Denver labor bulletin., 1917-08-04

same chance as their brothers for
training in knowledge and masonry of
their respective trades. Let US work
out plans for program that compre-
hends the scope and purpose of indus
trial democracy.
"What a supreme opportunity and
responsibility! What a call for serv-
ice and conservation to the members of
the Women's Trade Union League. Let
us consider some of our chief obliga-
tions in this great hour.
First: We should give united 10y
atty to our country and government in
Let US, by our cooperation and serv-
ice, help to win an early victory for
this cause. But while we help fight
the war for democracy in other lands,
let US be vigilant so that we do not
lose our own freedom. Let us stand
unfalteringly in defense of our con-
stitutional rights of freedom of speech,
press and assemblage. No cause of
liberty in foreign lands is worth the
sacrifice of freedom at home. No trea-
sonable exercise of constitutional
abrogation for all. Despotism and
autocracy at home can not win free
dom and democracy abroad.
Second: We should unite to main
tain and extend our hard-won stand
ards in industry. Already there has
begun concerted attack upon the
projections for the women and chill
dren of labor. Let us be ever alert
to resist these efforts of ignorance and
greed to capitalize a national emer-
gency into dollars coined from the
exploited labor of the poor. The war
has proven that child labor, the twelve
hour day, and seven-day week are
economic waste and national betrayal.
Exploitation of labor is treason to the
state. Let US demand a real econo-
mic preparedness. The eight-hour
day, living wage, one day rest in
seven, and adult labor should be a con-
dition in every contract made for gov
ernment supplies.
"But there should be preparedness
for peace as well as war. We should
upon labor conditions whose chief task
would be to master unemployment
after the war. A government that
demands universal service from its
citizens in time of war must provide
universal employment at living wage
for its citizens in time of peace. No
citizen will be an able defender of a
country in time of war who is forced
to be homeless wanderer in time of
peace.
"And in all our varied work for
Just conditions of toll for the workers,
let us never forget that organization
is the heart of it all. In ordinary
times industrial freedom is the most
| important freedom, as industrial de-
mocracy is the most important democ-
racy in an industrial age. Now that
democracy is declared on all sides to
be worth dying for, surely it is worth
living by.
"America calls for that training
which will give to her working women
not only the capacity to adapt them
selves to the changes that are going
on around US, but the power to shape
and direct them.
ITO prepare such leadership for
working women in America, the first
answer is the training school for ac-
tive workers in the labor movement
The National Women's Trade Union
League, in the face of what seemed
insuperable difficulties four years ago,
undertook the establishment of this
school. Already it has justified our
work and faith and the generous sup
port of those far-sighted women who
made its foundation possible.
"Under the women's commission of
the council of national defense there
is being organized in every state COM
mittees for the protection of women
and children in industry. Here prac-
tical knowledge of industrial life and
trained service for dealing with indus
trial conditions is of highest import
ance for the national welfare. Not
only are unorganized women workers
in vast numbers used as underbidders
in the labor market for lowering in
dustrial standards, but they are related
to those groups in the industrial CEN
ters of our country that are least
Americanized and most alien to our
institutions and ideals.
"The whole social order is in flux.
On all sides is the demand for leader
ship-a leadership that knows and a
leadership that serves. A new Amer
ica-aye new worlds emerging to
be moulded by men and women spir-
itually and intellectually sensitive to
the greatness of the hour. Let US ac-
cept this responsibility without fear
and in steadfast faith.
"Third: Let US everywhere and at
every opportunity demand the full
enfranchisement of women. This right
is fundamental need for every work
ing woman, and, if we act intelligently,
can not be longer denied. We can
never hope for equal economic oppor-
tunity and reward with men until we
have the ballot.
"And, finally, would have you see
beyond the darkness of the suffering,
desolation and death of this world
war, the golden dawning of better
day. Let US have faith in the triumph |
of righteousness-fait in the growing |
good of the world. Since that elder
day when women were the chattels of
men, and labor was in chains, human
ity has advanced from age to age.
Even now, while the manhood of the