Denver labor bulletin., 1918-01-12
HUGHL. KERWIN IS
MOVEDUP ANOTCH
MADE ASSISTANT TO SEC
RETARY WILSON.
Began as Secretary to Congressman
Wilson, Then Held Similar Posi-
tion to Cabinet Officer; Is
Member of the United
Mine Workers.
Washington Trade Unionist.l

washington Trades UnlOnlSt.)
In the recent promotion in which
Mr.. Hugh L. Kerwin was made assist
ant to the Secretary Of Labor, Hon.
William B. Wilson, another case of
merit forging itself to the front took
place. "Hughie" Kerwin, as he is ia
miliarly known to a large number of
prominent people of Washington. is a
young man of exceptional ability,
modest, unassuming and an indefatig-
able worker.
Coming to Washington a few years
ago to act as secretary to the Hon
William B. Wilson when he was a
member of Congress and where he
held the important position as chair
man of the Committee on Labor. Mr..
kerwin, thru his courteous and pleas
ing manner, won large host of
friends, and many a member of Con-
gress was materially aided on pro-
posed legislation affecting the inter
ests of the working people from the
fund of information which Mr.. Kerwin
possesses and which he is ever ready
to cheerfully impart.
When the Department Of Labor was
established Mr.. Wilson appointed Mr.
kerwin as his private secretary. which
position he has filled Creditably up to
his recent promotion. In his new field
of activities one of the most import
ant works of the government comes
under his direct supervision. that of
the Division of Cancellation of the De
partment Of Labor. The work Of this
division since il was established in
1913 has grown TO such an extent as
10 make il impossih.a for Secretary
Wilson TO give it the close personal at
tentlon required, and the work is Of
such Importance that IN placing it
under Mr. kerwin q EhIy deserved
honor was conferred.
Since this country engaged in the
war the Cancellation Division has been
very busy place, for strikes and
threatened strikes which would have
greatly hindered the work Of an ex-
ceptional necessity for the needs Of the
government, required the close atten-
tion of this branch. and most of the
work incident to the handling Of this
business has come under the super
vision of Mr.. kerwin. which has brot
him not only in Close touch with the
employers and employees. but also in
active touch with the secretaries of
war and navy and with the White
House staff and even the President
himself.
To those who have out a faint idea
of the Importance OF .onciliation work
I II would be an education in itself for
them to read the report of the work of
this division. VII IN has just been
made public thru the annual report of
the secretary OF Iabor. During the
three months just closed the commits
sioners of concilration, under the di-
rection of Secretary Wilson. assisted
by Mr.. kerwin. have adjusted l07
controversies. involving directly 139.-
600 workers. In only nine cases the
commissioners have been unsuccessful
in securing adjustments. these involv-
ing less than $500 workers
There are pending at the present
time about 30 controversies, but at all
Of these plants concerned. the workers
are remaining at work while concili-
ators are negotiating adjustments.
Less than n score If strikes, none of
a serious consequence. are now being
handled by conCiIIators, and many Of
these are partially settled or in pro
cess of adjustment. For the most part
the latter are made up of cases in
which a comparatively small number
of workers are involved. such as the
weaverS' strike tu Philadelphia. in
volving 25 concerns with less than l.
500 weavers out on strike.