Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1920-02-24
REAL HARMONY
In AMERICAN
INDUSTRY seen
Conference Report, Due
March l, Will Point
Way
BY HARRY B. HUNT.
N. E. A. Staff Correspondent

| WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.-The
most specific recommendations point
/ ing toward industrial harmony, that
have yet been made, are expected
when the final report of the industrial
conference is announced, probably,
some time before March /.
The conference, convened by Pres
ident Wilson in Washington Dec. /,
to frame a program by which rela-
tions of capital and labor could be
harmonized, and the welfare of the
! public protected, is now drafting the
report.
Present expectations are that the
report will carry the unanimous en-
dorsement of the II members of the
conference. 1t will outline new ma
chinery by which it is believed the
relationship of employers and en-
ployes may be restored to a more per-
sonal basis than now exists in large
ind dustries and develop a sense of re-
/ sponsibility on the part of both capi-
tai and labor toward each other and
toward the general public that has
in recent years largely been lost
sight of.
Specific Recommendation.
| For most part, it may be stated,
the report will present special recon-
mendations, not generalizations 1t
will present in detail the design and
specifications for machinery of ad-
lustment which it will recommend to
be set up to weave industrial har-
mony from the woof of capital and
the warp of labor.
In touching on the human elements
involved in our present industrial
tangle, however, the conference has
been unable to formulate any such
definite rules of action.
In general terms, it will hold that
the development of the human rela,
tionship is the most important factor
in every industry, will urge that
Leadership be substituted for mas
tership," that the public interest be
recognized and consulted as a guild
ing factor in every dispute, and that
capital and labor alike recognize then
community of interest and pull to.
gether as a team rather than as op
posing rival forces.
Need Sincere Effort.
1t is on the basis of these general
ties that the machinery of adjust
ment to be presented in detail i;
founded.
1t is admitted that if this machin.
cry is to be effective there must be &
, sincere effort for mutual understand
ing-which today is largely lacking
The plan recognizes labor claim that
labor is not a commodity and does
not question the right to strike.
1t also recognizes the employer
right to maintain an open or closed
shop as he may decide, and to hire
and fire as he sees fit.
But, within these unquestionec
rights, it attempts to furnish a means
by which all interested parties may
give calm and cool consideration tC
any questions arising within a given
shop or industry. but without direct
interest in the outcome, other than
the public welfare.
Follows Wilson's Plan.
For most part, the machinery to
be recommended will be that outlin.
ed in the preliminary statement of
the conference late in December
which followed closely plan present
the round table conference last fall
1t will provide for a national in
dustrial tribunal and regional boards
of inquiry and adjustment. All ex.
isting machinery for conciliation, ad.
justment and arbitration would BIZ
left in force.
When ever disputes arise which
are not settled by agreement of the
parties directly interested or by ex.
isting machinery, it could be brought
before the regional board of adjust.
ment, the membership of which would
be chosen equally from panels of EN-
ployers, employees and public respec.
lively. Decision would be only by
unanimous vote.
When a unanimous vote could not
be secured, decision could, by agree,
ment, be left to an umpire, whose de
cision would have the force of {
unanimous decision by the board
The national tribunal, consisting Of
nine members, equally representing
employers, employees and the public
would constitute board of appeal.
Bound to Decision.
Decisions, either by the regiona
board or the national tribunal, would
have the force of trade agreements
which the parties in dispute would be
bound to carry out.
; Probably no conference ever called
: in Washington, certainly none evel
extended over so long period. ha!