New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-07-23
Gaining
In Efficiency,
Gary Declares
US. Steel Corporation Head
Finds That WorkmenE Earn
Their Unusually High Pay
Through Large Production
Expresses Hope forFuture
Blames Union Leaders for
Strikes; Disavows Stand
A gainst Organization

On the eve of his departure on the
liner France yesterday for three
months vacation in Europe, Ebert H.
Gary. chairman OF the board of direc
tors of the United States Steel Corpo
ration, talked on present economic con-
ditions. He said:
"While | recognize and for many
months have comprchended the dangers
in the general situation ] am more
optimistic in regard to the future than
| have been at any time before during
the last six years. If people generally
will recognize the possible dangers
which have been limited at and will
each for himself or herself do every
thing possible and practicable to i'm
prove conditions we shall soon return
to basis of living which should be en-
trely satisfactory
"Somewhat to my surprise | have
upon inquiry during the last thirty or
fsrty days ascertained that labor at
our various plants is more efficient
per man than at any time before dur
ing the last five years.
Labor has never before in any coun-
try been paid as high compensation in
proportion to the costs of living as
during the last few years and at pres
emit. But it has not been paid too much.
There have been and are cases whore
compensation has been too low and
work too strenuous, but | have been
speaking of the general rule. major
ity of employers and employees read
or listen attentively to suggestions re-
lating to their obligations to all inter
ests, including the general public. The
press through its leading editors has
done much to improve conditions by
exposing facts relating to specific cases
which have been presented.
Union Leaders Not Representative
"There is no conflict between capital
and labor. Each is dependent on the
other. Both recognize this fact The
almost innumerabe troubles, which
have resulted in strikes and often riots
and bloodshed during the last year,
have been between employers and labor
union leaders, who have not represent
ed or been asked to represent the great
majority of workmen.
81 think in a majority of cases the
fault has been with the labor leaders,
although the public, or that part of the
public who by inquiry or contact be-
come informed, are able to judge for
themselves and in their conclusions
will do justice to all concerned.
have no desire or intention to combat
labor unions as such. The right to
organize is not disputed. If law and
order are continuously preserved by the
authorities, and men and property are
protected against lawlessness, all labor
questions will be solved voluntarily
by those directly interested to the
satisfaction of themselves and the gen
cral public as we'll.
"Evcryono who is interested in this
question should take pains in the case
of strikes to make careful inquiry IN
regard to the facts, and then impartial
lv to determine from the standpoint OF
the public interest what ought to be
done"
Commanding the Volstcad Act Judge
| Gary said
"The prohibition laws have had g
marked effect. In nearly every paper
one will read of fewer inmates OF
prisons, almshouses and hospitals
I larger balances in savings institutions
and better, cleaner and more hea]thfu
conditions in dwellings, all on account
Of prohibition. Testimony to this effect
is accommodating day by day.
Majority Favors Prohibition
From an economic, pecuniar,
standpoint | think the large majorit.
of the people are in favor of prohibi
ton, and it is pleasing to note tina
large numbers of workmen, SO far a
| am informed, subscribe to this view
Judge Gary said he considered pres
ent business conditions satisfactor.
but that in some respects he though
there had been lack of prudence will
respect to prices in some lines sine,
the signing of the armistice in 1918.
There seems to have been a DISPOSE
ton on the part of large numbers,
added the head Of the Steel Corpora
ton, ito ask and accept the larges
prices which could be obtained. Be
sides, there have been added many
government taxes and other expenses
Therefore, increases in costs of pro
duction and consequent selling price.
have been passed from one to another
ut has been recently published tina
tailors had announced an increase O.
Is per cent in their selling prices be-
cause wages had been advanced Is pc
cent. These common illustrations ar,
we'll known to the average individual