Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1919-02-14
PUTTING FAIR PLAY TO WORK.
BY JOHN d. ROCKEFELLER, Jr

By JOHN d. ROCKEFELLER Jr
Might not the parties to industry subscribe to an
1ustrial creed what follows:
1. believe that labor and capital are partners,
not enemes that their interests common inter-
ests, not opposed. and that neither means for I'M
covering grievances and promptly adjusting Them is
of fundamental Importance the successful conduct
Of the industry
7. believe that the most potent measure in
bringing about Industrial harmony and prosperity is
adequate representation of the parties in interests
that existing forms Of representation should be
fully studied and availed of in they may be
found to have merit and adaptable the peculiar
conditions in the various industries.
g. believe that the most effective structure of
representation Is that which is built from the bottom
up, which includes all employees and, starting
the election of representatives in each Industrial
plant the formation Of joint works committees, of
joint district councils and annual joint conferences
of all the parties in interest in a single Industrial
corporation, can be extended to include all plants
in the same industry all industries in a community,
in nation and In the various nations.
D. believe that the application of right principles
never fails to effect right relations that the letter
killeth and the spirit maeth alive; that forms are
wholly secondary while attitude spirit are all
important. and that only the parties industry
are animated by the spirit fair play justice to all
and brotherhood. will any plans which they may
mutually work out succeed.
TO- believe that the man renders the greatest
social service who co-operates in the organization
of Industry as to afford to the largest number Of
men the greatest opportunity for self-development
and the enjoyment, by every man of those benefits
which his own work adds to the wealth o. civiza-
ton.
In the days when kings queens reigned over the
ubjects the qualification of the in hgi
places was regarded as of supreme moment but these
lays the selfish pursuit personal at the expense
# the group can and will no longer be tolerated.
Men are rapidly coming to that human life Is u
infinitely greater value than material wealth. that thu
eath. happiness and wellbeing of the individual how.
humble, is not to be sacrificed the selfish aggran
Element of the more fortunate more powerful.
Modern thought Is placing less emphasis on materia
considerations is recognizing that the basis natona
rogress whether industrial social is the health eff
iency and spiritual development people, Never ha
here been profound belief in human life than
lay. Whether men work with brain Drawn. they ar,
human beings the same hatreds the capacity
ering and for enjoyment.
AS the leaders of industry period of recon
ruction, what will their attitude be? Will that
he standpaters who take
changes which have the face Of the civilized
world and have taken place in the minds of men, wht
ay: Wnat mas Deen and Is must continue to Dewitt
flag nailed to the mast will fight out along th
I'D lines down with the Ship attempt stubborn
to resist the inevitable and arming themselves to
eeth, invite warfare with other parties industry
he certain outcome Of which will be financial loss
,enience and suffering to ALL the development bitterness
md hatred and in the end the bringing about througs
egisation If not by force Of conditions drastic
ind radical than could be amicaby through
mutual concession in friendly conferences?
Or will it be attitude, in which myself pro-
foundly believe which takes cognizance of the in
herent right and Justice of the principles underlying
the order. which recognizes that mighty changes
are inevitable many Of them desirable. which, not
waiting until forced to adopt methods takes the
lead in calling together parties in interest for a
roundtable conference to be held In a spirit of JUS
tce. fair play and brotherhood? Thus they work
out some plan for cooperation which will insure to
all those concerned adequate representation an OPP
portunity to earn fair wage under proper working
and living conditions with such restrictions as to
hours shall leave time for food and ssep
but also for recreation the development Of the
higher things Of life.
Never there such opportunity as EXISTS today
the industrial leader with clear vision and broad
,ahy permanently to bridge the chasm that IA daily
ng wider between the parties interest and IN
,olid foundation for Industrial prosperity soca, oroye
nent and national solidarity.
Who say, dares block the wheels OF progress and
fail recognize and the present opportuntv 81
helping to usher in of Industrial peace and pros