The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1918-07-05
SAVE ALL YOU CAN
TO WIN THE WAR
(By Samuel Gompers)

tered upon a struggle that will test
every resource, we have been study
ing how to concentrate our energies
on essentials and avoid frittering
them away upon the unnecessary.
Different governmental agencies
have endeavored to solve the prob
| iem-What are essential war indus
| tries? The problem is very closely
akin to that which perplexes neu-
trals-What are munitions of war?
1t is evident that no fixed lines
# discrimination could be defined
without injurious effects. A con-
structive method of achieving the
same result is for each individual to
so order his personal affairs and
purchases as to set in action a com
polling drift in the economic world
toward only the necessaries-the re-
action will release man-power, ma
terials, finances for war needs.
Our Republic, our people are at
war. The institutions and ideals of
| free government are at stake. Ev-
cry man, woman and child owes ser
vice. Some must serve at the front
in places of greatest danger. Those
who remain at home where duty en-
tails less personal danger, have work
just as essential. We must work
! in inJI1ctpio- 4y;l b
organization, or help assure them
opportunity and resources
The intricate organization of So
ciety and the lives of our people
must be directed in furtherance Of
our paramount winning the
war. This must determine every
personal decision and expenditure
Of money with a conscience mind
full of the duty to those on the firing
line.
Let us al make our lives simple
wholesome, vigorous.
We can forero Injuries for time,
be content with the primary neces-
aries Of life, in order to save
for the future our heritage of free
lon and the things of the spirit.
During the time when we send
'nr young men to the trenches, to
i've life that glills flesh and
nerve, let every man, woman and
'hi!d who is privileged to remain in
free America in physical safety
count it a freeman's duty to eat
simple food and conserve for our
army and our allies; to wear simple
clothes, to avoid unnecessary or I'M
wise expenditures, that we may
Give to our fighting men, the gov
eminent, and have resources for the
constructive work of the country.
This does not mean foolish penury
or asceticism. but constructive, in
telligent expenditure and saving
the establ shment Of habits of ra-
tional expenditure of money so as
TO accomplish a purpose and to get
the greatest returns from the ex-
penditure.
There are still many to whom this
world cataclysm has so little mean
ing that they are still pursuing
Injuries and self-indulgence.
If worthy of citizenship in a free
country, no man or woman will dis
sipate our man-pOWer and economic
resources through purchases of
things to merely crafty tastes or
appearances, or what Professor Web
len has so fittingly termed econ
spicuous waste" which gratifies
desire to demonstrate ability to live
extravagantly.
This applies to all groups in So
ciety. All purchases should be gov
erned by this one dominating
thought, will they in any manner re
tard the winning of the war. Let
US so direct the current of economic
life as to permit no usage of man
power, materials or finances upon
interests that do not contribute di-
rectly to winning the war-includ-
ing the maintenance of civilian life.
Workers of America, you have
more at stake than any other group.
1t is fitting that you take your
part in economy to win the war.
Organize for constructive saving
saving for the cause of democracy
and human equity. Make plain liv-
ing, plain dressing and practical pa
triotism the outward manifestation
of your patriotism and willingness
to give service to the cause which
has been the highest ideal of free
men of all ages.