Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-03-12
Member of the Associated Press
PENROSE AND HOOVER

FNHE differences of mind and temperament
l. between Mr.. Penrosc and Mr.. Hoover
were wildly illustrated in the contrasting
pronounccmcnts issued by the two men as
commentaries on present industrial condi-
tions in the United States and MS definitions
of political and economic policies supposedly
remedial. Mr.. PenrOSc repeats what he has
been saying for years and is content. Give
him tariffs high enough and rigid economy"
In government expenditures and he will feel
assured OF continuing prosperity. 1t hap
pens that the largest direct expenditures now
being made by the government are for arma-
ments. How we may eConomize there Mr..
Penrose doesn't say. lie views the country
as an economic unit, as an industrial entity
complete and independent.
Hoover. on the other hand, sees virtually
all civilized peoples as interdcpendent groups
He perceives in the United States definite and
lameptable effects of the continuing waste
idleneSs and confusion in Europe. To him
peace between the various countries now
virtually at war and better human relation
ships in industry are more important than
tariffs high or low. Hoover sees as an i'm
mediate and pressing need a new system Of
human relationships In industry system
that would make settled peace and steady
production certain at all times. He has
again seized an opportunity to express his
dislike Of d condition Of affairs under which
millions Of able bodied men walk around in
search Of jobs, while other millions suffer
more or less aCutely for want of the things
that these same millions could create.
Determined efforts to make such intolcrable
contrasts unlikely or impossible in the flu
ture are pretty sure to be directed from the
Department of Commerce. How successful
will such efforts be? In looking for
answer to that query II is worth observing
that the elaborate an honest schemes Of
conciiation and progressive adjustments
in the whole scheme of the country's indus
trial life formulated under IIoover's inspira-
ton and with Mr.. Wilson's aid and sane
tion have thus far done little good.
The Railway Labor Board is q pretty good
example of what has been happening. 1t was
formed to prevent just the sort of confusion
that now is approaching the point of crisis
on the railroads. It reflects the Hoover
theory, though it is sort of by product
Of the Esch Cummins law. But it is with
out power 70 enforce any of its decisions
finally. And it is still regarded in Wash
ington as q sort OF ornamental appendage to
the government an experimental thing not
to be taken too seriously. Largely because II
is so regarded, the Railway Labor Board has
not been functiOning with great success.
Railway men and railway managers alike do
not hesitate to regard IL and its underlying
purposes lightly when they are SO minded,
though they maintain i courteous enough
front.
Mr.. Hoover's general point of view is
adequately suggested in the Railway Labor
Board. Mr.. Penroses point Of view is re-
aectcd in the attitude Of mind of those who
still seem to believe that 1t is somehow silly
TO try to prevent disastrous strikes by rea
sonable and peaceful method. Mr.. HoQvcr
looks to the future. Mr.. Penrose has a com
placent eye on the past. 1t is not likely that
thOt hppD l0pnv RI
follow Mr.. Penrose will revolt suddenly TO
accept the gospel OF Hoover. But it is safe
TO predict that Hoover will find ways in
which to make Congress sit up and take
notice. He isn't the sort of man to stop at
obstacles.