The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1920-03-25
POLITICAL ECONOMY
Paper Read at Chautauqua Circle, Sunday March l4th
and Presented on Behalf of Class "a
By W. Il. F.


II. F.
same general ideas be used to prevent indus
trial war as we favor for preventing inter-
national war? In the field of industry as in
the field of international ambition, might
can only be overcome by right. Unless JUS
tice and right reign supreme, might will con-
troll.
Unfortunately false impression exists
in the public mind as well as in the forces
of labor, as to its direct relation to produc-
tive industry. The mistaken notion that the
less work labor furnishes in given time for
a given wage, is for 1abor's advantage les
sens production; and the wage workers who
obtain an increase of wages, or shorter day,
thereby directly increase the cost of living
for every one, including themselves. This
mistaken action of many wage workers is
one direct cause for the present alarming
economic conditions.
The man who works with his hands,
the man who works with his brains, and the
man who works with his savings are all alike
paid by production, and production is the
aim of their joint endeavor, whether that be
the mining of coal, the manufacture of steel,
the trimming of timber, or whatever may be
their industry, all are alike interested in the
quantity and quality of the output. When
the wage Garner understands that he is paid
out of production and not of capital or pro-
fit, then he will understand that to increase
his wages he must labor to increase produc-
ton, for by increased production alone can
permanent increase of wages be possible.
Under the new plan of cooperative effort,
production increases with the new spirit of
the shop. Team play and sacrifice hitting
becomes as important in industry as it is in
baseball.
When those who work with their hands,
those who work with their savings, all
unite for production, then all are alike en-
titled to voice in determining the condi-
tions of their cooperation and in the plans
for the continuance thereof. Under their
joint direction the industry must pay the man
who works with his hands satisfactory
wage; to the man who works with his brain
an appropriate salary; and to the man who
works with his savings just minimum re-
turn. After providing for replacements,
depreciation, sinking funds, ETC., the profits
rightly belong to those who have contributed
toward its accumulation, and in proportion
as they have like contributed.
Such a system of industrial organiza-
ton is simply applying the American princi-
Piles of government and life to industry. In
this reasonable cooperation of united effort,
lies peace, progress, and the preservation of
American ideals. If however we do not use
a method of reasonableness in dealing with
these problems, we must prepare to use force.
for order, physical power for justice, and a
perpetual struggle between conflicting inter-
ests. We believe however, that the power
and influence of the state will and should
prevent these selfish and violent attacks on
our civilization, and will protect alike the
interests of all our people.
Babson who writes Barometer letters
to Merchants, Bankers, and Investors" says:
The need of the hour is not more legisla-
ton, it is more religion. More religion is
needed everywhere from the walls of con-
gress, to the factories, mines, and forests.
The solving of the labor situation is wholly
a question of religion. The wage workers
will never be satisfied with higher wages and
shorter hours, any more than you and 4 are
satisfied with more profits and bigger house.
Things never did satisfy any one and never
will. Satisfaction and contentment are mat
tiers of religion. Communities and indus
tries where right motives are paramount
have no serious labor troubles"
A short time ago the "Buford" sailed
from New York with 249 undersirables on
board. All were former citizens of Russia
and were listed as "undersirables, . "a menace
to law and order" and 'opposers of govern
ment, decency and justice" While enjoying
the protection of this country, they had plot