Norwich bulletin., 1919-04-26
lBx OTTO H. KAHNl


 The principle on which we should deal with the labor question is very simple. It is the principle of the Col den Rule. I think the formula should be that, first of all. labor is entitled to 8 living wage. After that. capital is entitled to a living wage. What is left over belongs to both capital and labor,a in such proportion as fairness and equity and reason shall deter mine in all cases.
 The application of that formula is, of course, complex and difficult be- cause there are so many different kinds of capital Not unfrequently the laborer and capitalist overlap and merge into one. You have skilled la Dor and unskilled labor and casual la bor;is you have the small employer, the large individual employer. the corpor- ate employer, the inventor, the pros pector, etc. And then, circumstances and conditions vary greatly, of course, i irf different. parts Of the country and ill. different industries. It is iTnpossi- ble to measure by the same yardstick l everywhere, but the principle of fair ness can be stated. the desire can be stated to do everything possible to bring about good feeling and good un- derstanding between labor and capi- { tai, and willingly and freely to CO., loperate so that labor shall receive it's fair share in the fruits of industry, not only by way of a wage return. but Of a larger return in comfort, ill joy. in the happiness of life.
 It seems to me that. in the main right t-thinlling men of capital and ot labor would concur in the following points;
 i l. The workman is neither a ma | .l n,li To 1- s,f i ner with capital. He must be given a full voice in determining the condi- ! tIons under~Which he works either l through organization in each factory 1 or other unit. or through labor unions 1 or through both Everything practic- i able must be done to infuse interest and conscious purpose into his work and to diminish the sense of drud gery and monotony of his daily task. The i closest possible contact must be main tained between employer and employe Machinery for the adjustment O
 grievances must be provided whicI will work smoothly and instantane- ously. Every feasible opportunity must be given to the workman to b' informed 9s to the conduct of tht
 business Of which he forms part H. must not be deprived Of his employ nlent without valid cause. TFhereve
 # is practicable and really desired b. i the worknen themselves to have rep
 rosentation CT the board of direction l think that. too, should be conceded It would give them q better notion c
 the problems, complexities and care which the employer has to face. 9 The workers living condition must be made di9nified and attractiv
 10 himself and his family. Nothing i Of greater importance. To pYovid , proper homes for the workers is on [ of the most urgent and elenentar duties of the employer, or. if he ha , mot the necessary means, then of th state.
 : g. The worker must be relieved c the dread of sickness. unemployment and old age. It is utterly inadmissa fh1e that because industry. slackens. (
 illness or old age befalls 9 worl<e ? he and his fanily should therefore b l condemned to suffering or to tn dread of suffering. The communit | must find ways and means Of seejn : to it. by public works or otherwis g that any man honestly desirous to q
 Ian honest days work shall have a
 Opportunity to earn a living. ThoS r unable to work must be honorabl . protected. The onls ones on whom e civilized community has a right f turn it's back are those unwilling s work
 f f. The worker must receive e wage which not only permits him l O keep body and soul together. but ] q lay something by for a rainy day s take care of his wife and childre e and to have his due share of the con s forts, joys and recreations of life.~ $ ,. Labor, on the other hand, mu e realize that high wages can only
 T.. s maintained. The restriction of prt d duction is 8 sinister and harmful ia Ii lacy, most of all in it's effect on labo e The primary cause Of poverty is ul It der production. High wages accon $ panied by proportionately high co
 of the essentials of living don't do u
 worker any good. And they do u