The Washington herald., 1916-05-01
Labor, Wages and the Future.

Not Jew employers of labor have in recent
months voluntarily increased the wages OF the
workers, in recognition of improved conditions
2nd 1t is therefore, not surprising that hundreds
OF thousands OF those engaged in various indus
tries, whose claims to advancement have not re-
ceived consideration are preparing to make de-
mand for larger share in the temporary pros
perity that has come to the United States since
the European began the destruction of the
earth's resources and the fruits of wars toll
1t is less than two years since this country
emerged from the long period of stagnaton and
business depression that was reflected in bread
lines and unemployed armies, but in that time
enormous profits have been made by industrial
corporations and they have had work for every
willing hand While the stockholders in the mu-
nltons factories have received fabulous dividends
as the result of Europc's extremity which enabled
the seller to dictate terms, it is also true that
the directors of most Of these concerns have seen
to it that their employees had nothing to COM
plain OF IN the matter of wages, because it was
plainly to their own interest to do so. Naturally
many other lines of industry have proftcd from
the war, and the demand it has stimulated in our
own market, so that all factories are busy
and prosperity is widespread Not all EMPLOYERS
by any means however have given consideration
10 the rights OF labor to share in the good times
and It cannot be denied that many arc still work.
ing for panic wages in face Of a rising rather than
declining cost OF living. These men are de-
mand1ng readJuStment, and the surprise is that
their demands were not made sooner since the
advantage has been and is on their side 1t
IS safe prediction that those who arc not receiv-
ing just wage will in majority OF cases sue
cced in bringing employers to terms That the
demands of all classes Of workers who are threat
cnlng strikes just will not be contended
There are conspicuous instances in which work.
ers are asking for generosity rather than Justice
and 1t goes without saying that they will be
disappointed.
At no time in the country's industrial history
has there been greater need for cooperation be-
tween capital and labor. Extensive strikes now
while foreign markets are calling for all of our
surplus products, would be an unparalleled ex-
hiblton Of folly. Concessions should be made on
both sides to keep the wheels turning. No one
can predict how long our artificial prosperity is
to continue, and the workers can scarcely expect
any long-term wage adjustments. based on
present conditions They are not to be blamed
however, for seeking a fair division while the
good times last
That the will continue another wear is
scarcely to be believed, and what may be in
store for us 1ndustrially after it is over not even
our wlsest statesmen or business men can fore
see. That the world will witness an industrial
uPheaVal is not doubted. What the effect on
work and wages in this country will be only time
Will disclose. We do know that great changes
will take place and that the best thought and
effort Of a united people will be necessary for the
preservation Of their industrial welfare. In the
meantime a that will insure to us cverv
advantage offered by conditions of today is plain
y marked out for employers and wage earners