Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-05-28

chiefly with the states; but the new
spirit and method of organization
which must be effected are not t6 be
brought by legislation so much as by
the common counsel and voluntary
cooperation of capitalist, manager and
workman. Legislation can 60 only a
very little way in commanding what
shall be done. The organization of in
dustry is a matter of corporate and
individual initiative and of practical
business arrangement. Those who re-
ally desire a new relationship between
capital and labor can readily find
way to bring 1t about; and perhaps
federal legislation can help more than
state legislation could.
Industrial Demonstration.
1.-THE object of all reform In this es-
sential matter must be the genuine
democratization of industry, based up
on 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 or the part they are to
play In industry. Some positive legis-
lation is practicable. The congress
has already shown the way TO one re-
form which should be worldwide, by
establishing the elght-hour day as the
standard day in every field of labor
over which it can exercise control. 1t
has sought to find the way to prevent
child labor and will, hope and be
lieve, presently find 1t. 1t has served
the whole country by leading the way
in developing the means of preserving
and safe guarding life and health in
dangerous Industries. IL can now help
in the difficult task Of giving a new
form and spirit TO industrial organiza-
ton by co-ordinating the several
agencies Of Cancellation and adjust
ment which have been brought into ex-
istence by the difficulties and mistaken
policies of the present management of
industry. and by setting up and devel-
oping new federal agencies of advice
and information which may serve as a
clearing house for the best expert
ence and best thought on this great
matter, upon which every thinking
man must be aware that the future de-
velopment Of society directly depends.
Agencies of international counsel and
suggestion are presently 10 be created
| in connection with the league of ma
! lions IN this very field; but Ii Is ma
tional action and the enlightened pol
icy of individuals, corporations and So
cIeties within each nation that must
bring about the actual reforms. The
members Of the committee on labor In
the two houses will hardly need sug-
gestions from me as to what means
| they shall seek to make the federal
government the agent OF the whole ma
ton in pointing out, and If need be,
guiding the process of reorganization
and reform
Duty to Returning Soldiers.
Il am sure that 1t is not necessary
for me to remind that there Is one
immediate and very practical question
of labor that we should meet In the
most liberal spirit. We must see to 1t
that our returning soldiers are assist.
ed In every practicable way TO find
the places for which they are fitted
In the daily work of this country
| This can be done by developing and
| maintaining upon on adequate scale
| the admirable organization created by
the department of labor for plucine
men seeking work; and II can also be
F; done, In at least one very great field
/ by creating new opportunities for In
! dividual enterprise. The secretary OF
the interior has pointed out the way
/ by which returning soldiers may be
helped to find and take up land IN
the hitherto undeveloped regions oi
the country which the federal govern
ment has already prepared or cal
readily prepare for cultivation ant
also on many of the cut-over or neg
lected areas which lie within the lin
its OF the older states: and | once
! more take the liberty of recommend
ing very urgently that his plans shall
receive the immediate and substantial
support of the congress.
Peculiar and very stimulating con
ditions await our commerce and in
dustrial enterprise in the lmmediat,
future. Unusual opportunities vii
present themselves to our merchant
and producers I'm foreign markets. an,
large fields for profitable investmeu
win be opened to our free capital
But It is not only OF that that l an
thinking; 1t is not chiefly of that tina
am thinking. Many great industrie
Frustrated by the war wait to be re
habilltated, in many parts of tn
world where what will be lacking i
not brains or willing hands or 81
ganlzlng capacity or experienced ski
but machinery and raw materials an
capital. believe that our bushes
men, our merchants our manufactul
ers. and our capitalists win have tn
vision to see that prosperity in on
mart of the world ministers to pro,
perity everywhere; that there is In
very true sense a solidarity of inter
est throughout the world of ente
prise. and that our dealings with tn
countries that have need of our proc
ucts and our money will teach thel
To deem us more than ever friend
whose necessities we seek in the rigt
way to serve.
Future Commerce.
''Our new merchant ships. whic
have In some quarters been feared q
destructive rivals. may prove helpfI
rivals, rather. and common servant