The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-07-13

tions in each county will be united Vi
ganization to work in close harmony
The plan of organization of the
state council places responsibility for
patriotic service in each particular
line of activity represented upon a
department head. Each department
head chooses his own committee from
among those engaged in his own
line of activity. War problems pre-
sented to the council are referred
to the particular department to which
they seem to be related. These de-
partment committees take these
problems and attempt to work out
solution and report back to the
council as whole. The council
considers these reports and makes
such suggestions or recommenda-
tions as seem to fit the case and
lend every effort to bring about the
greatest efficiency in war work.
In the absence of legislative au
thority this council can only act in
a semi official capacity. Though
appointed by the governor, it has
but limited funds and no legislative
authority, and the members serv,
without pay for their services.
In accepting the appointment to
head the labor department, l did so
with full appreciation of the re-
sonsibility and duties involved. 1t
means giving much of my time to
that work. Labor problems arc
closely interviewer into the whole
fabric of war activity. That Amer
lea must win this war does not ad-
nit of argument. The destines of
the race are irrevocably committed
to this titanic world struggle. There
can be no turning back for America.
Every man, woman and child in the
United States will be called upon to
serve and sacrifice. Sacrifice does
not mean, however, the giving up
of any of the recognized standards O.
labor established by our movement
through years of struggle. In de-
manding that industrial and social
standards may be maintained the la
Dor movement assumes an attitude
justified by the war history of our
allies. The second line of defense
constitutes the farms and workshops
of this country, and the highest point
of productiveness cannot be reached
if labor is undernourished, discon-
tented, compelled to labor excessive
ly long hours.
Common Debt to Country
Strikes and lockouts ought to have
no place in this critical period of
our national life. The only way
to prevent them is for both employ
ers and employees to recognize their
common debt to their country and
apply the rule of reason and fair
dealing to every industrial contro-
versy that arises. There may come
times when strikes seem unavoidable.
Labor will steadily maintain its
right to cease labor if some funda-
mental principle is at stake and all
peaceful means of adjustment fail.
Labor, in demanding that employers
meet them and talk over industrial
differences in spirit of fairness,
must itself be willing to meet the
employer on the same basis. Toler-
ance and forbearance must be the
Guiding spirit in industrial relations
if strikes and lockouts are to be
avoided.
My position before the council has
been made plain. Each member un
understands it. With the aid which
| know ! shall receive from the trade
unionists of this state / will do all
| can to bring about mediation and
conciliation of industrial disturb
ances, employing to the fullest ex-
tent the existing machinery of state
and federal government to that end.
| will not compromise nor attempt
to place labor in false light upon
any of the fundamental principles
of industrial organization.
Spirit of T0leratiOn Manifest
While | am aware that the views
of many members of the council
upon industrial questions have been
widely at variance from the views
held by organized labor, sense a
composite feeling upon the part of
the council of fairness and tolera-
ton, spirit bred of the world strug-
gle. This struggle, destructive of
human life as it is, seems to be
tugging at the heartsrings of think
ing men and women everywhere, and
bringing the world nearer the day
of true democracy and brotherhood.
Il L. =,