Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-10-17
THE IMPENDING STRIKE.

The Journal can not believe that strike Of
railroad employees is actually to occur. Certainly
way. not incompatible with a return to norma
conditions can be found to adjust this matter
The welfare of the public demands that way b.
found. Whoever proves to be the obstacle to an
adjustment which public sentiment pronounces just
will meet with the bitter dsapprobation of the
people Public sentiment will settle this question
+ whether before or after strike
AS the cost of living the Journal approved
and even demanded rise in the wages of en-
ployes to meet those added costs. AS the cost Of
living recedes, these employees will be compelled
to surrender a part of the increase they have re-
ceived. There is other way 10 get back to
normal conditions.
Before the war the wages of the employees of
the railroads were too low in proportion to others
1t would be unfortunate to return to the pre-war
scale. In judgment that will not occur But
the great, although not sole. item making for high
freight rates, is the present wage scale A reduce
ton in freight rates is absolutely imperative to a
return to prosperity. This should be accomplished
in cycles A reduction in wages accompanied by
a reduction in rates, will bring lower costs Of Nv
ing. As still lower costs of living come an added
decrease Of wages of small amount should occur.
In this way a return to normal be accomp-
lished without injury to railroad employees
A large factor in distress was the dispro-
Fortunate slump in the value of farm products
fall should nave been as gradual as the decrease
in the purchasing power of the dollar. Had this
occurred, would have escaped much of the dis
tress of liquidation. 1t is no more desirable now
that the wages of railroad employees take big
slump. 1t would add to our troubles But it is
necessary that wages gradually come down. For
Ii m to stay up would be equivalent to additional
increases for the present wages would have con-
stantly increasing purchasing power as prices
recede.
There is little doubt but that the heads of the
railroad labor organizations realize there must be
a fall in wages. Their fight doubtless is to pre-
vent that decrease becoming too rapid. If that is
the purpose of their fight, the Journal approves.
The public will concur in such program.
The issue between the railroads and the unions
as to working conditions Is a matter little under
stood by those who onlookers. relaxation
of the rgors of the old working rules is necessary
II it is true that the new basis commended for by
tn, railroads will permit them to compel ten-hour
days and seven-day weeks straight time. the
&C nscience and wisdom Of the people will not sup
port the carriers. In an effort to go forward, we
must not go backward.
The wages of labor generally must decrease
somewhat with the fall in living costs. If they
do not there will be such a curailment Of labor
that unemployment for some will accompany alb
normal wages for others. Work for all, at reason
able scales should be the end sought by labor
itself.
For instance, high freight rates decrease the
tonnage moved. This requires fewer engines and
cars and less expense Of track upkeep. Therefore
fewer mechanics and laborers are needed. While
the employed have high wages the unemployed are
starving. An increased freight movement, which
is sure to accompany lower rates would bring en-
ployment to these idle men.
No one Is lganst the employees. Everyone
wants what is right--nothing more. There is a
way to arrive at what is right without strike.
1t is the duty of President Harding to find that
way He is moving in that direction.