The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1922-09-01

cepted In labor circles as the actual
amount AS organizer of the dock
workers he has done much important
work for his organization and is re-
garded as one Of the most aggressive
of leaders.
The head Of the International Typo
graphical union gets salary Of $1,000
year and travelling expenses. Until
comparatively short time ago his
services were requited with only $4,000
year. Many of the printers thought
he was worth considerably more, but
it was not until recently that the in
crease was given. He has many activ-
tiles which keep him constantly on
the wing. From his headquarters in
Indianapolis he makes frequent trips
where his services are required In the
settlement Of strikes or in the making
of them.
The labor leaders of the new order,
who occupy responsible positions, are
getting from $4,000 to $4,000 year
and have to devote their entire time
to their tasks, although the indlca-
tions are that before long there will
be more labor leaders who will com
mand pay as high as that of the head
of the dockbuilders' union.
Judging the matter of compensation
for labor leaders from the point of
view of Mr. George f. Holmes, the
general manager of the industrial re-
tion, their positions are about the
equivalent of that of plant employ
ment manager and would command on
the side of capital from $4,000 to
$4,000 a year.
"A plant manager who was held re-
SponSible for the production made by
1900 men" continued Mr. Holmes,
would be worth from $4,000 to $50
600 a year, according to the results
which he obtained. 1t is difficult to
make exact comparisons, as the labor
leader is not held to such strict ac
countability as Is the plant superin-
terdent There is no reason why
however, the labor leaders who work
along constructive lines and have high
ideals should not have every dollar
which those who retain them are able
to pay.
IF it can be shown that an $4,000
man builds up rather than tears down,
that he seeks to promote good rela-
tions between employer and employees
and that he has large vision and looks
to the future, he should certainly be
compensated for the value OF his
| services.
Worth 100000.
II should say that, considering the
general abilities and the power for
organization which Samuel Gompers
has, that he would be worth 100000
a year to large interests which could
afford to pay him all that he is worth
He is worth that to the American la
boring man, for he has the qualities of
a statesman and has wide knowledge
of men and affairs His work has
been educational and he has built for
the future.
His services cannot be valued
merely in terms of dollars and cents
ana, Tor tnat matter, Neither can tHt
work of any man. The principle Is
the vital factor to consider In valuing
men. If a labor leader stands fol
Americanism and seeks to advance the
interests of all whom he represents
not merely by getting them more
money, but by making them more
useful citizens, he Is certainly worth
q large salary and should get It,"
The authorities who have looked
into the question of wages in recen
months have based their estimates O.
what should be paid on the basis O.
production. and by the same tokel
they are beginning to estimate tn,
labor leader and his services on hi
constructive ability.