Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1937-11-28
CATHOLIC BISHOPS
URGELABOR PEACE
Warn of Communism and
AssaiI Agitators and
Propaqandists.

Hope for an end of the conflict
between the American Federation Of
Labor and the Committee for In
dustrial Organization was expressed
last night in a statement issued by
the bishops of the Administrative
Board of the National Catholic Well
fare Conference.
The discussion of the labor stu
alton was part OF a general statement
presenting "a Christian attitude on
social problems" in wrich the bishops
deplored the fact that irresponsible
doctrinaires have seized upon world
wide discomfort and capitalized it."
Social injustice. oblivious to the
need Of providing self-respecting en-
ployment to millions, has embittered
the jobless and the poor throughout
the world" the bishops declared, add
Ing that "the unrest caused by evils
already grave and disturbing" is be-
ing further increased by designing
agitators or by cunning propagan-
dists." The statement warned that if
for the moment Communist leaders
were keeping their activities largely
under cover, the reason was that
they are biding their time, awaiting
the hoped-for collapse"
Their present restraint is expedi-
ency." the statement declared. Their
delay is strategy"
Three Things in Favor.
I'm our country" the bishops said,
Communist leaders see three things
In their favor: First, a sizeable army
OF propagandists among left-wing
professors, teachers and intellectuals;
secondly, the very real dangers to
our financial and economic structure;
thirdly, the growing articulate discon-
tent among the masses of the people.
Unhampered by any fixed moral prin-
clple. Communists would hasten the
collapse OF the structure of our Gov
eminent calculating that they will be
the benef1ciaries as the leaders of
the new order"
The truest friend of the poor and
the laboring man in the world TODAY
is Pope Plus XII" the bishops asserted.
rope Plus, they said, has challenged
the attention Of all groups who have
had any part in this injustice and calls
Tor reconstruction of the social
order"
Asserting labor's right to organize.
TO choose freely its own representa-
tlves, to receive living wage, to work
under healthful conditions, and to
nave security without unfair discrim-
ination, the bishops said labor may
enforce its just demands by effective
means, but these must always be
consonant with the rights of others,
the dictates of conscience and Gods
laws"
Labor should not incur the charge
OF countenancing coercion and in
justice" they added.
Expenses Peace Hope.
The statement deplored the "in-
ternecine conflict" between two large
organized groups of workers and ex-
pressed earnest hope that a basis for
harmony and lasting peace would be
found. 1T is essential" it said, that
labor unions be governed by the
principles of Christian brotherhood.
justice and fair play. They should
>.
Stating that there are many hon.
orable employers whose motives and
purposes are dictated by justice and
Charity" the bishops said employers
and employees should collaborate in
seeking solutions of the social prob
lens.
The bishops recalled that Pope Plus
had called attention to 1.-The tremen-
dous economic power exercised by
those who hold control money and are
able therefore to govern credit and
determine its allotment" and pointed
out that responsibility is thus divorced
from ownership"
The increasing ratio of debt to
total wealth has also had its influ-
ence in lessening the responsibility
and advantage which should attach
TO ownership of property" the state
ment added 1T makes for .nse-
curity. Its relationship, moreover,
to the cost of living or a reasonable
price level needs careful inquiry. Fur
Their study should be given likewise,
to the whole intricate problem of
money and credit so that such evils
as exist in the present system may
be brought to light and suitable rem
edies introduced"
The bishops warned against the
totalitarian state as another method
of destroying the liberty of the peo-
pie" and declared that 1.-The poor and
laboring classes should resist the ten
dency to set up the omnipotent
state" 1T first gives to the people
many services; and then it assumes