The Maui news. [volume] (Wailuku, Maui, H.I.) 1900-current, 1921-11-11

recently published at some length in the Nppu Jill as applying
equally to japanese labor.
One point raised is of comparatively small Importance since it
is complained that notice was not given until October 10 of a change
to be effective November 1, while it is asserted that a year ago the
laborers were told there would be 10 change except upon 80 days.
written notice. The change had to come and its being put into
operation - days earlier is not of great moment. Readjustments
could come in Is days as well as in 80.
The first point set forth is that the cost of living has not de-
clined proportionatey with the reduction in the wage scale and
that Filipinos will return home since they cannot live on the wage
offered to them. Taking INTO consideration the combination OF
wage and bonus of the war days it must be admitted that living
costs have not lowered in proportion but it is a well established
fact that in the war times and early post war times a large pro
portion Of the earnings of the laborers went for luXuries. LuXuries
will have to be reduced materially not by unskilled labor alone
but by skilled employees the statfs and the stockholders as well.
The laborer is receiving a reduced return, the stakeholder is being
left with no return at all on investment until sugar prices improve.
AS to the talk Of returning to the Philippines, conditions there
are very much worse than here, according to reports, and immigra-
ton from there in larger numbers is forecast in correspondence
and Geographic news dispatches, Conditions here are not'so salts
factory as they we're but in their old homes the Filpinos, should
they return, would find them even less so. The attitude of the
Fiipmos may be reflected from their announcement to the manage
ment of one Maui plantation, that if prices at the "mOvies" were
reduced they would not mind greatly the wage reduction. They
were unwilling to have their amusements cut down.
1t is asserted that the Fiipinos have worked Loyalty during
the labor shortage and that more is expected of them than when
wages were higher and labor more plentiful and they have come
up to expectations. that if they are not accorded "fair treatment
they will lose heart and work with less energy. This is answered
by the fact that when sugar was high their compensation was far
above anything they had ever expected to receive and now when
operations are conducted at a loss it is only fair that they should
assist in meeting the situation. From the past they can Judge the
future and they have clear evidence that they will share in profits
when there shall be profits. There is the greater reason for energy
when viewed in the light of a partnership.
The special investigation by the Philippines government Of iv-
ing conditions here is cited. Without doubt there has been cause
for complaint o some of the plantations but such cause is not gen
eral by any means and the conditions as found would not warrant
the forbidding of further immigration here, by any manner of
means.
AS to the point relative to Americanzation and the cut being
in contravention of assertions made to Washington, it is not well
taken. When it is said that capitalists are forcing men to work
for starvation wages in order that their dividends may not be
reduced" it is a fasehood. Dividends were reduced long before
there was any wage cut, other than the decreased bonus that auto
mahcaly resulted from lower prices and the plantations n seek
ing not profits but to avoid or to minimize actual loss.
The petition does not recognize the partnership that exists be-
tween employer and employee, that where profits II shared in good
times there must come hardship to both partners in bad times. Sym
pathy is due to those whose income be reduced by reason of high
production costs and low sugar prices, whether such reduction be
in the returns Of labor or investment. 1t is a matter of regret that
wages are at a minimum now, but conditions of the laborer are not
nearly so bad as have been painted in the petition.
Actual sessions of the conference for the limitation of arma-
ments are expected to start tomorrow. There is reason to look for
halts and perhaps Interruptions. Whatever results are secured will
have to come from a unanimty of action not from majority rule.
Ther!- will have to be 'give and take" and it should be recognized
at the outset that the moving influence of the conference is quite as
much financial as ethical, probably much more so though that is
not a pleasant remark to make.