The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-06-01

has agreed upon a number of declara-
tions as a basis for adjusting disputes;
among them is the right OF the work.
ers to organize without being discrim-
mated against for doing so, and, the
declaration that the remuneration for
a days work should be sufficient for
a man and his family to live in rea-
sonape comfort.
Il am hopeful that through the ef-
forts of this commission the strike
in the steel mills in the Birmingham
and Bessemer district will be brought
to their, attention by the Department
of Labor and that the commission will
succeed in bringing about an ADJUST
ment, which will recognize the basic
eight-hour day in the steel industry
and grant a wage that will mean that
each man working for these compan-
les will receive sufficient amount
to enable him and his family to live
in reasonable comfort.
'"The trade union movement op-
poses the CONSUMPTION of labor unless
wealth is likewise conscripted.
The claim that labor should be
conscripted on the same theory that
LAC NOuASAy vi AdIS0 1Io C4L1LC11S LUZ
universal service is ridiculous asser-
ton. The government conscripts it's
citizens for service, the employer
would conscript for exploitation.
Courts Draw Lines to Protect Civilians
Courts have repeatedly. drawn
sharp line between civilians and mil
itary life, and while in theory no one
can deny the governments right to
draft any citizen for any purpose it
sees fit when the nations life is in
jeopardy, the dollar should be forced
to surrender its per cent rights just
as labor would be called upon to sur
render its right of freedom.
Labor notifies these elements that
urge conscription of labor that it will
go fagther than they Will and that it
ernment's dictum-if that time ever
comes-that every ounce of man
power and every dollar and other
evidence of wealth must be thrown
in the common lot with every citizen
on soldiers rations that the nation
may live.
THE claim made in the United
States senate recently that labor is
not doing its share in this war is sup
ported by men less interested in pub
licity than in securing facts. These
claims possess value, however. They
conceal deplorable working condi-
tions, lack of housing and a labor
turnover that has amounted in some
cases to seven men for every job in
one month. Labor suggests that
CT ho 1.ov,o h1y~ inc
causes for strikes. We submit that
it is charged that labor will strike
without reason, and when conditions
are satisfactory, that our workers are
so lacking in patriotism that our ma
ton rests on a foundation of sand.
1.-The trade unionist's remedy for
strikes is calm and dispassionate
discussion of reasons for this condi-
ton, and then prompt application Of
a remedy.
Workers Advancing.
1--WE appreciate, however, the men,
tai attitude of men who urge con-
scription of labor. They realize the
changing orders from the day when
workers were looked upon as sepa-
rate and apart from other portions Of
"hewers Of -: and drawers of
water" without voice and denied a
part in the affairs of our country. It
is impossible to stay progress, and it
is impossible to re-establish former
conditions and former ideals.
I'm this world crisis labor only asks
for conditions that will permit it to
maintain it's productive powers and
equip the 6oming generation with an
education. Labor takes it's stand with
every other American in this world
struggle for right. With a trium-
phant peace none will gain more than
the men and women who labor, for
they realize that with the acceptance
of every democratic ideal the wage
Garner, who has emerged from the
age-long serf, down-trodden and de-
MED, will be morally, spiritually and
materially advanced"