Evening star., 1944-08-04
Governors
Continued From First Page. !,

turn backward but will 60 forward
to improve and strengthen these
Federal and State programs.
In many phases of labor regula-
ton both Federal and State action
is appropriate. The extension OF
Federal labor legislation, however
must not be carried to a point where
it would displace State labor regu-
lations and result in a shift of re-
sponsibility for the administration
of the larger body of labor laws
from the State capttols to Wash
ington, where it will be far from the
people.
Joint Program Needed.
with regard to wages, hours and
child labor. the establishment by
the Federal authority within its
powers, of certain broad or mini
mum standards is proper and de-
sirable. 1t promotes fair competi-
ton among employers and among
employees in the national market.
The States should provide regula-
tions which GO beyond such Federal
minimum standards and are more
elaborate and detailed in character
to reflect local conditions and needs
THE administration by the New
Deal of existing labor statutes has
been inefncient and arbitrary and
has tended to promote, rather than
to allay, industrial strife. An i'm.
mediate drastic change in the spirit
and methods of administration OF
these laws Is required. It Is the
duty Of both the national and State
governments to create clear -cut
labor and industrial policies-ad-
ministered with equal justice to all. !"
Social Welfare and Health.
"The administration of public
health belongs primarily to the
States and the localities because
welfare problems are so intimately
a problem of the community" the
Governors began, in turning to So
cial security problems.
They conceded, however, that
financial responsibility may need
to be spread more widely because
welfare burdens often are unduly
severe where a State or locality has
unusual burdens or is itself in finan-
cial difficulty"
They also agreed that during the
postwar period there will be tempo
rary problems of social and eco
nomic adjustment as war workers
and their families move to other
jobs. This will be an interstate prob
lem resulting from war, and calls
for Federal leadership and help
they said. Discussing the permanent
phases of public welfare, the Gov
ernors continued:
Reorganization Of the Federal
administration of welfare services
looking toward consolidation of
agencies and simplification of pro-
cedure is called for to avoid the
present warfare among Federal
agencies and the resulting chaos in
administration throughout the
country.
States Frequently Thwarted.
"Our efforts In the State to de.
velop co-ordinated social services
to our people are frequently
thwarted by the competitive de.
mands Of Federal bureaus operating
grant-in-aid programs in these re-
lated fields.
THE will to serve the needs OF
people rather than the perpetuatior
OF bureau must permeate nationa,
participation in the public social
services. Not only should the Fed
eral welfare bureaus be brought to-
gether, but, in addition, their ad-
ministration should be tied in closely
with related programs in the fields
OF public health, education and
vocational rehabilitation.
"A republic more than any othe,
form of Government depends upon
trained and intelligent citizens. The
founders Of our republic knew that
the basic safeguard OF our liberties
and constitutional Government Il
the universal education Nof our peo.
pie. The opportunity for an educa-
tion Is, therefore, the birthright Of
every American, irrespective Of race
economic status, or place Of resi-.
dence.
Education Joint Responsibility.
AN education that viii guarantee
every child a decent start In life
and that will prepare him for the
unprecedented responsibilities that
will follow this war. Is the Joint OBJ.
legation Of the local community
the State and the Nation. In the
fulfillment Of this obligation the
control and administration Of cul
free public schools should remain
s.