The spectator., 1919-11-04
WORLD CONFERENCE
 OF LABOR COMING
WILL BE HELD IN WASHINGTON AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE
 TREATY OF PEACE.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FIXED
Leaders From Nearly All European Countries Are to Participate-Amer- jeans Are Not Afraid That Radicals Will Seize Control.
By JAMES p. HoRNADAY.

Washlngton.-In spite of the fact that the United States senate has not yet ratified the treaty of peace with Germany. the international labor con- ference authorized by the peace treaty will meet here on October %, in ac- cordance with the call issued some months ago. Neither the state depart ment nor the labor department Is able to say at this time what nations will be represented at the conference The treaty of peace provides that the orig inal members of the League o. Nations shall be the original members of this organization. It Is now proposed that the United States shall be represented at the conference In an unofficial way. Delegates representing this country will be present but will not have vote unless the treaty shall have been ratified by the United States senate by October go.
 In view of the unrest that exists throughout the world. keen interest will inevitably center on this labor conference. The treaty of peace enun- ciates certain methods and principles for regulating labor conditions.
 Nine Guiding Principles.
 The conference will be bound by these principles or regulations. which are as follows:
 First-The guiding principle that la- bor shall not he regarded merely as q commodity or article of commerce.
 Second-The right of assertion for all lawful purposes by the employed as well as by the employers.
 Third-The payment to the employee of a wage adequate to maintain a req sonable standard of life as this Is un- derstood in each country.
 Fourth-The adoption of the eight hour day or 4S-hour week as n stand ard to be aimed at where it has not already been attained.
 Fifth-The adoption of weekly rest of at least 2i hours, which will include Sunday wherever practicable.
 SiXth-The abolition of child labor and the imposition of such limitations on the labor of young persons us shall permit the continuation of their edu- cation and assure their proper physi. cal development.
 Seventh-The principle that men and women should receive equal re- muneration for work of equal value.
 Eighth-The standard set by law In each country with respect to the con ditions of labor should have due re- gard to the equitable economic treat ment of all workers lawfully resident therein.
 Ninth-Each state should make pro- vision for a system of inspection. In which women should take part, In or der to insure the enforcement of the laws and regulations for the protection of the employed.
 Not Afraid of Radicals.
 The conference will bring to the na- tional capital the most influential la bor leaders In every European coun- try with the exception of Germany. Austria and Russia. In some quarters the fear has been expressed lest the conference might fall into the hands of the radical leaders. According to American labor leaders there is small likelihood of any such outcome. It ' asserted by the American leaders that the program speaks for Itself as con servative estimate of what labor should seek to attain for Itself. Presi- dent Wilson had expected to address the international conference at his first meeting here. but It Is certain now that he will not he able to do this, and 1t may be that Samuel M Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor who took lead ing part in the campaign which re- suited in labor receiving recognition In the treaty of peace, will not be able to attend the meeting.
 The conference will not have author ity to bind any nation to anything Whatever 1t accomplishes. 1t is pointed out, will be along the line of planning to obtain recognition throughout the world for the nine principles set out above In this connection 1t is point ed out that most of these principles have already been accepted In the United States. Under the treaty there is to be an international labor office established at the seat of the League of Nations This office is to be un- der the control of governing body consisting of 24 persons. One of its chief functions will be the collections and distribution of information on all subjects relating to the international adjustment of conditions of industrial life and labor and particularly the ex- animation of subjects which 1t is to bring before the conference at its an- nual meetings.
 Revising War Risk Law. Legislation that Is now approaching the final stage makes many important changes in the war risk insurance law. The revision bill. which has passed the house of representatives and Is before the senate with a favorable committee recommendation.