Evening star., 1937-06-23

dangerously toward fascism-the in
strument always invoked when de-
mocracy shows itself incapable or un-
willing to make sacrifices for principle.
The experience of other countries
shows that labor strife brought the
climax on which fascism was intro
duced But entirely apart from the
labor disputes there are other circum-
stances rapidly accumulating which
give fascism chance to rear its
dreaded philosophy in America.
Thus labor, having been granted
collective bargaining by law, now as
serts an unlimited and unrestrained
right to demand the maximum ire
spective of whether employers can
afford it.
Employers, facing economic de-
struction, either yield to the labor
demand and seek to pass on the costs
in the form of higher prices or they
determine to fight.
Labor with the political influence
obtained by contributing vast sums to
the Presidents own campaign and to
the campaign Of various Governors
controls the executive power in the
Federal Government as well as in
many States. The public debt rises,
costs of government rise, labor costs
are reflected in a drop in consumption,
and another cycle of unemployment
appears on the horizon. Already the
President is talking of some form of
price control.
Labor Employer Deadlocks.
If labors demands are excessive
and unrestrained, if management and
ownership resist and are themselves
naturally free to refuse such demands,
and if consumers are compelled to pay
whatever prices are charged, the eco
nonlic system breaks down and the
conditions that bring on fascism are
complete.
l, is actually being said in some
quarters that President Roosevelt
would not feel unhappy if confusion
increased and he himself were to find
justification for declaring the Nation
under martial law somewhat as the
Governors have done in two of the
most populous States in the Union.
Such an inference is to my mind un-
justified. Mr.. Roosevelt is hoping
against hope that pacifst philosophy
will somehow bring all the parties into
agreement and that by patience the
industrial disturbances will be
brought to a peaceful end
Unfortunately, the President Is due
for complete disillusionment before
long. When he approved of what the
Governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania
did, it was with the expectation that
the Mediation Board that he ap-
pointed could make headWay in bring
ing about truce. Use of the martial
law instrument has, however, famed
the flames of discord 1t has been
received as support for the pickets
who have been engaged in unlawful
acts.
There is much to be said in favor
Of the view that the steel companies
should sign contracts. Their posi-
tion would be tenable if they favored
contracts as such but insisted upon
imposing responsibility for the sigma
lures OF those with whom they bar
gain. Tragically enough, this kind of
debate could have been entertained
more Collectively few weeks ago, but
the partisanship shown by the Govern
ment itself, especially in refusing to
command obedience to law, has weak
ened the case for the President when
he urges signed contracts and doesn't
in any way recognize the excesses of
the c. I. o. as a factor in the con-
troversy.
Law Must BE Observed.
There is only one solution that
democracy has to offer in labor dis
putes. It is that law and order be
scrupulously observed.
II the steel companies are not en-
gaging in collective bargaining in
good faith, that is, If they refuse to
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