The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1919-05-02
HOW TO DEAL WITH LABOR

IAN extract from an address de-
livered by Otto H. Kahn of New York
City at the Carnegie Institute, Pitts
burgh.)
The principle on which we should
deal with the labor question is very
simple. 1t is the principle of the
Golden Rule. | think the formula
should be that, first of all, labor is
entitled to a living wage. After that,
capital is entitled to a living wage.
What is left over belongs to both cap
ital and labor, in such proportions as
fairness end equity and reason shall
determine in all cases.
The application of that formula is,
of course, complex and difficult, be-
cause there are so many different
kinds of labor, there are so many diff
ferent kinds of capital. Not infre-
quently the laborer and capitalist ov-
erlap and merge into one. You have
skilled labor and unskilled labor, you
have the small employer, the large in
dividual employer, the inventor, the
prospector, etc. And then, circum-
stances and conditions vary greatly,
of course, in different parts of the
country and in different industries.
1t is impossible to measure by the
same yardstick everywhere, but the
principle of fairness can be stated, the
desire can be stated to do everything
possible to bring about good feeling
and good understanding between la
Dor and capital, and willing and free
ly to cooperate so that labor shall
receive itsf air share of the fruits of
industry, not only by way of wage
return, but of larger return in COM
fort, in joy, in the happiness of life.
1t seems to me that, in the main,
right-thinking men of capital and of
labor would concur in the following
points:
/. The workman is neither a ma
chine nor commodity. He is part
ner with capital. He must be given a
full voice in determining the condi-
tions under which he works either
through organization in each factory
or other unit, or through labor unions,
or through both. Everything practi-
cable must be done to infuse interest
and conscious purpose into his work,
and to diminish the sense of drudg-
cry and monotony of his daily task.
The closest possible contact must be
maintained between employer and
employe. Machinery for the adjust
ment Of grievances must be provided
which will work smoothly and -instan-
taneously. Every feasible opportun-
ity must be given to the workman to
be informed as to the conduct Of the
business of which he forms a part
He must not be deprived of his en-
pfoyment without valid cause. Wher-
ever it is practicable and really DC
sired by the workmen themselves to
have representation on the Board OF
Direction, / think that, too, should be
conceded. 1t would give them bet
ter notion of the problems, complex
tiles and cares which the employer
has to face. 1t would tend to allay
the suspicious and remove the miscon.
ceptions which, so frequently, are the
primary cause of trouble. The work.
man would come to realize that CAPT
talists are not, perhaps, quite as wise
and deep as they are given credit for
but on the other hand, good deal
less grasping and selfish than they are
frequently believed to be, good dea
more decent ana well meaning, ant
made of the same human stuff as thu
worker, without the addition Of eithel
horns or claws or hoofs.
2. The workers living conditions
must be made dignifed and attractive
to himself and his family. Nothing j!
of greater Importance. To provide
proper homes for the workers is one
of the most urgent and elementary
duties of the employer, or, if he ha'
not the necessary means, then of th'
State.
8. The worker must be relieved o.
the dread of sickness, unemployment
and old age. 1t is utterly inadmissa
BILE that because industry slackens, o.
illness or old age befalls worker, HI
and his family should therefore b.
condemned to suffering or to the dreat
of suffering. The community mus
find ways and means of seeing to it
by public works or otherwise, tina
any man honestly desirous to do al
honest days work shall have an op