The Washington herald., 1916-09-05

Raich. In that decision Mr. Hughes
states and reiterates that an injunction
can be properly issued to regulate per-
sonal relations. That contention is dan
gerous to the welfare of the workers and
to their free opportunity for self-ad-
vancement and the promotion of their
best interests-it Is a contention that
judges responsible to no higher power
can deny wage earners the right to a
normal course of conduct.
Praises seamap's Act.
THE second great labor act passed by
the Democratic Congress, and signed by
President Wilson March 4, 1915, was the
seaman's act, which completes the great
network accomplished by President Lin
coin and removes the shadows from the
last group Of workers who could be held
for involuntary servitude.
THE full record of the labor legisla-
tion enacted by the Sixty-third Congress
and the Sixty-fourth Congress UP to the
present time is one of unparalleled i'm
portance. Never before has there been
anything like it in the history of the Re.
public.
The most recent measure is the child
labor act. At President Wilson's per-
sonal request this law was made part OF
the administrations legislative program
The influence of this measure will be of
far-reaching consequence in national de-
velopment. The child labor law will in
sure the conservation of the physical and
mental ability of the children.
The primary step for the protection
and betterment of wage-earners is the
shorter work-day. Since 1884 the demand
Tor the shorter work-day has been made
under the slogan the eight hour work
day. The etght-hour work-day means
greater opportunity. greater freedom.
The greatest single demand that has
been made by any group OF workers
during this time is the demand of the
| railroad brotherhoods. From the very
nrst the railway brotherhoods made II
evident that their demand was a simple,
clear-cut demand for eight hours II
Is an obvious conclusion from all
practical experience In all lines Of work
that the shorter work-day or the eight
hour day cannot be maintained unless
overtime is penalized
Matter of Concern.
Because Of the consequences of a
general railroad strike. the conferences
between the railroad brotherhoods and
the railroad managers have been a
matter of concern for all; the railroad
managers arbitrarily rejected the de-
mands Of the workers and the strike
seemed inevitable. 1t was fitting that
the President Of the United States should
try to bring about an adjustment
The railroad brotherhoods have not
refused to accept arbitration. They have
declared that the eight-hour work-day
| involves principle of human welfare
| that cannot be disputed and, therefore
cannot be arbitrated. They are willing
to submit every other issue, all of which
are arbitra BILE, to q mutual satisfactory
7 tribunal
| Gompers intimated that the influence OF
the American Federation OF Labor had
had great influence upon the Mexican
policy OF President Wilson. and had pre-
vented armed Intervention in Mexico on
the part of this government and also
earlier. brought about the recognition OF
iCarranza as the legal ruler of Mexico
Carran1a Recognized.
when the most critical situation had
been reached and it seemed that every
hope had been exhausted. representatives
! OF the organized labor movement in Mex.
lea came to the president OF the Ameri.
can Federation OF Labor and asked him
TO use his influence to secure recognition
Of the Carranza government by the ad-
ministratfon OF President Wilson" Com
pers said
"A letter from the president Of the A.
F. of L. to President Wilson requested
that he have patience with the people OF
Mexico and give them time to work out
their problems without the intervention
OF an outside power. Intervention did not
take place.
AT the September, 1915, meeting Of the
executive council. the president of the
American Federation of Labor was in
structed to write to President Wilson