The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1920-10-08

i, was, and That all the invasive
and represstve laws suggested by
MI. Palmer are necessary to the
safeguarding OF the national We,
fare.
Industrial Democracy in Italy
Industrial democracy is the soiu
ton evolved ty the Italian govern
ment fol- the prevailing unrest and
discomfort that has seriously affect
cd its workers
When the workers of the steel
and chemical industries were locked
out the government took a friendly
interest in their cause and it largely
influenced the acton of the employ
ers in granting the workers a share
in management.
Where Italy has been compelled
to lead other nations will also be
forced to follow. Absolute democ-
racy in industry is the only remedy
for ills that have baffled all other
formulate. Labor's aspirations no
longer are confined to higher wages
and shorter working days. 1t wants
an opportunity to demonstrate its
initiative and to participate fully
ana freely Will CdplIeiI III IilC man
agement of plants.
The United States perhaps, is
behind other nations in its concept
of the fundamentals of the labor
movement and the only logical and
certain way out of battling diff
culties. But even here there is a
tremendous sentiment for democratic
management and its adoption will
mark the next great step IN the
workers struggle for a place in the
sun,
Italian workers by the exercise of
their political and economic power
have set the hands of the clock far
ahead. They are going forward with
an experiment that will be watched
with great interest, and they will
not be handicapped by hostile and
prejudiced government group, having
had the good sense to see that be-
fore they could completely establish
their economic independence was
necessary that their political inter-
csts should be secure. When the
manufacturers locked out their en-
ployes troops were not sent to shoot
down unemployed men. Instead the
premier sent an ultimatum to the
employ ers that they had responsible
tiles rs we'll as privileges, and that
the government would hold them to
strict accountability unless they met
their workers and gave reasonable
consideration to their demands.
Those who enjoy political power
also enjoy economic power. The
large interests in this country know
this too well, and that is the mean
ing of the desperate effort now be-
ing made to take possession of the
government When the workers are
equally wise-as wise as the work
ers of Italy-there will be an end of
struggle, and peace, prosperity and
good will for all men will supersede
the destructive tooth and claw of
the present era.
The parliament of Italy will put
the seal of its approval on the
agreement reached by workers and
employers, because the workers of
Italy sent to parliament men who
would faithfully represent them. 1t
was because the government was es-
tablished by the workers that Italy
was able to pass through an indus
trial revolution without bloodshed.
The Italian employers would have
turned machine guns on the workers
had they controlled the government
as Americans are doing in several
sections.
The workers really have no prob
lens the solution of which does not
rest in their own hands. If they are
not getting the fair share in manage
ment that they are demanding and
should have, it is because they do
not possess sufficient interest in
politics to vote.
The ballot box is still the reposi-
tory of our liberties. Through it the
producers of America can set up a
government here that will be as lib
eral and progressive as the govern
ment of Italy. And they will set it
up when they realize that only
through the exercise of their polit-
ical power will their economic well
fare be safeguarded.
1t is significant that the new wells
of human freedom are being tapped
in nations that are widely held to
be decadent and imperialistic. The
New World, established by men
seeking liberty, will now look across
the seas for inspiration and encour-
agement in its constant striving for
ideal civilization.