Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-08-05

Dor, 1t is the first hour in history for
the women of the world. Women are
coming into the labor and festival of
life on equal terms with men, Wom-
ems labor in the fields feeds the SOL
dfers on the firing line. women's la
Dor in shops and stores feeds the homes
of Europe"
:, Asked what definite effect the war
might have upon women's work. Mrs.
Robins answered.
TT Is in the industrial and economic
nold that the world war will mark the
most far-reaching transformation in
the condition of women. From casual
10 permanent, from unskilled and I'M
important to trained and essential fac
tors in the economic life of the world.
this should be the effect of this war on
the condition of the working women of
the western nations. When We re-
member that even in times of peace
women were working in 2J9 trades and
occupations out of the 303 listed by
tine census. and that before the war
they were serving as chauffeurs, en-
Gineers, wireless operators and avi-
ators. we can well imagine what fur
Their development of woman's work
and womans power will be brought
about by the part that women are
taking in American industry by the
Withdrawal of men for the purpose OF
warfare
-
TT Is well for US. therefore. to act in adj
vance and prepare for efficient organi
xation for the protection and develop
ment Of the woman workers.
because of these facts. trade and
technical training of women is Of the
utmost Importance. England recog-
nized this by providing such training
TO her women after the first months
OF the war. We must de,laad that in
he ~ s-rh. oil
education girls be given the same
chance as their brothers for training in
knowledge and mastery of their re-
spective trades. 1t has been .he OBJ
Sect Of the Na.ionoI Womens Trade
Union League to work cut plans for a
program that coraprehends the scope
and purpose OF industrial democracy.
America calls for that training which
the capacity to adapt themselves to the
ichanges that are going on around us. but
70 the power to shape and direct them
To prepare such leadership for working
women in America. the National Women's
Trace Union League. in the face of what
seemed insuperable difficulties, four years
ago undertook the establishment of
training school for active workers in the
labor movement. Already this school has
Justified our work and faith and the gen.
erous support of far-sighted women. who
made Its foundation possible: Literally
millions Of women are looking to our
organization for help and leadership in
the struggle for selfgovernment in their
daily toll America at war opens a new
Held Tor its cooperation.
eve are endeavoring to unite in main
tanning and extending hard-won
standards in industry. and are alert to
resist the efforts of ignorance and greed
to capitalize a national emergency into
dollars coined from the exploited labors
of the poor. This war has proved that
child labor. the twelve-hour day and
seven-day week are economic waste and
national BETRAYAL. of la nr
is treason to the state. We women of the
Trade Union League are dema nding a
real economic preparedness. In my opin-
ron an eisht-hour day. living wage, one
days rest in seven and adult labor should
be condition in every contract made for
government supplies.
Zone of the most vital features of the
whole labor situation at present in con-
nection with women in industry is that
there should be preparedness now for
peace as well as war There should be
national commission upon labor condi-
etons. whose chief task would be to mas
ter unemployment after the war. To this
end machinery should be organized now
that win provide accurate information
upon labor conditions in all parts of the
country; to provide transportation for
labor to places Of employment, and to plan
reclamation, irrigation and other public
improvements sufficient to employ all sur
plus labor.
Under the women's committee of the
council Of national defense. before
~ulCh you nave just nearQ me speak
On this subject, there is being or
Ganized in every state committees for
the protection of women and children
nj industry. Here practical knowledge
Of Industrial life and trained service
for dealing with Industrial con-
dttions is of highest Importance
Tor the national welfare. Not
only are unorganized woman. work
ers in vast numbers used As un-
&Grbidders In the labor market for low
or1ng Industrial standards. but they are
related to those groups in the indus
61af centeyD Of our country that are