The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1919-04-19
SETTLE INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS IN THE
AMERICAN WAY t&

conference
is to be called in America for the purpose of devils
ing an amicable program for the post-belum read
justment OF industrial problems Such conference
it is believed will clarity the existing situation of
rest and apprehension and open the way for full
resumption of progress in business under conditions
LOT peace. 1t WALL too if successful constitute an
object lesson to the European nations which have
cast in their lots with the soviet administrations
demonstrating the American and true democratic
way of handling such problems The soyiets. it
should be noted, in passing have drifted far awav
tram the MARKHAM tenets, which embraced equality
of conditions for all classes of the community and
have set up the so-caed proletariats as privileged
and special class Thus they have repudiated the
equality.
In the proposed America conference representa-
ton will be accorded to employers, employees and
the general public Leaders of the great industries
will represent capital, while the labor chiefs will
look after the interests of the workers. The inter
ests of the Government and the public will be en-
trusted to group that is to include or two of
the Judges OF the supreme court prominent political
economists number of distinguished editors and
some OF the great churchmen. Women, too are to
take part in the deliberations of this industrial par
lament, to guard the rights and promote the ever
growing army of the industrial and other workers
OF that sex.
Re-af6rmation of the authority of the War Labor
Board IS to be sought as cooperating tribunal of
justice during the transition period; though the tx
tnction of this board is after short period to be
provided for. The subjects to be discussed will in
clude many new phases of industrial life as we'll as
such old ones as cooperation Health conditions
education, and hours of labor; but the major part
OF the program will be. devoted, to the problems
arising from the changes in industrial and CONNER
cial conditions due to the world war;.
Undoubtedly America has now the opportunity
OF entering upon an era of business activity and
prosperity that has been equalled in history.
The principal danger of losing it lies in the posi-
bllltles OF disturbance between employers and en-
lployed. Differences of opinion may honestly be
entertained on the part of either side with reference
to the questions that apt to arise between them
But these differences should be resolved in the COM
nonsense American way of arbitration, concilia-
ton and goodwill, rather than through the de-
structive and wasteful of strikes, oclx-outs
and sabotage. The most conspicuous instance of
the success of this method in our history was that
of the anthracite coal commission, appointed by
President Roosevelt in 1902 to pass upon the ques-
tons of the coal strike in that year. With the adop-
ton of the findings of this commission came pros
perlty and peace in the coal industry, which con-
tinuesNto the present The conclusions reached by
Ethat historic commission should form textbook
of principles for both employers and employees,
whenever cases of friction arise for there are few
aspects of such troubles that are not provided for
in its exhaustive report.
| In respect to war preparations it must be con-
fessed to discredit that America was not fore
handed. Thousands of precious lives and billions
/ in money were lost through our national laches.
Let us not now be caught equally unprepared for
peace conditions Let take intelligent survey
of present and future conditions and shape our bust
ness activities in the American way to steer safely
through them.