The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-06-29
Editor The Labor Journal,
Everett, Washington.


Most unusual situations in the
ranks of labor have arisen in this
state and in the nation, because of
the crisis in our international rela-
tions which has come about during
the past few months.
These occasions call for the ut
most poise and precaution, for the
best there is in US in the conduct of
every American to the end that the
fullest responsibility of citizenship,
love of country, may be wholly and
honorably discharged. This respon-
sibility rests upon those who work
as we'll as it does upon those who
employ men and the working masses
especially at this time should show
in all ways possible their loyalty to
the cause of our country.
We have come upon time when
class distinctions, as well as mere
political partisanship, should be set
aside, and all concerned, which
means every one of us, should do our
very best towards solidarity of
purpose; make the most of our ad-
vantages at hand and enlist our
lives, fortunes and sacred honor in
behalf of country and kind.
While we are doing this it is vi
tally important that "we keep our
head" for only in that way will the
things we most desire to have done
plentifully and well, meet with the
fullest accomplishment. In bringing
about desired results the most must
be done for the conserving of all re-
sources and none is more essential
to the problems confronting us than
the fullest conservation of the hu
man element involved.
Business and industry should be
guided and directed so that the best
and most fruitful results from both
be achieved; and such achievement
means preserving intact the physical
and mental well-being of all. Busy
mills and factories, fruitful agricul-
ture, properly harvested, mean store
houses filled with the things that
sustain life, thus affording a secur-
ity that begets courage, resoluteness
and state of mind much to be de-
sired.
The status of labor should be kept
as near normal as existing laws and
their enforcement can possibly make
it, and for this reason the Bureau
of Labor, acting in unison with the
national government, intends to pro-
ceed with greater vigor than ever in
looking after the rights and inter
ests of the workers of Washington
coming under it's jurisdiction. The
eight-hour law will be enforced
wherever possible and where emer
gencies arise the required excess
rate of wages of one and one-half
for overtime in excess of eight hours
will have to be paid.
Laborers in turn should give the
best in the amount of work perform
ed and the quality thereof, thus dis
charging their full duty as citizens
and fellowmen, which is all that
could be desired and all that can in
reason be expected. 1t is also the
duty of employers to provide liber
ally in the way of wages for en-
ployes, to make certain that wage
scale ample for all reasonable needs
be supplied and peace of mind as
sured.
Strikes and lockouts should have
no place in industrial life during
time like this and there will be no
occasion for such extreme remedies
if labor on the one hand and en-
ployers and their associations on the
other but fully comprehend the SIT
uation and all concerned cooperate
fully.
Labor conditions throughout the
state are generally good, and if at
all unbalanced, labor has the best of
it and this condition also indicates
that business must be good with en-
ployers. A greater shortage in la
Dor is bound to prevail before this
season closes and decidedly impor-
tant demand will be made on it dur
ing the harvest rush, which must be
met.
Some new industries have sprung
up and notably among them is that
of shipbuilding which is developing
at remarkable pace. In this en-
ployment alone thouands of men are
employed at good wages and equal
ly good working conditions. 1t will
be a flourishing business for many
years to come and this region of the
state of Washington will be known
as one of the greatest shipbuilding