Twin city review. [volume] (Champaign, Ill.) 19??-1929, 1924-04-18
.GOMPERS TAKES
PART IN PINCH0T'S
CON + E X f \ [ L

Harrisburg, Pa, April 16.-Presi-
dent Samuel Gompers. Of the Amen-
can Federation of Labor, looking the
picture of health as he submitted 10
a IRE of questions from reporters,
came here to take part in a conference
on super-power called b. Gov. Clifford
Pinehot.
Participating in the conference,
aside from President Gompers and
Gov. Pinehot, were President James
Z. Noonan of the Brotherhood Of Eiec-
trical Workers, President William II.
Johnston Of the international Asso-
citation of Maehinists, o. 5. Boyer,
Engineer representing the machlnlsts,
technical representatives. of the power
industry and representatives OF the
public.
President Gompers declared that in
dustry is just beginning to realize
how intimately labor is concerned
with technical progress.
mo social group" he said sis more
concerned for the increased develop
ment of power resources and lower
ing the cost of power than are the
users of the tools of industry and
commerce.
More abundant power at lower
rates means more machinery, IN
creaess the productive capacity Of the
tool users and cheapens commodity
costs. These in turn mean higher
standards of living"
Mr.. Gompers declared that labor
welcomes technical progress. ITO
state the case in terms of industrial
relations" he continued, "as wage
earners and workmen we ask oppor-
tunity to participate in the develop
ment of industry as an organized
group"
Six suggestions for the power in
dustry, which Mr.. Gompers believes
will be the most important determ-
ming element in the social and econo-
mic life of the future" were offered
at the conference. They were:
"First-It is required that there be
full and frank acknowledgement
on the part of the whole country of
the role which labor has to paly and
of its ability to offer cooperation in
practical operation.
"Second-With labor's role fully
acknowledged, there must then be a
consciousness on the part of the
whole industry that those who operate
the industry in all of its branches are
entrusted with vital functions and
have obligations to those within the
industry to the natural wealth brought
into use and to other industries and
the people as a whole.
"Third-The experience of the in
dustry must determine to a large ex-
tent how to organize the factors
within the industry on a democratic
basis that runs parallel to its func
tions, so as to discharge these various
obligations, with justice.
"FOurth-With experience as a
guide in the application of the prin-
ciple there must come into existence
joint representative bodies, in which
every useful element within the in
dustry may have a voice and in such
manner that it will not be possible
for the combined voices of some to
smother the voices of others in pur-
suance of justice.
"Fifth-These joint organizations
of representatives must have as their
smallest unit the locality, after which
larger units may follow in accordance
with the natural lines found in the
industry itself.
self, as it has indeed already found
itself, hampered by restricting laws
placed on the statute books by politi-
cal organizations lacking the requisite
understanding of industrial needs, or
fear lest an uncurbed industry might
become moloch; and it will be neces-
sary to open the doors by clearing
obstructive legislation"
Understanding is the key to the
elimination of industrial waste and CO.
operation can obtain only where in
dustrial relations conform to these
basic principles, Mr.. Gompers in
formed the conference. The regular
ity of employment is the aspect in
which labor is fundamentally inter-
ested, he said. 1--WE labor men parti-
cipating in this conference are fully
aware of the Importance of this aspect
of the study as we'll as of our serious
obligation not only for the conserva-
ton of the power resources of our
nation, but for the conservation of
those who are Gn integral part of the
nation ITSELF"