The Holly chieftain., 1922-08-31

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 5000
year and travelling expenses. Until
a comparatively short time ago his
services were requited with only $36O0
a year. Many Of the printers thought
he was worth considerably more, but
1t 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 $500 to $4,000 year
and have to devote their entire time
to their tasks, although the Indica-
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 dockbuiders' union.
Judging the matter Of compensation
for labor leaders from the point Of
view of Mr.. George e. Holmes, the
general manager Of the industrial re-
lations service, an expert on organiza-
ti0n, 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 year.
"A plant manager who was held re-
sponsible for the production made by
5000 men," continued Mr.. Holmes,
would be worth from $4,000 to $685.
900 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-
tendent. 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 1t 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
! fnd r.. xt
services.
Worth $4,000.
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
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,
and, for that matter, neither can the
work Of any man. The principle Is
the vital factor to consider in valuing
men. II labor lender stands for
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
large salary and should get IT.
The authorities who have looked
into the question of wages in recent
months have based their estimates of
what should be paid on the basis Of
production, and by the same token
they are beginning to estimate the
labor leader and his services On his
! constructive ability.