Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1953-02-02

needed in agricultural pro-
grams are largely budgetary
and administrative in nature.
New policies and new programs
must await the completion of
the far-reaching studies which
have already been launched.
Truth in Labor Policies
Must Be Emphasized
The determination of labor
policy must be governed not
by the vagaries of political
expediency but by the firmest
principles and convictions.
Slanted partisan appeals to
American workers, spoken as
II they were a group apart,
neceSSitating a special Ian
guage and treatment, are an
affront to the fullness of their
dignity as American citizens.
The truth in matters of la
Dor policy has become obscured
in controversies. The very
meaning of economic freedom
as it affects labor has become
confused. This misunderstand-
ing has provided a climate of
opinion favoring the growth
OF governmental paternaliSm
IN labor relations. This ten
dency, if left uncorrected,
could end only by producing
a bureaucratic depotism.
Economic freedom is, In fact,
the requisite of greater pros
perlty for every American
who earns his own living.
In the field of labor legisla-
ton. only a law that merits
the respect and support of
both labor and management
can help reduce the loss Of
wages and of production
through strikes and StoppageS,
and thus add to the total
economic strength of our
Nation.
We have now had five
years experience with the
Labor Management Act of
1947, commonly known as the
Taft-Hartley Act. That ex-
perience has shown the need
Tor some corrective action,
and we should promptly pro-
coed to amend the Act.
1 know that the Congress is
already proceeding with re-
newed studies of this whole
subject. Meanwhile. the De-
partment of Labor is at once
beginning to devise further
specific recommendations for
your consideration.
In the careful working out
OF legislation, I know you will
give thoughtful consideration
as will we in the Executive
Branch-to the views of labor,
and of management, and of
the general public. In this
process. it is only human that
each of us should bring for
ward the arguments of self
interest. But if all conduct
their arguments in the over
towering light of national in
terest-which is enlightened
self-interest-we shall get the
right answers. I profoundly
hope that every citizen of our
country will follow with under
standing your progress in this
work. The welfare of all of us
is involved.
Especially must we remem-
Der that the institutions Of
trade unionism and collective
bargaining are monuments to
the freedom that must prevail
in our industrial life. They
have a century of honorable
achievement behind them. Our
faith in them is proven, firm
and final.
Government can do a great
deal to aid the settlement of
labor disputes without allow
ing itself to be employed as an
ally of either side. It's proper
role in industrial strife is to
encourage the processes OF
mediation and Cancellation.
These processes can success
fully be directed only by gov
eminent free from the faint Of
any suspicion that it is partia
or punitive.
The administration intends
to strengthen and to improve
the services which the Depart
ment of Labor can render to
the worker and to the whole
national community. This de-
partment was created-just 40
years ago-to serve the entire
nation. It must aid. for ex-
ample. employers and en-
ployes alike in improving
training programs that will
develop skilled and competent
workers. It must enjoy the
confidence and respect of labor
and industry in order to play
significant role in the plan
ming Of Americas economic