Article June 23, 1923 ISSUE

Capital and Labor

JOHN R. BROWNE

Mankind seems often to be lost in the reign of controversy,—in the confusion of conflicting human beliefs and of many forms of human selfishness. These qualities of mortal thought are shown in the lack of accord often observed between capital and labor. Each side has contended, and still contends, that the other is endeavoring to dominate it for selfish purposes: and both sides, no doubt, have employed and, perhaps, still employ some worthy of some unworthy means to win their respective points. Yet, as points are won or compromises are made, it appears that the seed is sown wherefrom new crops of controversies take root, each succeeding crop seemingly being quite as full of the tares of discontent as those which have grown up before.

Many classes assert that they have remedies which will solve all industrial problems. Students of schools of economic thought advance numerous arguments to sustain their several theories. Legislative bodies have repeatedly enacted laws intended to be helpful. Commissions of various kinds have been created to regulate this or that business or industry, or to adjust conflicting claims arising out of economic and industrial relations. The labor unions resort to the strike method to coerce capital into submission to their demands; and capital in its turn organizes to compel labor to submit to its demands. So controversies go on continuously, with no final solution, and regardless of seeming consequences to the vast body of mankind not directly interested.

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