The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-27
LABOR'S ANSWER

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period of war; instead of present suspen-
sion of industries by the fuel admnistra-
ton to conserve coal and relieve railroad
congestion has been suggested by Samuel
GOmpers, president Of the American FEEDER
alton of Labor. Mr.. Gompers speech,
which was delivered to the miners in can
ventiOn in indianapolis, is regarded as
labor's message to the country, and it is
significant that the labor leader prefaced
his suggestion with a defense of those in
high governmental station, declaring that
the officials were prompted by patriotic
purposes to win the war and that the trans
ition from peace to wal without making
some mistakes was impossible.
Among other things, Gonpers said: L
am going to obey like soldier Of America
" on have got to be either for autoCracy
democracy. Labor must make victory
sure Tor demo cracy."
I7ranil Mo- ison, sec, .,tary Of the Fed
Grafton of Labor was quoted as having said,
when interviewed in regard to the drastic
fuel order: 1t looks to me as though it was
far better for the workers to lose five days
wages than freeze to DEATH and the latter
condition threatens them. if the fuel is not
conserved"
The five days have passed. The fuel stu
alton is improving. 1t is notable that
throughout the five days, when the order
closing industries was in effect, that those
who were most nearly effected, the labor
ing people, were most loyal to the govern
ment.
President Wilson is and has always has
been a friend of the people. Not
pretending to what is not sincere and play
ing to the gallerics,---but in that broad
sense which has given him insight into
their needs, and in so far as is in his power,
to act as the representative of those who
placed him in the position he occupies with
such distinction.
The people of the United States are not
unmindfu of this The fact that Presiden.
Wilson approved Garfed's plan after a
consultation of the president and the secre-
taries of the army and navy was sufficient
for the people who trusted him.
In effect, the people have said: "My|
country, right wrong" Whether mis-
taken or not. the order went forth and was
Obeyed. And so far, there is no indication
of any lasting Ill effects
One thing the people of the United States
must make UP their minds to, and that is in
the conduct of this war mistakes will be
made,---fOr mistakes are made by all ma
tons. France, England and Italy have
made mistakes. But fewer mistakes will
have been made when victory has been
won, if-the people of the United States will
be true to the COlOrs.
For the men in the field and in the
trenches are not the only ones to protect
the honor OF Old Glory. No less does the
obligation rest upon the civilian. whose
duty is to obey without question, Just as is
the duty of the soldier on the battle line.
That the people Of the United States are
prepared to obey. that they are more than
willing to do their part, has been evidenced
by the loyalty with which they responded
to the nations demand of industry
The people know that the president may
be trusted. Where he gives an order, they
may depend that back of the order is CON
sicration for the people as a whole
AS matter OF fact, the present issue is
above all law. The protection Of its citi-
zens and the preservation OF their lives and
their health is the first requisite of the gov
eminent.