New Britain herald., 1919-09-06
Henry Clews
 Weekly Letter
Especial to The HcraId)

New York, Sept. 6.--The most significant development of the week was the setback 10 the radical labor element and the resumption of m ore conservative leadership. It is not to be supposed that labor has surren- dered it's ambitions or is disposed to rellnQuiSh any of the advantages it now possesses: but it's willingness at President Wilson's request to refrain from strikes at this time, and to aid rather than hinder a reduction in the cost of living, is of itself an important change for the better It marks a new and hopeful trend in the labor movement; an inclination to esta blish the rule of reason instead of the rule of force. Labor has already mode very large gains in the direction of higher wages and shorter hours. which, it is now comm onplace to say have been an important factor in raising the cost of living. Recogni- ton of these facts had doubtless much to do With labor's action: and having gone thus far, the policy of reducing output must also give place to a new policy, that of increasing the output. Both President Wilson and Premier 1 popularity, plainly told their people that the salvation of the world today was work, that the only cure for high prices was to produce. and that the best antidote for worldwide disteno- per and unrest was industry and thrift The United States suffered less and gained more through the war than any other nation. We can,
 
 tions a good example. Great Britain France, Belgium, and even Germany, are making a rapid return to the normal; a result that may be gained sooner than expected. If capital and labor will simply pull evenly together, the United States can easily lead the world in the great work of universal restoration.
 Solving the Railroad Problem.
 Attention is again focusing on tho railroad situation, the bills introduced by Senator Cummins and Representa- tive Plumb having forced the subject into the arena of public discussion. Both bills will meet with much op- position because of their radical features, and neither can pass in their present form. They will serve, how ever, to hasten action on the railroad problem, which is becoming moro and more urgent. Since transportation IS the arterial system of commerce, the degeneration brought on by war must be overcome without delay, if the country is to escape a serious crisis through growing losses and ineffi- ciency. There are a few self evident facts in railroading that cannot be ignored. The country does not want government ownership, but does want better service. This cannot be ob- taned unless the roads are enabled to earn enough over expenses to at tract funds for replenishm ent, eXpan- sion and improveme ment, which neces- sarily means a fair. return ol capital invested. Owing to high wages and high costs of material, none of these things is now possible. Better net earnings must be attained, either through economy, higher rates or in creased traffic. Higher wages now would be simply ruinous to tho roads; and users, owners and worker=, would inevita bly, suffer ill-COnse1u2nC nCeS. Railroad labor today is, in many in stances, the best paid labor in the country, and additional increases in