Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-07-12

Tense on the theory that some OF its
business members are reaping, or will
reap, big profit from war work over
which they themselves have the con-
tract letting privilege. The Federal
Trade Commission is soon to report
recommendations on fair prices for
coal. oil and steel. Still other remei-
ial measures are;
War Department efforts 10 limit
wages on cantOnments 10 the prevail
ing labor standard while the con
tractors themselves are trying 10 nX
rates. and ondeavors OF ship builders
70 prevent cutthroat competition for
labor by fixing standard wages. Com
mittees are now working 10 aocomp-
fish both these detectives
The appeal follows:
MY fellow countrymen:
The government Is about 10 at
tempt TO determine the prices at
which It will ask you henceforth to
3 furnish various supplies which arc
necessary for tho prosecution OF the
war and various materials which viii
/ be needed I'm tho industries by which
the war must be sustained. We shall,
OF course. try 10 determine them justly
and 10 the best advantage OF the Ma
ton as a whole; but justice Is easier
/ 10 speak OF than to arrive at and
there are some considerations which
E 7 hope We shall keep steadily in mind
while this particular problem Of JUS
tice is being worked out I, there
fore. take the liberty OF stating very
'dly my own view OF the situation
and OF the principles which should
guide both the government and the
mine owners and manufacturers Of
the country IN this difficult matter
a JUST price must, OF course be
paid for everything the government
buys. BY a just price 7 mean a price
which will sustain the industries con-
cerned In high state OF efficiency.
provide a living for those who con-
duct them. enable them 10 pay good
wages and make possible the eXpan-
slons OF their enterprises which will
from time TO time become necessary
as the stupendcus undertakings Of
this great war develop. We could not
wisely or reasonably do less than pay
such prices. They are necessary for
the maintenance and development Oi
industry: and the maintenance and
development OF industry are necss-
sary fer the great task We have IN
hand
But I trust that we shall not sur
round the mater with mist OF SEN
tlment Facts are our masters now.
We ought not 20 put the acceptance
OF such prices on the ground Of pa
trio.ism. Patriotism has nothing 10
do with profits in a case like this
Patriotism and profits ought never In
the present circumstances 10 be men
toned together. Il IS perfectly proper
TO discuss profits as a matter OF busi-
ncss. with a view TO maintaining the
integrity OF capital and the efficiency
OF labor I'm these tragicai months
when the liberty Of free men every
where and OF industry itself tremblcs
in the balance; but II would be alb
surd 10 discuss them as a motive for
helping 20 serve and save our coun-
try.
Patriotism leaves profits out Of tho
Question. In these days Of our SUI
preme trial, when we are sending
hundreds Of thousands OF cur younr
men across the seas 10 serve a greaI
cause. no true man who stays behind
10 work for them and sustain them D.
his labor will ask himself what he u
personally going 20 make out OF tina
labor. No true patriot VIII PERM