Evening star., 1934-05-09

is to be developed throughout the
country. We recognize that essen
TALLY and fundamentally we must
rely on our State Governments and
State laws for permanent improvement
in American life. If we are to set
up a system of unemployment re-
serves and old-age pensions. II We are
to end the blight Of child labor for
ever, If we are to set up higher stand
ards Of working conditions and shorter
hours and provide for protection
against substandard wages, II we are
to take advantage Of an employment
service and the Federal housing pro-
gram we should have the States con-
cerned working hand in hand to-
ward the desired goal.
Conference Methods.
A good example Of the value Of
conference methods Is shown In the
launching of the program worked out
in conferences in the Department of
Labor in March, 1888. Leaders Of
organized labor. civic organizations
and others attended meetings and
adopted a program. It asked that
unemployment relief be provided in
some way by the Federal Govern
ment. It issued the warning that
relief should not be used to supple
ment sweatshop wages SO as to sub
sidize sweatshops. It recommended
that large public c-works program be
undertaken and that it include prof.
ects to stimulate the building industry.
It pointed out that the abolition Of
child labor was an immediate neces-
sity for the country. 1t suggested
that public and semi-public build
ings be used as educational and other
centers for people out of work. 1t
recommended a drastic limitation of
hours Of labor both now and in the
future. 1t urged better wages and
some machinery for fixing minimum
wages at level which should be at
least living wage. 1t suggested the
establishment of boards, either re-
gional or industrial, which might hear
evidence and testimony and make
findings regarding these and other
matters often in dispute between en-
ployer and employe. 1t further urged
that the standards Of purchase by
the Government be such as to require
fair hours and wages by firms from
which purchase Is made and to raise
the level OF the working conditions
Of the people of the United States.
And lastly, the recommendation was
made that underlying all the proposals
of the conference was an agreement
upon the necessity Of recognizing uni
versally the right of workers to Or
ganize and select representatives OF
their own choosing.
Practically all Of the recommenoa-
tions made in March. 1888. are in
effect today. Many Of them. however.
are on a temporary emergency basis.
Conscientious reconsideration OF each
Of them leads me to the sober con-
clusion that most Of these reforms
are OF basic importance in our ma
tional, industrial and economic life.
and must be made permanent in some
way compatible with democratic pro-
cedure and our Federal State system.
I expect to see the following made
permanent:
l. Shorter hours throughout indus
try and trade.
g. Higher standards of wages, and
particularly, machinery for regulat-
ing the minimum levels of wages.
3. The permanent abolition of child
labor.
4. The use of Government purchas-
ing power for supplies and equipment
to maintain industrial standards.
5. Boards for hearing locally and
investigating. making findings and le-
adjusting complaints of industrial
practices.
6. The general recognition of the de-
STABILITY of competent wage earners'
representation, selected through Or
ganization. in all matters affecting
industry, labor conditions and civic
development.
In addition to the need for unen-
ployment insurance. greater co-opera-
tion between the State and Federal