The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-06-29
BY SAMUEL GOMPERS.

AS 1t has become increasingly plain
to all That our nation has entered
upon a struggle that will test every
resource, we have been studying how
to concentrate our energies on essen
tlals and avoid frittering them away
Upon the Unnecessary. Different gov
ernmental agencies have endeavored
to solve the problenl-What are es-
sential war industries? The problem
is very closely akin to that which per-
PleAes neutrals-What are munitions
of war?
1t is evident that no fixed lines of
discrimination could be defined with
out Injurious effects. \ constructive
method of achieving the same result
Is for each individual to so order his
personal affairs and purchases as to
set in action a compelling drift in the
economic world toward only the nee
essaries-the reaction will release man
power. materials, finances for war
needs.
~~ Our Republic, our people are at
war The institutions and ideals of
rec government are at stake. Every
nan, woman and child owes service.
some must serve at the front-in
places of greatest danger. Those who
~emaln at home where duty entails
ess personal danger, have Worl; just
is essential. We must work in war
Industries, contribute to their organi-
.ation, or help assure them opport-
Unity and resources
The intricate organization of society
md the lives Of our people must be
directed in furtherance of our para
Mount duty-winning the war This
must determine every personal deci-
ion and expenditure Of money with
conscience mindful Of the duty to-
hose on the firing line.
Let us all make our lives simple,
wholesome, vigorous.
We can fOrego Injuries for a time,
'e content with the primary neccs-
aries of life, in order to save for the
uture our heritage of freedom ana
he things Of the spirit.
During the time when we send our
Dung men to the trenches, to live 4
lfe that grlls flesh and nerve, let
very man. woman and child who is
rivileged to remain in free America
physical safety, count it free
lan's duty to eat simple food and
observe for our army and our allies;
J. wear simple clothes, to avoid un-
ecessary or unWise expenditures,
nat we may give to our fighting men,
ne government. and have resources
)r the constructive work of the coun-
y.
This does not mean foolish pcnury
ascetlclsnl, but constructive, INTEL
gent expenditure and saving-the es-
Enlistment Of habits of rational ex-
enditure Of money so as to accom-
l1sh purpose and to get the great
st returns from the expenditure
There are still many to whom this
orld cataclysm has so little meaning
rat they are still pursuing luxuries
nd self-indulgence.
IT worthy of citizenship in a free
country, no man or woman will dis
pate our man-power and economic
esources through purchases of things
merely crafty tastes of appear
noes. or what Profess r. Veblen has
fittinsly termed Conspicuous
aste' which gratifies a desire to
emonstrate ability to live extrava-
antly.
@ This applies to all groups IN So.
ETY.. ssAll purchases should be gov
ned b.. this one dominating thought,
ill they in any manner retard the
aiming of the war. Let us so direct
re current of economic life as to per-
1t no usage of man-poWer, materials
finances upon interests that do not
)ntribute directly to winning the war
Including the maintenance of civil
an life.
Workers OF America, YOU have more
stake than any other group. 1t is
ting that YOU take Your part in
:ononly to win the war;
Organize for constructive saving