The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-08-08

Teton Cox
 has been subscribed in proper partisan zeal, but the great bulk has been given with the definite idea of gaining service in return. Many captains of industry. guided by a most dangerous industrial believe that in controversy between employer and employe their will should be enforced. even at the point of the bayonet. I speak knowingly. l have passed through many serious in dustrial troubles. l know something, of their psychology, the stages through which they pass and the dangerous at tempts that are sometimes made to end them Disputes between labor and capi- tai are inevitable. The disposition to gain the best bargain possible charac- terizes the whole field of exchange. whether it be product for product, or labor for money. If strikes are pro- ionged public opinion always settles them. Public opinion should determine results in America Public opinion Is the most interesting characteristic of a democracy and it is the real safety valve to te institutions of free gov ernment. It may, at times, be necessary for government to inquire into the facts of tie-up, but facts| and not conclu- sions should be submitted. The determin-
 
 the rest During this process, govern mental agencies must give a vigilant eye to the protection of life and property, and maintain firmness but absolute i'm. partialty. This is always the real test, but if official conduct combines courage and fairness, our governmental institu- tons come out of these affairs untarn- ished by distrust. This is not an acad- emic observation. It is the mere recital of experience.
 UNREST REINFORCED
 Unrest has been reinforced in no small degree by the great mass of unassimii- ated aliens. Attracted by an unprece- dented demand for labor. they have come to our shores by the thousands As they have become acquainted with the customs anG opportunities of Amer ican life, thousands of them have be- come citizens and are owners of their own homes. However. the work of as- smilation too long was merely auto- matte One million six hundred thou sand foreign born in this country can not read or write our language. Our interest in them in the main has been simply as laborers, assembled In the great trade ccnters, to meet the demand of the hour Without home or commun- ity ties, many havc been more or less nomadic, creating the problem of ex- cessive turpoTer. which has perplexed manufacturing plants. But this has not been the worst phase of the situation. Unfamiliar with law. having no under standing of the principles of our gov ernment, they have fallen an easy prey to unpatriotic and designing persons Public opinion has had no influence upon them, because trey have been Isolated from the ccrrents of opinion. all due to their not being able to read or write our language. It is the duty of the federal government to stimulate the work of Americanization on the part of church, school, community agencies |state governments and industry itself In the past, many industries that have suffered from chronic restlessness have been the chief contributors to their own troubles.
 SHOULD EDUCATE FOREIGNER The foreigner with European stand ards of living was welcomed, but too often no attempt was made to educate him to domestic ideals, for the simple reason that it adversely affected ths ledger. It has been my observation that the man who learns our language, yields to controlling public opinion and re- spects our laws; besides, in proportion al his devotion to American life develops his interest in the impulsve processe: of revolution diminishes. We must bs patient in the work of assimilation ant studiously avoid oppressive measures II the face of mere evidence Of misunder standing. We have composite nation The Almighty doubtless intended 1t tf be such. We will not, however, develol patriotism unless we demonstrate th' difference between despotism and democ racy. The necessity for the drastic laws of war days is not present now. and ws at no ga rIiaSt 0DDOrtupity to the statutory provisions passed 1T ltime of peace for the general welfare There is no condition now that warrants i any infringement on the right Of frc' speech and assembly nor on the Ebert, of the press The greatest measure o individual freedom consistent with tn safety of our institutions should p' given. Excessive regulation causes mani 1 festations that compel restraint. Tn police power, therefore, Is called to ac tion because the legislative authorn. acted unwisely.
 THE WRONG POLICY
 | A forbearing policy is not the propel one for the deliberate enemy of our in stitutions He is of the kind that know' conditions abroad ana here. The differ ence between autocracy and democrac! | is well marked in his mind. He is op 1 posed to government in any form, ant he hates ours because It appeals 10 tnos | whom he would convert to his creed Any policy of terrorism is fuel to n, | flame of anarchy. Those whom he seek | to arouse, in time. realize the difference between his and their mental attitude so that when the law lays hand upo' his wilful menace to government. tn purpose of 1t becomes plain to them Oncial contempt for the law is harmful exhibition to our people. It Is difficult t follow the reasoning of anyone wh would seek to make an issue of in question of law enforcement. The execu l tive obligation, both national and state on assuming the oath of office is t l preserve, protect and defend the con | stitution of the United States" Tn constitution. on It's essence. is the Ii cense and limitation given to and place upon the lawVmaking body. The legis Ilative branch of government is subject- | to the rule of the majority The publi official who fails to enforce the law i an enemy both to the constitution am to the American principle of majorit rule. It would seem quite unnecessar for any candidate for the presidency [
 say that he does not intend to violat