Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1917-07-27
doubtedly been doing a great deal to
foment discord.

doubtedly been doing a great deal to
foment discord.
Would Absorb Increase.
The main cause of friction has been
the failure Of the employers to real
ize that the men are entitled to some.
what greater consideration than they
have been receiving. In the matter
of wages, it is suggested in ship
ping board quarters that if the pres
ent contract prices are too low to per-
NIT certain wage increases the gov
eminent will agree to increase the
prices it has fixed for lumber.
In other words, the attitude of the
government is that there must not be
anything like oppression Of labor in
the work of making the nation ready
for war. 1t is urged here by men in
administration circles that employers
in Washington state arrange for meet
ings with their men at the earlies.
possible moment, and discuss ques-
lions of difference with frankness and
courtesy, then let committees be ap-
pointed to work out basis of agree
ment. Anything that is just the gov
eminent will support.
Must Give and Take.
There must be give and take on
both sides, it is pointed out, but the
larger part of the giving, If the gov
eminent understands the situation,
must be on the part of the employers.
These employers are urged to get
into personal touch with their en-
ployes and to recognize that the en-
ployes have some ground for the at
titude they have assumed. i
If this program has worked we'll.
among Atlantic coast. shipbuilders, II
|is argued, 1t will work equally we'll
among employers of the Pacific North
west.
Barnes is having large hand in
the effort to straighten out these
labor wrinkles. At the request Of
General Goethals he attended the con-
ference Of Atlantic coast shipbuilders
and made the opening address. He is
also cooperating with the department
Of labor and he informs the Times
that the government is doing every,
thing in its power to bring about an
industrial peace ~ q preliminary to
national efficiency. -
Little can be done. however. unless
the employers ''get down to cases"
with their employees. meeting them on
an even footing and talking matters
over with view to reaching an equit-
able settlement.
Opportunity for Northwest.
1t is realized here that the Pacific
Northwest now has the greatest OPP
portunity Of its existence. It has a
chance to help win the war such a.
few sections Of equal size and impor-
lance possess. and while doing this It
should add materially to it's wealth
and industrial and copmercial i'm
portance.
: 1t is realized by government on
cials that much Of the Russian de-
mand which we are to supply, wheth.
er for munitions or general merchan-
disc. must use the Puget Sound gate
way. Seattle in particular and inte-
rior state points tributary to It. are
to benefit very greatly. But before
this can be the result. say these ON
cials. there must be harmony Of &C.
ton between labor and capital.
Washington state. It ispointed out
has more acute labor situation than
exists anywhere else in the country
hence the letter which General Goeth-
ais has written Barnes. II manu-
facturer finds machine out Of order
in one Of his factories, the first thin g
he does is to put It in repair and ex-
perts are set to work to that end. II
is equally necessary. It is pointed out,
to make repairs and reduce when
necessary among the human ma
chinery.
Blame on Both Sides.
The part which the Pacific North
west is to take in the great work now
in hand, 1t is said, will depend very
largely upon what response the EN-.
ployers Of labor in that section make
to the suggestion outlined in this dis.
patch.
OF course the blame is not all with
capital. There is blame on both sides
it is pointed out. But It will all dis
appear the moment the employer!
express a desire to meet the employe.
half way.