The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1917-12-15
ing nothing by its present tactics-as
little as did the New York dailies
which supported Mayor Mitchell for
reelection.
SECRETARY WILSON'S REPORT.

SECRETARY WILSON'S REPORT.
The annual report of Secretary Of
Labor Wilson, submitted to congress
this week, contains number of very
interesting statements concerning war.
time problems, such as the CONSUMPTION
Of labor, collective bargaining and the
settlement of industrial disputes
through mediation by the labor depart
ment.
The report states that it is unlikely
that CONSUMPTION of labor will be me-
cessary during the war, but makes the
suggestion that if the government
should conscript labor, it should like
wise conscript the industries in
which such labor is engaged. It is
evident that if the element of private
profit is removed from industries oper-
atcd by conscript labor, private en-
ployers will cease to advocate the
adoption of such measure.
In regard to maintaining industrial
peace, the report shows how obstacles
arise from the refusal Of employers 70
permit the organization of their en-
ployes by responsible labor organiza
tions. Tn this way the workers are lie.
prived of the opportunity of present
ing their side of a controversy, result
ing in discomfort which tends 10 place
them under the influence of Hirre.
sponsible revolutionists Arbitrary
attempts to obstruct labor organiza ton
of a conservative type are denounced
as unpatriotic.
The efficacy of mediation in the set
Element of disputes is pointed out by
the following:
In every case in which responsible
representatives Of disputing employ
ers are willing to negotiate consider
ately with responsible representa- ives
Of conservative labor organizations
which represent their disputing en-
ployes in the spirit in which they
would negotiate with business COM
petitors, labor disputes can be set
tied speedily, effectively and without
friction through the mediation SER
vice of the department of labor.
1t is Of more than passing interest to
note that in the present street ear
trouble in the Twin Cities, the Twin
City Rapid Transit company is refus-
ing to comply with two. Of these sug-
gestions. The controversy was pre-
cipitated because of the antagon;sm of
the company toward the organization
of its employees by the street car en-
ployes' union, and the subsequent dis
elimination against those who Joined
the organization.
The other breach of good faith is
contained in the refusal Of both the
company and the state authorities to
accept Federal mediation, by declining
to consider the offer Of aid by Assist
ant Secretary of Labor Post. and later
the overtures Of Secretary of War
Baker.
The report of Secretary Wilson is
the more significant because Of his
varied experience in labor circles and
his ability to grasp the fundamentals
Of labor problems. If the suggestions
offered were accepted by employers, as
they now generally are by the workers
banded into labor unions, in a spirit
Of patriotism and the thought Of "our
country first,' it is safe to assume
that there would be virtually no indus
trial disputes, and maximum produc-
ton would be assured the government
in its efforts to vigorously prosecute
this war for the perpetuity Of democ-
racv and democratic institutions.