Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-04-18
GARY SUGGESTS
SOLUTION OF
LABOR TROUBLE
Reasonable Government
Control of Industries is
His Idea.

New York, April 18.-Elbert H.
Gary, chairman Of the United States
Steel Corporation. told the stockhold-
ers at their annual meeting today he
was in favor of publicity, regulation
and reasonable control of business
possible 'solution of or antidote to
he labor union problem"
Declaring he did not believe in So
cialism nor in governmental manage
ment or operation, he suggested that
nnn-partisan. non-sectarian commits
sions or departments render decisions,
courts.
Continuing his suggestion. he said:
Urges Protection.
1aws-clear. we'll defined. prac-
ticable and Easy Of comprehension
passed, and IL 50 they should apply
to all economic organization. groups
or bodies exceeding certain specified
numbers Of amounts. Both organ
lied capital and organized labor
should be placed under these laws.
Each should be entitled to the same
protection and be subject to the same
restrictions and provisions.
will labor unions consent to this?
They have heretofore objected. Here
would be a test. Labor union leaders
discriminatory exemptions. This is
wrong and it would be just as bad II
the situation were reversed. En-
ployers generally desire only the same
treatment that is accorded to labor
unions. The large majority of work
men also would be satisfied with this
standard"
Discusses Unions.
Mr. Gary devoted a considerable
portion of his address to labor unions
and said:
THE natural and certain effects OF
labor unionism r expressed by
three words: 'Ineficiency. high costs.
I would not Intentionally do an in
justice to any union labor leader, nor
to a labor union" he continued. but
I firmly believe complete unionization
of the industry OF this country would
be the beginning Of industrial decay
1T seems to me-" he said, that
the contemplated progress Of labor
unions, If successful, would be con-
trol Of shops, then of the general
management Of the business, then OF
capital. and finally the government
Admitting that unions may have
been justified in the long past" be-
cause workmen were not treated just.
ly, he declared there is now n nee.
essity'' for labor unions. cit is the
opinion Of the large majority of both
employers and employees"
Would Shorten Hours.
Turning to the subject of possible
reduction Of working hours for en-
ployes Of the steel corporation, Mr.
Gary said:
"The omcers Of this corporation, tn.
presidents Of subsidiary companies
and majority of others in position:
Of responsibility are in favor Of abol
fishing the twelve-hour day. and fol
this reason and because of the public
sentiment, it is endeavor and ex
p%ectAtion to. decrease the workin,
hours-we hope in the comparativel,
ear future"
Concerning the corporations deal
ing with its. employees, he said:
Adverse. ever harsh criticism
have some times been made, but il
this connection it IS noticeable tina
these criticisms have generally orig
mated with or have been supported
s:ders and not by the workmen them
selves"
He said the corporation had beel
very successful" in cultivating tn
feeling Of amity among the employees
He said the employees. IN the ave
age, @@have received as high, If no
the highest compensation. and a
generous, IL not the most generous
treatment accorded by any basic in
dustry, at any period in this or an.
other country