Evening star., 1922-12-08

en- the welfare of the people and
menace public safety. 1t is an inn
potent civilization and an made
Guate government which lacks the
genius and the courage to guard
against such menace to public
welfare as we experienced last
summer. You We're aware of the
governments great concern and its
futile attempt to aid in an adjust
ment. 1t will reveal the inexcus-
able obstinacy which was respon-
sible for so much distress to the
country to recall now that. though
all disputes are not yet adjusted,
the many settlements which have
been made We're on the terms
which the government proposed in
mediation.
Public interest demands that am
pie power shall be conferred upon
the labor tribunal. whether it is
the present board or the suggested
substitute. to require it's rulings to
be accepted by both parties to a
disputed question.
No Denial Of Rights.
Let there be no confusion about
the purpose of the suggested con-
ferment of power to make de-
clSiOnS effective.e There can he no
denial of constitutional rights of
eltner railway wOrkmen or railway
managers. No man can be denied
mis- right to labor when and how he
chooses. or cease to labor when he
SO elects. but, since the govern
ment assumes to safeguard his in
tereStS while employed in an eS-
sential public service. the security
of society itself demands his re-
tirement from the service shall not
be So timed and related as to ef-
lect the nf that Saryin..
This Vitally essential public trans
pDrtatlOn service. demanding so
much of brain and Drawn. SO much
for efficiency and security. ought
to offer the most attractive work
ing conditions and the highest of
wages paid to workmen in amy en-
ploNmrnt.
In essentially every branch. from
track repalrer TO the man at the
locomotive throttle, the railroad
worker is responsible for the safe
~ of human lives and the care of
vast property. His high RESPONSE
bility might well rate high his pay
within the limits the traffic will
bear: but the same responsibility,
plus governmental protection, may
justly deny him and his associates,
withdrawal from service without
a warning or under circumstances
which involve the paralysis of
'
assumed so great responsibility
in necessary regulation that We
uncOnSicouSlN have assumed the
responsibility for maintained serv-
ice: therefore the lawful power
for the enforcement of decisions
is necessary to sustain the ma j.sty
of government and to administer
to the public welfare.
Cites New Tariff Law.
During its longer session the
present Congress enacted Il new
tariff law. Tie protection of the
American standards of living de-
nianded the insurance it provides
against the distorted conditions of
world commerce. The trainers Of
the law made provision for GER
tain fleXibility of customs duties.
whereby it is possible to readjust
them as developing conditions may
Require. The enactment has i'm
posed large responsibility upon
the executive. but that reSpOnS-
ibili,y will be discharged with a
broad mindfulness of the whole
business situation. The provision
itself admits either the possible
faliibility of rates or their un-
suitabfeness I" changing condi-
tions. l believe the grant of au-
thoi'ty may be promptly and dis
the intent and purpose to safe
guard American industrial activity.
and at the same time prevent the
exploitation of the American con-
sumner and keep open the paths Of
such liberal exchanges as do not
cndanger our own productivity.
No one cOntemplates commercial
aloofness nor any other aloofness
contradictory to the best Amer
lean traditions or loftiest human
purposes. our fortunate capacity
for comparative elf-containment
affords the firm foundation on
which to build for our own Securl-
ty. and a like foundation on which
to build for d future of influence
and Importance in world commerce.
our trade expansion must come
of capacity and of policies of
righteousness and eas"nableness
in all our commercial relations.
Let no one assume that our pro-
vision for maintained good fortune
at home. and our unwillingness to
assume the correction of all the
ills of tn" world. means n reluc-
tance to cooperate with other peo.
pies or TO assume every just obli-
CATION tn promote human advance
ment anywhere in the world.
War Mnkesx I. s. Creditor Nation.
War made us "A creditor nation.
We did not seek an excess pos
session of the worlds gold. and we
have neither desire 10 profit un-
duly by its possession nor per-
manently retain it. We do not seek
to become an international die
1atOr because .of its power.
The voice of the United States
has respectful hearing in inter-
national councils, because we have
convinced the world that we have
no selfish ends to serve. no old
grievances to avenSe, no territorial
or other greed to satisfy. But the
voice being heard is that of good
counsel not of dictati"n. 1t is the
voice of sympathy and fraternity
and hcIpfulueSS. seeking to assist