Evening journal., 1918-07-03

Nuot AAos AtlNuu ulvA LAlubS WAlCu
have been going on in Washington this
week. The hearings OF the War Labor
Board, to which we refer on another
page, are bringing to the front crucial
problems upon which the very life OF
this industry hangs. Firstly, Mcsrs,
Taft and Walsh have announced that
the War Labor Board will take the
position that a reasonable wage should
be awarded TO electric railway em-
plOyes, regardless Of the financial con-
dition OF the companies. Secondly, the
President OF the United States, in his
letter addressed 10 presidents OF the
telegraph companies, has stated that
the decisions and recommendations of
the War Labor Board during the war
should be followed Thirdly, the
board evidently recognizes that In max
ing wage awards 70 must do all IN It's
power 10 secure prompt compensatory
fare increases so that its purpose OF
securing maximum railway efficiency
will not be defeated by the rulnation of
the properties.
10 is difficult 20 see how one can cayil
at any Of these general propositions.
Labor must be paid a fair wage. That
should be the fundamental policy OF
every Industrial company. 10 is not
only a matter OF justice, but In times
Ike these 10 Is q matter OF necessity.
Such high wages are being paid In mu-
milton plants, steel works. shipyards
and elsewhere. and such is the short
age OF man power. due TO depletion on
account Of the war draft, that COM
D.. a. HIHH HIHH q
wages cannot compete i'm obtaining the
labor they must have In order to op-
crate. The problem, therefore, is very
practical as we'll as ideal.
u is likewise important that the dcci-
sions Of the War Labor Board should,
as fsr as possible De followed. This
board was created on behalf Of both
employers and the working men, 1T Is
supposed 10 represent the most lnteili-
gent views OF each side. TO was Gre
ated as a patriotic move 90 help win
the war by assuring 90 both employ
ers and employees that during the war
labor matters would be considered In a
broad and enlightened manner. The
board Is composed Of five representa-
tives OF work people five or employers
and two representing The public at large.
70 was stipulated that IN all contro-
versies the board should not De regard
ed as having made a decision unless Us
opinions were unanimous. Upon fall
ure TO reach such a decision, an um-
plre was 20 De appointed whose deci-
sion should be final This procedure
should be followed. especially in con-
nection with decisions rendered on
general questions Of policy. We are
glad 10 note that Mr. Taft and Mr..
Walsh this week called In the fun
board Co consider the question Of rec.
ommending fare increases by the fed-
eral authorities. and we hope that the
same plans will be followed In making
all other broad decisions. Companies
have the right to insist upon compll-
snce with its decisions by Dotn LABOR
and capital.
Railways Must Not BE Ruined.
Yet TO take up the remaining or
third point. adherence 20 such decl-
slous. in the absence OF other com
pensating activities, may mean lhe
wreckage Of the electric railway In
dustry. The war emergency when mas
placed a great burden Of high uVlng
costs on the workngman. just1ylns
larger and more generous wages mas
horne down equally hard upon ule
companies themselves, for second 10
the obligation 90 pay generous wages
"a labor is certainly the Obligation 10
return a fair interest payment 10 'Aos0
who have invested their money no pro
viding this form OF public service.
very large number OF people are ae-
rsndant for their livelihood upon the
rof,irn from such investments. Ihese
verv people also have 10 pay the hlsh
cost OF living. Their rate Of return can
NOT he increased but t is certain!
fair that it should be mainia.ned.
There is another and even larger a.
meet of the matter sside from the just
ice involved. Communities must nave
service The life Of the nation must
"a on That life Is made up or the ac-
fi,.,ties Of a great number Of commuhl-
ties The energies OF these various
communities go into producing hose
Ssctors with which the war must De
SO, In some cases this is a direct ana
4, o,bars an indirect effort Not ail
communities have munition plants ana
sbipyards 10 and from Wll-H WylH
psople must be carried on e'1o''.'
railways. but every c0mmuull! y
ccrned in the productive life OF tne
nation and upon that productive me
beinr malatained at rs highest pilc"
denends our ability 10 win tnis WaI.
Flectrjc car service. therefore Us NllaI
necessity in helping 10 win the war
Sucb service must be given TO the pun
Uc in full measure and at all hlz.Ius
An,eals for Relief Largely IN Vain
Flectric railway managers nave ol
late been forced 20 an absolutely ialse
positlon They have been compelled 20
resist demands OF labor, not because
thew did not oftentimes recognize lle
,ustice Of these demands, but because
fhev could not see where the demands
could be met with due regard to their
obligations 20 give public service ana
10 meet their fxed charges Such rail-
road managers have also Deen placed
In a false position toward investors in
their property. the investors having
right 20 expect that a fair return would
continue 60 be paid upon their invest
ment and that managers Of properties
would avoid. az all hazards, allowing
their companies TO go into receiver
ship.
Appeals have been made to state
legislatures. TO municipalities, 10 com
missions. 10 courts and TO Washington
~ all ,rocficaIIv without avail The