The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-05-07
DEMAND FOR LABOR.

THE process of reconstruction will be greatly
facilitated and the return to industrial and COM
mercantile activity will be greatly speeded by the
exercise of confidence on the part of all peo-
pie, says Secretary w. B. Wilson, in a recent in
terview
With worldwide demand coming for our
products there will be greater demand for labor
than we have ever had in the past That is the
belief of almost everyone with whom l have
talked on the subject employers ard men of large
business.
Il do not believe there will be any material
wage reductions believe only short-sighted
employer would seek to bring aboutlower wages.
1t is almost certain that wage-earners viii resist
an attempt to reduce their pay, and because of
the higher wages they have enjoyed during the
last few years they are in position to en-
gage in struggle against wage-reduction which
would be prolonged and costly.
From the employers side, tremendous loss
would be ocasioned through strikes by the dis
ruption of his organization, leaving him at great
disadvantage in competing for business when the
period of intense Industrial activity sets in.
Most employers have the vision to see these
facts. On the world horizon they see demand
coming for their products from every quarter.
They see the great South American continent
with its doors open waiting for They see the
need of our products in the rebuilding of devas
tated France and Belgium. Eastern Europe and
the Orient becken to and the vast personalities
of unhappy Russia are promise of the future.
These signs should inspire people to con-
fidence The wage-earner and the salaried en-
ploye, no less than the manufacturer and bust
ness man, should face the future and bend to the
tasks of the present with resolute courage.
s'This confidence so greatly needed at this
time, can be shown in a most substantial way by
the workers in exercising determination to own
their homes. The nationwide movement for
homecoming now under way should commend
itself to every thoughtful person It's first eff
feet will be to provide powerful impetus to in
dustry, giving employment to building trades and
to mill and material workers, and contributing
stimulus to all lines of business
but it is to the individual himself who under
takes the purchase or building of home that the
greatest advantage comes. Aside from the sem
timental value in owning home, there is a sense
of security in deed to piece of real estate that
no other possession can give. The home owner
has stake in the community in which he lives.
ct may call for the exercise of frugality, in
dustry and even some self-sacrifice, but the re-
ward is worthy of the efforts put forth.
Before undertaking the building or purchase
Of a home the worker is interested in knowing
with great degree of certainty as possible the
prospects of steady and remunerative employ
ment. Some facts in our recent history bearing
upon the labor market may prove instructive.
I'm nearly all lines of industry and commerce
there has been a depletion of stocks. The shelves
are empty and they have to be filled to their
normal business weight. The supply of labor is
not as ample as might be thought on off-hand eS-
animation of the question.
Before the European war came. the United
States was admitting from all nations of the
world approximately 100000 aliens annually,
who were used in the development of our indus
trial enterprises. Of these 100000 returned
leaving US net gain of 100000 aliens That
makes 100000 of shortage up to the present
time due to the fact that since the coming of the
war those who have gone out have equaled those
who have come in.
The development of our shipbuilding industry