Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-12-11
The Presidents Labor Program

THAT phase Of the Presidents message to
Congress which will invite the widest
discussion is his declarations in behalf OF
labor body. He was not specific in all
directions in his recommendations dealing
with the workingman, but he showed very
clearly his sympathy with the demands OF
the wage Garner for decent living, for I'M
proved working conditions and for the right
of collective bargaining.
Many powerful industrial interests in this
country continue to combat trade unionism.
They continue TO fight for the open shop
and for what they call industrial freedom as
applied both 10 the employer and the en-
ployee. But it is obvious that theirs is Il
failing cause. In the abstract the man who
owns property has an admitted right to hire
whomsocver he may to work for him and to
make his contract direct with the individual
Likewise the hired man may work quit
when he may choose.
But when body of Dor organizes; when
it sets up respectable regime for dealing
with all employer, and when its shows a-Inani
fest Willingness to abide by it's contracts, it
is becoming increasingly difficult for en-
ployers to ignore such organizations and to
stand upon mere distractions. The principle
of collective bargaining, when accompanied
by collective responsibility, must soon or late
gain general recognition, however reaction
airy certain interests may be upon the ques-
ton at this time
President Wilson gives labor both aid and
comfort in his message in the fight for the
right to organize and to negotiate collectively
for it's own welfare and for the economic bet
torment Of the nation. This was not the
first time that Mr.. Wilson had taken such
position, but his frankncss in repeating his
convictions at this particular time must be
gratifying to all organized labor through
out the nation.
He has given labor leaders degree OF
concern even while championing their fun
damental contentious. He has asked the
Congress and the country TO consider the ad-
visibility of setting up an arbitra tribunal
which shall have the power TO settle peace
ably all industrial disputes. This seems to
argue in favor Of compulsory arbitration al
though the President does not come out
openly for compulsion at this time
I'm the matter of international disputes, =
he says. statesmen have sought to set up
arbitration as remedy for war" After cit
ing this circumstance he pertincntly asks
Does not this point the way for the settle
ment OF industrial disputes by the establish
ment Of tribunal, fair and just alike to
all, which will settle industrial disputes
which, in the past, have led to war and
dsaster?'
This would indicate that the President s
mind is working in the general direction of
compulsory arbitration provided for fo,,
'pie' III Tue SuhlmlHs railroad bill, which
lhe senate is now debating. Labor has ar
rayed itself with all its strength against this
, proposal. Its leaders argue that a denial of
the right to strike for the redress OF griey-
anccs is nothing more or less than bondage
ana 1t may be assumed that the intimations
or the president on the side of enforced ar
duration will arouse both alarm and re-
ne"ea oppositlon Of labor leaders. This brief
paragraph in his message may even cost
him the good will of labor, which otherwise
would have been inspired by his advocacy or
labor's basic rights.