The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-09-30
Let Common Sense Assert Itself

Amid the turmoil and shouting of the social
unrest is still heard the voice of common sense
Sane and conservative financiers and honest and
conscientious labor leaders appealing to this
factor of national consciousness to solve the
struggle that is keeping the country disturbed
No one was surprised at the industrial and
social unrest which followed the war. This was
expected The world could not have INDUCED in
five years of destruction and then have settled
back to pre-war conditions without disturbed
transition. "War has aroused all the slumbering
cave man which exists in every individual, exalt-
ing force rather than reason and compromise
says the Indianapolis Star in an analysis of the
situation. thousands who entered indus
trial fields at inflated standards of compensation
loath to return to the comparatively dull rou-
tine of the old pre-war grooves. The readjust-
nent cannot be effected quickly nor can it be ac-
complished in an orderly manner wholly by pro-
cess Of legislation. The time required will be in
direct proportion to the magnitude of the great
over all previous conflicts. In other words, a
psychological as we'll as an economic readjust-
nent is necessary which goes beyond the ques-
ton of wages and price levels.''
The common sense of American citizenship
will soon discover the right way out of the mud
die. One of the most impressive developments
has been the disposition of both sides to recog-
nize the element of justice and fair play a
principle that must guide in seeking a solution.
Labor leaders are beginning to concede that CAPT.
tai is entitled to just return on its investment
and that confscatory tactics on the part of labor
will lead to inevitable ruin for both The plight
of Russia is an example of the folly of the des-
truction of an industrial system Capital on the
other hand, is learning to appraise labor from
DO o:of of 1;rb{ op;t ooI
to make adjustments that will cure the evils
against which the worker has complained bit
terly. Let both sides lose their distrust and ap-
proach the problem with mutually tolerant atti-
tudes and great stride toward it's solution will
have been made This is where common sense
will play important role.
Take the steel strike example. One of
the complaints of the workers is that they are
forced to work seven days in the week. giving
them no time for home life. The operators say
that steel making is continuous process and
that they cannot close their mills on Sunday
They also assert that steps were under way to
arrange working hours so that shifts could have
one day off in seven Common sense would say
that as soon as both sides see the justice in the
contention of the other, amicable adjustment
can be reached.
An analysis of almost every strike shows that
it could have been prevented if both sides had
been reasonable and willing to listen to common
sense. Labor leaders, who once were wont to cal
& strike at the slightest provocation are begin.
ming to see the folly of the practice, and capital
lists who formerly refused to listen to the griev
ances of their men are beginning to change theh
attitude. The failure of both to use common
sense is responsible for the interruption of pro
duction and the limited supply of commodities.
The common sense of the American people
will prevail. There is in this country healthy
optimism, founded on faith in our institutions