The daily times., 1919-06-12
THE STARS PROPOSAL.


Yesterday we referred to the
proposal Of the Washington Star to
have a great conference between
labor and capital meet in Washing
ton to discuss the differences be-
tween labor and capital. We heartily
endorse the idea, and copy the OPP
inion of the Star on the subject.
Americas greatest need today is
for assurance of industrial peace
for some general agreement between
capital and labor as to the rights
| and obligations of each, to the end
that friction between them may be
go ahead to that great expansion
which means prosperity and happi-
ness for the American people.
President Wilson emphasized this
fact in his message to Congress. For.
mer President Taft has stressed it
in his writings and public addresses
1t is recognized by industrial leaders
and labor leaders alike as the para
mount problem of the nation. Lead
ers of national thought and forward
looking men in all walks of life are
giving it their earnest consideration.
There has been in evidence a great
national determination that out of
the sufferings and sacrifices of war
there should be created a better
brotherhood among all Americans;
that justice should be truer and the
relationship of man to man more
kindly and sympathetic; that the
American ideal of equality of oppor-
tunity should be made a practical
fact in the life of the republic.
The war stirred the depths in men
as they seldom have been stirred be-
fore. Their minds were made more
plastic and their impulses stronger
to reach out for better things. There
was and there remains a high resolve
that one of the fruits of the great
war shall be an America made bet
ter for those who toll and serve,
whether with minds or hands. There
is less of selfish seeking today than
ever before, more of a real willing
ness to accord to the other man all
that to which he is entitled.
If this new spirit which has come
over the nation is to be conserved
and made to bear it's useful fruit.
it must be organized and led into
paths of practicabflity The Star sug-
yAStad last Daoambor oud - ro0oo+z
the suggestion today, that there
should be called in Washington a
great conference representative of
all the diverse interests of the re-
public to discuss and, if possible, to
reach an agreement upon set of
fundamental principles Of social and
industrial justice. The Star said in
December that ''to preside over such
a Congress would not be beneath the
dignity of the President of the Unit
ed States; to participate in it's de-
liberations would appeal to the best
minds in all the walks of life"
The Star believes the time now
has come when such conference
OO Sdl1Ou. IL has asked lead
ing men here in Washington and
throughout the country for express
slons of opinion as to the desirabili-
ty and practicability of the plan.
The replies, coming in my mail and
telegraph, are favorabIe-without
one dissenting voice. There NAV
not be exactly unanimity as to best
method of procedure or the results
to be arrived at, but there is no dis
sent from the belief that this great
opportunity should not be allowed
to pass by without a sincere and
patriotic effort to crystalline it into
lasting good for the nation.
The replies so far received, and
which are published herewith. call
for no individual comment. They
speak for themselves.