New-York tribune., 1919-12-31

policy 10 in distinct contrast to the
increases recently put into effect by
leading independents. The head of
the Steel Corporation sounded an op-
timistic note on the business outlook.
His statement follows:
Judging by present conditions. our
business prospects are good and salts
factory. We have been asked many
times for our statement Of policy in
regard to future prices of our steel
products. Obviously no one can state
with a feeling of certainty what action
will hereafter be taken or decision
made concerning business matters.
However. l will state it is our pres
sent policy and determination to ad-
mere to the selling prices of our com
modities, which were agreed upon by
on March 2l, 1919. The demand is
such that prospective purchasers
would be willing 70 lay materially
larger prices. and. indeed, we are in
formed thai they are actually paying
them. But we think. taking everything
INTO consideration, that we would not
be ]' tilted in insisting upon or ac-
ceptirg advances at this time. If we
did. | fear i. would have an influence
high cost Of living. This is the time
for moderation. even at the risk of
some sacrifice"
Asked to comment on the report of
President. Wilson's industrial confer
ence and its plan for the settlement
OF labor disputes trough dividing the
country into zones similar to the Fed
erai Reserve districts, Judge Gary said
'ne labor situation was not as bad as
pubic speakers and writer's, "particu-
-arly those who ere not. by experience
or otherwise, qualified to testify or to
express opinions" -
There have been instituted during
the last year good many strikes"
ne added. and there has been in
places disorder, riot and injury to
persons and property. These strikes
old not represent antagonisrs between
capital and labor, so called In most
II not all. instances they were pre-
cipitated by u'ion labor leaders ac.ng
on Their own initiative. The differ
ences, disputes and contests have been
between labor union leaders and the
managers of business.
In few, if any, cases has there
been any serious troubls between the
managers Of industry and the en-
oloyees generally, or any reasonable
claims on the part OF the majority of
the employees for higher wages or more
tavorable living or working conditions
which we're not promptly and mutually
adjusted. In fact. Cor long time the
employees IN this country have been re
celvlng larger compensation and better
working and living conditions than
eve- before.
THE large mejorit! OF the employees
OF this country. probably not less than
- per cent, are not members OF labor
unions. and Sare satisfied with their
working conditions Il any have good
reason for complaint the employers
when informed must and will furnish
an adequate remedy. | do not at this
time wish to discuss the merits or de-
merits &C labor Unions. The pubic
generally nrz: know that ii the past
,hey have, in proportion to their in
fuence, decreased production, added
20 costs and raised the expense of
living.
Il venture the assertion that If the
public is disposed to absolutely pro-
tect every one against imposition on
the par, OF capital or abor' il
should not depend upon voluntary
arbltratlon, but should establish and
admins .or laws which will have com
plete jurisdiction Owe 10Th groups Of
citizens. and then rely upon the con-
tinuance, without interruption, of the
enforcement Of law and order. so tina.
every individual or interest shall be
protected in freedom of action or non
action, so long as there is no oppos-
tion to any Of the statutes in force.
The employers and the body OF en-
ployees clearly recognize that it is for
the pecuniary interest Of both to main
tain peaceful and friendly relations;
and every honest-minded person ad-
mits .6s will rebound to til benefit
and comfort OF the general public"