Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-08-06
CONTROLLER COLE
MAKES. REPORT
CONTINUED ,rom rag. one,

to get, and that they may not be able
to run to capacity IL the change is
made. These reasons may be true.
and as the community is largely de-
pendent on the employer for its inn
mediate prosperity, the explanation
deserves to be civilly considered and
courteously treated. But the fact
must also be considered that the EN-.
ployer allowed the nine hour day to
exist, contrary to law. previous to the
existence OF labor and equipment
scarcity. Admitting that these two
items are scarce does not relieve any
party concerned of their duty to the
law, and the presence of the state po-
lice for the purpose of enforcing some
law in the presence of violation OF
other law Is discouraging to good citi.
zens, and is breeding disrespect in
others. The local officials candidly
and honestly admit these conditions.
and are willing, T. they feel that they
have the support OF the state to at.
tempt the correction OF them. The dis.
trict attorney Of the county will at
tend the call OF the state officials, on
this matter, at any time.
THE housing conditions of some OF
the foreign quarters are far from sat.
isfactory. and it would allay consider.
able irritation If they were improved
The employer assumed the housing OF
the various foreign populations, and
though originally such conditions may
have been fairly good, they have moi
been kept up nor properly enlarged
and should receive attention. At the
smelter district the Greek laborers
complain of their own countrymen al
bosses, saying that they are DULLES
and that the American bosses are
much to be preferred. The foreign
population is generally patriotic, anC
trouble from them in the way OF either
destruction or strike is not likely as
they are fairly well satisfied with the
wages and working conditions. Al
present they are satisfied with wages
but a wage reduction would likely
result in them leaving rather thar
striking.
There is very little labor organiza
ton. outside of skilled labor in tn,
district. The multiplicity of nationali
ties, each lacking complete confidenc,
in the others. accounts for this. This
however, would not prevent loose or
| ganiZation in case OF general griev
ance. and this form of hurried organi
cation would be hard to control. The
| present organization would be hare
to control The present organization!
OF skilled labor not only serve theil
own protection, but naturally bulwarl
the community against the hasty ant
not always well considered actions o.
! spasmodic organizations that flourish
on immediate differences without con
sidering consequences. This is very
iiNNl' ldNOI dOlt " SuCH ~ "
of organization now existent in tn,
district, and the best way to prevent
sdch a feeling is TO correct the causes
of dissatisfaction that create 1t. There
is no effect without n cause, and wher
men combine to correct some thinl
they often go further and attempt t
correct other things.
1T would be a displayal of goot
business ability. as well as (at thi
time) a patriotic act, for the employ
ers of the district to employ man
or men, to investigate and report I,
the management the grievances of tn
employees.
Many small complaints could an,
would be corrected and adjusted, ant
the larger grievances could be consid
cred by both sides instead OF fostering
unrelicved, as at present.
Unfortunately, the ideas here as
sembled were not presented TO the EN-
ploying side for the reason that tn
manager was away, and the other CON
pany officials impossible to reach dul
ing the short "tay. This fact agai
calls attention to the opening parf
graph. saying that this report
based largely on the impressions of
spectator rather than the judgment G
authority.
This impression Is that the distriC
Is not in danger of immediate indus
trial trouble, but the conditions ar
not satisfactory to the peace of tn
state. There will be scacity of labor
and possibly disturbances, If presen
wage schedules are not maintained
or IL corrections of smaller grievance
are not made. This will not happe
II each side is considerate of tn
) rights of the other. and both are a
thoughtful of the common good n
they should be at this particula
time"
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