these facts. He said the
Federal industrial Relations commits
sion and other bodies of a like nature
had been appointed for this very pur-
pose-to make Investigations into in
dustrial conditions all over the country
and give the people these facts.
Followingis list given by Congress
man Cooper of the laws passed in re-
cent years by the government which
benefit the laboring men. These laws
apply to government employees and in
terstate employees. The duty of pass
ing similar laws to affect all the people
devolves upon the different state leg
islatures:
The employers liability law, which
does away with labor assuming all
the risks.
The workmen s compensation law,
under which several hundred thous-
and dollars have been paid out to
workmen injured or otherwise in
capacitated.
The postal savings banks, which
gives people absolutely safe deposi-
tories for their money.
The election of United States sena-
tors by the people, which will do away
with any more scandals in the legisla-
ture, such as in Illinois.
The creation of a department of
labor, which adds to the dignity of
labor.
An eight hour law for all govern
ment employees, which applies to any
concern engaged in business for the
United States.
Law LUZ IH6 COHCll1dClOn ana VOlun-
tary arbitration Of disputes between
labor and capital. This law does not
make arbitration compulsory, but pro-
vides method whereby the two divi-
sions can, if willing, have difficulties
adjusted.
The laws establishing a bureau of
mines, which is making the miner S
occupation less hazardous.
The seaman's law, regulating yes
sells.
The law prohibiting the use of
white phosphorus in the manufacture
of matches.
The law providing for jury trial
in case of indirect contempt.