Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-03-27
TWO ILLUSTRATIONS.

The tendency of both the capitalist and the.
lahorer TO look only to his own peculiar problem
without regarding that problem as a part of
whole econo1nic question is very disheartening to
those who try think in terms of the general well
fare, selfish and narrow personal view leads
inevitably TO an unwise decision which results in the
individual hurting his cause. We have two
cases in mind at this monochrome capitalist and one
labor
copper property which, when the copper price is
fifteen cents per pound better makes prodiglous
profits. 1t is owned by great corporation with
high grade properties elsewhere, which make a pro-
fit at prices below fifteen cents per pound Just
now the condition of the copper market is such that
the Tyrone property not operate at profit.
Therefore notices have been posted of a shutdown,
throwing thousand men out of employment. This
camp is so situated that these employees find no
other work.
These men were invited to Tyrone under tact
understanding OF steady employment. By the joint
efforts of owner and employe profit has been made.
The erploye took from the results of the joint eff
fort, only fixed wage. To the supplying the cap
ital and management went the unusually large profits
due to extraordinarily good times. There was no
thought OF the employee sharing in this profit.
But now, with temporarily adverse conditions,
the employer puts the shoe on the other foot and
asks the empoye to bear all the hardship and loss.
1t does not involve mercy foregoing surplus wage
but actual involves hungry children and heart
broken women.
This condition grows out of the Internal doctrine
of the sacredness of capital The Journal believes
whole heartedly in the theory of the protection of
property. We believe in It, not divine right or
an inherent right but an essential policy of civil
izaon. Without protection in property rights there
can be no progrees--no tools with which to supply
men with work.
4 In other words we believe in property rights as
an essential to human happiness and humane sys-
tenn But the theory that property rights take prece-
dence human rights and that property must be
preserved at the expense Of hungry babies, meets
with strenuous dsapprobation.
These at Tyrone, who came there at the
cornpanys invitation and aided it In piling up big
profits entitled to consideration ahead of the
dividend ledger. Enough work should be given them
even at temporary loss, to for the hungry
mouths
Men must abandon the theory that they have no
responsibility for the welfare of employees when it in
wolves loss and that when business is bad the en-
ploye bear all the loss If they insist upon this
latter theory they must expect rapid growth of the
radical doctrine that in times of prosperity the en-
ploye is entitled to all the profits. The logic is then
with the radical 1t is poor rule which fails to
work work both ways
All this is predicated upon the fact that 1t is eco
nomicaly possible due to large reserves in good
Now look the other side The plasterers' strike
in Albuquerque affords illustration. Prices gener.
ally are receding The cost OF living is going down
Wages higher than ever, for the present top
wages buy more OF the things men need than ever
before. ht '%
Building costs are so abnormally high that men
who contemplate building hesitate to begin. This is
partially due to the high cost of materials but the
high wages are prime factor There is danger of a
stagnation in construction work just at time when
Albuquerque needs the buildings and the building
trades need continuous work
Reduction in costs is in the air. Spenders OF
money in all lines are mentally predisposed to wait
for lower prices 1t takes Inducements to lead them
to spend their money. Builders stand in especial
need of assurance of stabitythat prices will &C
no higher while the work is in progress.
At inopportune moment the plasterers with
their eyes on the immediate money strike for dol
lar day more pay. In doing so they go against the
swing Of economic law toward recession in prices
and are almost certain to fail
But assume that they succeed. Assume that the
anxiety of the Elks to finish their building leads
them to concede the dollar. The who has not
started his building is mentally upset. He visions
labor unrest. He strikes and unreasonable de,
mands looming ahead. after he has begun his work
He concludes to wait while. AS result the prog
ress Of the town is retarded. Labor has an idle
season ahead with far loss in idle time than the
'one dollar per day can replace.
1t is the height Of folly from the laborer's stand
point ~
Unless both capital and labor will widen their
vision until it gives them right perspective whicr
includes the wel-being of all, due for d
period of class war and of radical agitation which
will shake us to the foundations and deprive all OF
the just profit to which he is entitled.
Contact, negotiations, mutual understanding OF
each others problems spirit of Cancellation and
concession and acceptance of the doctrine of
sponsibility as my brothers keeper" must be the
avenues leading to a solution of our present day
economic problems, -
THE UNEMPLOYED.