Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-10-11
Labor Federation
Hear Views Director
lOf Veterans Bureau
Portland, Oregon, Oct. 10-General

today, IN course or which he SAID:
THE continued interest the Amer
lean Federation of Labor has shown
in the work of the Veterans Bureau
by inviting my presence here today is
recognized and appreciated. l am
sure that through the cooperation Of
our efforts to safeguard the interests
of the disabled ex-service man that
much will be accomplished for his
permanent welfare.
Had the time to tell and you the
patience to hear Of even a fair part
of what has been accomplished by
the Government in it's work of re-
facilitating the disa bled veteran you
would feel doubly assured that your
past endorsements of the undertake
ing have been many times justified.
In this connection 1t is sufficient at
this time to say that tens of thous-
ands of these men have been restored
to active lives of usefulness and have
become productive, economic units
in the various communities where
they reside. Without the Opportunity
afforded by the provisions of the
Vocational Rehabilitation Act and
under other circumstances many of
these men might have drifted into
ucSpdlI anu btCOlllt SOtldl anu eco
nomic burdens on the community life
of the nation.
THAT there has been no lack Of
interest on your part in tho rehabili-
tation work of the Veterans Bureau
is confirmed In the proceedings Of all
your previous conventions since the
Inauguration Of the work. The in
structions given to all delegates at
In Of hold in
natl with reference to the training
and employment of the rehabilitated
veterans, and the invitation extend
ed for me to be here today justify
and confirm my faith inyour fullest
cooperation. l can better realize the
extent of your interest when | con-
slider the number of fathers, sons or
brothers of these men there must be
present today, and that the conse-
quences of the grim tragedy of war
have extended to nearly every Amer
lean home. In the re-esta blishment
of these soldier citizens as produc-
tive units in the various communities
where they reside the assistance of
all organized bodies having for their
objective the welfare of the nation, is
necessary and required.
AT the present time there are APP
proXimatcly 10000 men in voca tionaI
training under the Veterans Bureau
The employment detectives of these
men are distributed over the whole
field of human cndeavor properly
within the classification of 'voca-
tionaP. or this number approximate
ly 40 per cent, or less than 10000, are
being qualified for employment in
the trades and industries AS the
completion of their training in the
various courses will occur at differ
ent times there will he no diStur-
bancc III the ordinary distribution Of
labor by the assimilation OF these
men and no danger of over crOWding
in a single occupation.
Il am sure that YOU will agree with
me that it is of the greatest impor-
lance that no policies of the Bureau
bring about a condition of depend
encY for those cX-SerViCc men who
are able to again take up ~ainful en-
ployment and an active part in the
economic life Of our country. These
men have stood the acid test of cit
izcnship. They have had the great
opportunity of serving their country
and having served their country in
time of emergency, it is important
that they take up fully again their
responsibilities of citizenship.
The assimilation by industry of
this comparatively small group of
rehabilitated trainees on n basis ad-
vantaSeous to the men would seem
small consideration in comparison
with the service these same men
gave. or stood ready to give. in the
hour of civiliza tons peril. The Gov
eminent Through the Civil Service
Commission manufacturers. rail-
road companies. industrial establish
ments and many local and district
labor organizations have modified
certain requirements and waived
others in the employment interests of
the men, and it is hoped by all who
are active in their behalf that every
organizat ton or group of citizens in
the nation may see the Righteousness
and justice of such action.
The progress thus far made by
the Veterans Bureau is gaining fav-
orahle consideration from so many
agencies. representative bodies and
labor organizations in behalf of
these men leads me TO believe that
1t only remains for the American
Federation of Labor to take appro-
rer between certain group of re-
hahilitated American soldiers and
their full establishment.
1T is interesting to note that since
the first of March. when the cam
paign of employment was started.
the men then in training on the Gov
eminent payroll numbered $4,000.
and that on October first this number
had been reduced to 10000; and it
IS gratifying to know that % per
cent OF these. or approximately 49,
COO have been successfully placed in
employment. Were we to measure
this as matter of economy alone
the achievement would result in the
reduction OF the Government eXpen-
ses in over three million dollars per
month.
ut is fitting that the rchabilitated
American soldier. upon his election
to seek admission in any body of
organized workers, should be proper
~ welcomed to the ranks Of an or
ganization that has continued TO
uphold the standards and support the
institutions established Ivy the found
crS of our country. The modifica-
tons or amendments to the consti-
tuition or bylaws of the various
bodies of workers affiliated with the
American Federation of Labor that
are required for the prompt admis-
sion of the qualified veteran, could in
no way be regarded as a precedent
upon which to base similar action for
any other group of men. Should this
body elect to make such recommend
alton to it's constituent membership.
both great and small. on the behalf
of the Veterans Bureau extend the
assurance that none but qualified
craftsmen will be certified to them
for the benefits of their organization.
with reference to the abilities
and qualfica tons OF these men to
perform the requirements of the oc-
cunatiOnS for which they have been