Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-12-30

for representation was a fatal omis-
sion. while Frank Morrison. secretary
of the federation, noting the absence
OF reference by the conference to col
lective bargaining or tho necessity for
organizations OF workers said any one
who would avert or postpone In
dustrial conflicts could not ignore
these principles.
Mr.. Gompers declared the COM
mission should reconsider the ques-
ton Of definite recognition OF trade
unions 'in order to make possible the
confidence and cooperation of wage
earners. which can be expressed only
thru organizations Of their own max
Ing"
ANY plan to ESTABLISH or maintain
anything like fair relations between
workers and employers must avoid
compulsory features" he declared.
Amy proposal for compulsory labor is
repugnant to American sovereignty
and citizenship"
Mr.. Morrison said the declaration
against government employees Joining
the American Federation of Labor
would indicate that the commission
has been affected by the temporary
wave of antiunionism."
The statement" he added, "of-
fers no hope for lovers of industrial
peace, who see the necessity Of abol-
ishing autocracy in industry and CIV
Ing employees a direct voice in their
working conditions"
1T Is no solution to empower the
president and q cabinet official to Sc
leot representatives Of workers to ad-
just disputes. The workers must have
this power themselves"
Mr.. Gompers said that except for
it's opening declaration, he had found
nothing new and little of interest" in
the conference report.
In the opening statement" Mr.
Gompers continued, ''t}1e report sets
forth the right leadership between en-
ployer and employe in large industries
can be promoted by the deliberate or
ganization Of that relationship.
"But the report fails to give def
mite recognition to the application Of
this truth. Both employers and en-
ployes must be organized in order to
become responsible parties to any sys-
tenn of mediation or arbitration
otherwise the arbitration tribunal
must deal with individuals instead Of
organized groups. The principle Of
representation depends upon organiza-
ton.
"The failure Of the conference to
recognize definitely the organization
of workers-trade unions-as the basis
for representation is fatal omission.
Certainly the conference should recon
slider this point In order to make pos
sible the confidence and cooperation
of wage earners which can be ex-
pressed only thru organizations Of
their own making.
ANY plan to establish or Anain-
tain anything like fair relations be-
tween workers and employers must
avoid compulsory features. The mass
of Americas workers arr American
citizens and in that seversi0n oitixen-
ship thsv I'M, tree Meq. Any proposal
for compulsory iNboT u sNpdanept 10
American sovereignty and cltiSsnship
Tn order to promote Constructive
and permanent changes that wIll
eliminate ssss9s g nss!s oss:,g sassa sarial q
governmental agencies to provide the
necessary information and Assistance
in securing continuous bettettnent Of
working conditions. fIss3
THAT problem must ultimately be
worked out by employers and en-
ployes. but the government ihould ad-
wise and assist. M VII
1T should always be borne IA mind
that our social fabric is based on mu-
tuality and voluntarily institutions.
1T is something not yet fully under
stood how perfectly safe freedom is"