The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1919-12-10

HUGH needed reforms IN the business
OF interstate shipment and in the meth
DDS OF corporation which are engaged
In 1t; but for the moment / conflne my
recommendations to the object immedi-
ately in hand, which is to lower the
cost of living.
No one who has observed the march
OF events In the last year can fail to
note the absolute need Of definite
program to bring about an improve
ment In the conditions Of labor. There
can be mo settled conditions leading
to increased production and a reduc-
ton In the cost Of living If labor and
capital are to be antagonists instead of
partners. Sound thinking and an hon.
est desire to serve the interests of the
whole nation, as distinguished from
the interests of class, must be up
Piled to the solution of this great and
pressing problem.
Must Remove Grievances.
The failure Of other nations to con-
slider this matter in vigorous way
has produced bitterness and jealOusies
ana antagOnisms, the food of radical
ism. The only way to keep men from
agitating against grievances Is to re-
move the grievances. An unwilling
ness even to discuss these matters pro-
duces only dissatisfaction and gives
comfort to the extreme elements in our
country which endeavOr to stir I'D dis
turDances In order to provoke govern
ments to embark upon q course of re-
taliation and repression. The seed of
revolution Is repression. The remedy
for these things must not be negative
In character. IL must be constructive.
1t must comprehend the general inter-
est. The real antidote for the unrest
which manifests itself is not suppress
sion but deep consideration of the
wrongs that beset our national life
and the application of remedy.
Congress has already shown it's
willingness to deal with these indus
trial wrongs by establishing the eight
hour day as the standard in every field
of labor. 1t has sought to find way
to prevent child labor. It has served
the whole country by leading the way
In developing the means of preserving
and safeguarding lives and health in
dangerous industries. It must now
help in the difficult task Of finding
a method that will bring about gem
uine characterization of industry, based
upon the full recognition of the right
OF those who work, in whatever rank,
to participate in some organic way in
every decision which directly affects
their welfare. It is with this purpose
in mind that called conference to
meet In Washington on December l to
these problems in all their
broad aspects, with the idea of bring
ing about better understanding be-
tween these two interests.
The great unrest throughout the
world, out Of which has emerged de-
mand for an immediate consideration
Of the difficulties between capital and
labor. bids us put our own house in
order. Frankly, there can be no per-
manent and lasting settlements be-
tween capital and labor which do not |
recognize the fundamental concepts
for which labor has been struggling |
through the years. The whole world |
gave. its recognition and Endorsement |
DO these fundamental purposes in the |
league Of nations.
To Speed Production.
The statesmen gathered at YER
sailles recognized the fact that world |
could not be had by revert
ng to Industrial standards and condi-
ions against which the average work,
nan of the world had revolted. 1t is,
therefore, the task of the statesmen of J
his new day Of change and readjust-
nent to recognize world conditions and
o seek to bring about through legis-
alton conditions that will mean the
ending Of age-long antagonisms be-
ween capital and labor anu that will
lead to the building up Of q
which viii result not only
n greater cOntentment, among the
mass of wOrkmen, but also bring about
! greater production and a greater
to business itself.
To analyze the particulars in the
demands of labor Is to admit the JUS
Ice of their complaint in many mat
ers that lie at their basis. The work.
nan demands an adequate wage, suf-
icfent to permit him to live in COM
ort, unhampered by the fear of pow
rty and want in his old age. He
the right to live and the right
o work amidst sanitary surroundings,
10Th In home and In workshop, sur
that develop and do not re-
ard his own health and well being;
nd the right to provide for his chill
ren's wants In the matter of health
nd education. In other words, it is
Is desire to make the conditions of
is life and the lives of those dear to
i'm tOlerable and easy to bear.
The establishment Of the principles
egarding labor laid down in the cove
ant Of the league Of nations offers
s the way to Industrial peace and con-
iliation. No, other road lies open to
8 Not to pursue this one is longer
D invite enmities, bitterness and an
agonisms which in the end only lead
D industrial and social disaster. The
nwilling workman Is not a profitable
eryant. An employee whose Industrial
fe Is hedged about by hard and un-
lst conditions which he did not Gre
te and over which he has no control,
lcks that fine spirit of enthusiasm
nd volunteer effort which are the ,
ecessary ingredients of q great pro- ,
ucing entity.
Rights OF Labor
Let us be frank about this solemn l
latter. The evidences Of worldwide G
nreSt which manifest themselves In