Evening star., 1937-07-06
Underlying Principles.

Underlying Principles.
Every generation has had to face
dynamic conditions. We cannot hold
back the rushing tides Of progress.
There are, however, great underlying
principles which, like mud-sills in the
structure, must be saved from all
destructive flood-tides. Among these
are the spirit Of devotion to our ma
tional ideals Of justice, equitable
liberty and mutual happiness.
Our national greatness must hinge
on a common bond of loyalty to our
national institutions. That has always
been the rallying point Of national
thought and action.
However weak or formidable are the
issues between industrial employers
and employees, the differences have
their roots in conceptions not in
keeping with inevitable changes. This
being true, both sides must seek proper
adjustments. Many adjustments have
already been effected, involving better
wages and better working conditions.
It should be admitted without discus
sion that 1t is the duty OF all to
protect workers from exploitation by
any misguided labor spokesman and
by selfish leaders in industry. In the
light Of experience, We have learned
that issues to be settled wisely need
to be removed from the heat of con-
troversy and suspicion. Both time
and patience are of the essence in the
assimilation of great reforms. When
We determine to submit grievances to
the calm atmosphere of the conference
method and follow this approach up
with a balancing of rights with re-
sponsibiuties, then We will have paved
the way for permanent peace and
progress.
The American capitalistic system,
adjusted to new conditions, must be
preserved and wisely encouraged. This
should recognize sound appreciation
Of the differences between a passing
profit and lasting profit. 1t can only
be lasting If in gaining it there is ac-
quired the confidence Of those who
work with their hands and those who
consume the products Of this joint
enterprise. Continuing equitable prof
its are made secure by sound and
permanent service needs of the peo-
pie and by treating labor as a partner
with those responsible for capital.
Thus, will fear and distrust on the
part of industry and labor be sup
planted by relationship of mutual
confidence and esteem. Such q pro-
cedure is the surest way to increased
economic and social security for all.
Enactment of Wagner Bill.
It was to this end that the Wagner
bill was enacted. 1t sought better
relationship between labor and man.
agement through fostering the right
of employees to organize and bargain
collectively. That right is baslcally
sound. 1t therefore becomes the duty
of labor to willingly clear the atmos-
phere by identifying the responsible
agency within it's ranks through which
negotiations to this end are to be ef-
fected. The responsibility of employ
ers is to cooperate with equal vigor
In promoting the objectives of the act.
The proper right to strike must be
safeguarded but equally fundamental
Is the right to work. Coercion has no
proper place in this program.
Furthermore, all legislation must
seek fairness to both labor and in
dustry. When fair administration re-
veals defects or inadequacies in statu-
tory requirements. then prompt cor
rection should be made in the interest
Of all. Extremists on either side of
the prevailing controversy should har-
monize their views with the objective
attitude of the majority who are con-
structively seeking a peaceful solution
Governments Responsibility.
Under its constitutional responsible
ity 1t is the inescapable duty OF gov
ernment to preserve law and order.
This requires protection Of the COM
munity against lawlessness Of all kinds,
at all times and under all circum-
stances. All governmental units, Fed
eral, State and municipal, must stead
fastly exercise their sovereign powers
without partiality or compromise
They should always endeavor to en-
courage reason that dispels passion
and brings men together. All groups
must stress the importance Of faith in
our orderly governmental processes, if
democracy in industry and in govern
ment Is to be preserved. This means
that we must all assume continuing
obligations of restraint, self-discipline
and service. The individual freedom
which We cherish for ourselves through
self-government can only be main
tanned through rule of reason based
on democratic cooperation
There is but one alternative to this
sound and safe procedure; that is