The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-12-08
Statement by Gompers Shows
Wonderful Advances Made in
Every Direction.
GREAT BENEFIT TO COUNTRY
Nations War Preparations Materially
Fastened Because of Agreements
Between the Government, Em-
ployers and Employees.
BY SAMUEL eoMPERs.

as represented In the American Fed
Grafton of Labor, was stronger when 1t
assembled for its annual convention in
Buffalo than ever before.
This great increase In strength is
evidenced whether we measure it by
the growth in membership to more than
two and half millions, by the great
extension Of industrial activities In
which union scales and conditions are
obligatory, by the governments ever
increasing recognition of organized la
Dor, or by the degree of solidarity.
1t is no exaggeration to say there
never has been in all labor history
such rapid extension of the princi-
pies and practices of industrial democ-
racy as since the United States was
forced to enter the world conflict.
AcceIerates U. s. Work.
And, mark this point-in every case
this extension has been made not to
impede the nations war preparations
but to accelerate them by promoting
cooperation between employers and
labor. The initiative in this extension
| of democracy to industry has been
taken by organized labor, but it's wis
dom has in every instance appealed to
| federal officials.
The workers In hundreds of estab-
lishments, in the past denied every
form Of recognition, with their wages,
hours and working conditions arbitrar-
| lily determined, are now receiving the
union scale and have their grievances
eQuitably adjusted.
In four great branches -shipbuild-
ing, cantonment construction, mer-
camille marine, and longshore work
agreements have been perfected be-
tween the government, the employees
and labor to safeguard even the un-
organized men. These agreements have
| government sanction beJause of an
overgrowing realization Of the neces-
sity not only for industrial stability
but for proper standard Of living as
the basis for efficiency.
\ A4illeasc bur Diw Tor gov
ernment contracts has greatly extend
ed the eight-hour day, for in many
branches there is hardly firm not
working on government contracts.
Check on Long Hours.
Although many establishments are
now working nine or ten hours, the
basic eight-hour day Is in effect and
the payment Of time-and-a-half for
overtime beyond eight hours is suf-
ficient check on the employment Of
men more than eight hours except in
cases of genuine emergency, such as
the present.
/ predict the wars end will find the
eight-hour day practically universal in
American industry, as the result not
Of any spectacular general strike" but
of the recognition, at the insistence
of organized labor, that in the long
run more and better work can be pro-
duced in eight hours than in any long
er period.
There is a rapidly growing recogni-
ton that the workers are the true basis
Of national strength. If labors hand
is not strong, skillful and willing, not
a ship will sail, not a gun will roar.
Through this recognition labor will as
sumo a new status in the nations
councils.
Some of our American "Bolsheviki'
of the Socialist party, of the so-called
peoples council, and other similar ir-
responsibles undertook campaign to
swerve American labor from the
standpoint Of loyalty to self and coun-
try. Their futile efforts have only
demonstrated that among all the mil
lions of American workers there were
only handful mean or silly enough
to join the traitorous plan.
Labor's Concern in War.
1t cannot too often be emphasized
that American workingmen are con-
cerned In this great struggle not only
as Americans, but as workers. They
must help destroy Hohenzollernism not
only because it menaced America and
democracy, but because the workers
more than any other class stand to
suffer by the triumph of Prussianism.
To the capitalist it need matter lit
tie in, what country he lives, his
wealth exalts him above the laws and
political government of any country.
With the worker the existence of
military absolutism Is Of daily con-
Germ. Whether he is the slave Of the
state, as in Prussia, or whether the
state is his servant, determines his
whole existence. Therefore labor has
modified for an early and lasting
peace.
It must be recognized, however, that
labor's unserving loyalty Is not main
tanned without sacrifice.
Loyal Though Prices Mount.
Already the standard of living has
been reduced far below what is neces-
sary to maintain their energy unim-
paired. All this labor has borne with
wonderful patience.
The toilers of America are willing
to make sacrifices. but they must be
sacrifices for the republic and not for
private profit. ~
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