Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-27
Pope's Encyclical on Labor
Linked With Current Views

Many who comment upon the utter
ances of Pope Plus XII in connection
with an encyclical on the fortieth ami
yersary recall q similar statement by
Pope Leo XIII. His plea, that wages
should be such as really to satisfy the
legitimate requirements of an honest
workingman, not only for his person
but also for his family" meets with
agreement in America and there is
plenty Of commentator for his oppo-
sition to communism.
He has added his voice to the many
other voices calling for a better organi-
cation OF society and a fairer division
OF the rewards Of industry" says the
Newark Evening News, suggesting that
the wide contacts of the Vatican with
all parts of the world and its espousai Of
the cause Of the less privileged make
Pope Plus voice most influential" The
Columbus Ohio State Journal offers
the opinion: 1.-THE problem which must
be solved Is one Of opportunity. 1t must
not be denied to any man that he have
the right to work and earn a living.
Such paradoxical situations as we have
today, surplus of commodities while
people Lack the neceSsarieS Of life, must
be ironed out"
"The address will be widely read, not
thinkers, statesmen and employers" de-
clares the Scranton Times, with en-
phasis upon the fact that the Pope
pleads for cessation Of opposition be-
tween the classes and harmonious col
liberation between the various trade
groups" The Chicago Daily News feels
that he "had Old World rather than
New World conditions in mind" but
adds, THE enlightened friends of order,
peace and justice are not unmindful
Of their obligations to society, and the
movement destined to effect great and
far-reaching results for good"
While capital must be willing to adopt
an unselfish attitude" says the Hamilton
tOntarto) Spectator, labor also must
be prepared to collaborate to the full
IN bringing about the necessary re-
forms" That paper, recalling the en-
cyclical OF 40 years ago. suggests that
the position today Is entirely different
from what 1T was then: but 1t cannot
De SAID that conditions are yet what
they should and might be-"
r r. Il 4
Improvement in the dignity and
material condition of labor" ACCORDING
to the San Francisco Chronicle. "has
taken on speed since slavery was ended,
Pope Plus XII observes with gratifica-
ton the real betterment which has
taken place in the 40 years since Leo
xii issued his encyclical on labor
a period which is but a moment in
the long struggle for fairness between
human beings. Thousands of years lie
between Noses enunciation of that
great principle Of right. Thou shalt not
muzzle the OK when he treadeth out
the corn and the encyclical of Leo
XIII. Yet the succeeding twoscore
years have produced more amelioration
of the condition CT free labor than all
those centuries before. Herein Is the
reason for present hope"
As to the declared necessity for
demonstrating the whole economic sys-
tenn of the world by bringing it back
to the requirements of social justice"
the Springfield (Mass.) Republican de-
clares: zone does not have to be
radical reformer to feel that, If the
Creator wisely decreed the differences
in social conditions so familiar to the
world, perhaps our present economic
system need not be wholly reconstruct
ed. But the encyclical is nobly suf-
fused with sympathy for the workers,
for the less fortunate in the competi-
lions of Afe, for the down trodden, and
1t speaks superbly In their behalf On
the wages question, Its moral influence |
is thrown to the side of labor, without, |
however, attempting to determine what |
is q fair and just wage under the
varying conditions existing in different |
countrIes. T1exe.. are passages that
organized labor Id tlais country might |
use today against esvcductions, al |
though the Pope's words NAre addressed |
Ia no one country and to no one |
economic crisis"