The Seattle Star Newspaper, November 3, 1919, Page 10

ij Se ae eRe AR Seattle SHALL Progress Seattle won the gratitude of the nation by suppress- ing the general strike last February. The radical ele- ment of labor was given a stinging rebuke by the com- munity which was applauded throughout the nation. Yet the radical element was not eliminated from con- trol of the actions of organized labor, and the fact has brought Seattle up to a second crisis which this city must now face. With the world demanding all that Seattle can pro- duce, with opportunity pressing us to become a great manufacturing and commercial city, we are facing a condition which is slowing up production, driving away business, commerce and new industries, retarding the growth of population and reducing prosperity. The opportunity to become a great and prosperous city, with employment and plenty for all, is open to Se- attle now, if Seattle will grasp it; if the people of Se- attle will organize our affairs so that we,can produce the things the world needs on a competitive basis with other cities of the United States. If these conditions, which retard our growth and prosperity, are not changed, we shall lose our great op- portunity, just as we have lost many new industries that considered locating here and declined to do so be- cause of the labor situation. { Domination of local industry by the radical element of labor, resulting in restricted output and greatly in- creased production costs, in friction between employ- ers and employes and in general community unrest and disorganization, is the cause of the present slump in production and progress in Seattle and the danger which threatens Seattle’s future. In order for Seattle to progress it must eliminate radicalism from community leadership, among both employes and employers; must find the common ground of agreement on which Seattle can progress and prosper as she has the opportunity to progress and prosper today. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club believes it has found that common ground upon which all can work for the upbuilding of this city. We present it in the following declaration: DECLARATION ON INDUSTRIAL SITUATION By Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club I, Absolute fairness to employe and employer alike is one of «the foundation principles-on which Americanism rests. ‘ II. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club will work for the improvement of industrial relations, the elim- ination of class prejudice, which generally results from misun- derstandings, and the establishment of equitable and uniform working conditions fair alike to employe and employer. III. It will always use its united influence in opposition to injus- tice, whether practiced by employers or employes. IV. It stands for the American Plan, which means absolute fair- ness to all classes of workers whether union or non-union. It unalterably opposes the “closed shop” which shuts the doors of industry against the American workingman who is not a member of a labor organization. Vv. It is un-American to interfere with the personal rights and constitutional liberties of the individual. Therefore, we shall oppose the use of force or intimidation by any one endeavor- ing to persuade workmen either to join or to resign from a labor organization. va It holds that both the employe and the employer are privi- leged to terminate their relations whenever either chooses to do so, unless, of course, there be contracts between them. VI. It does not countenance limitation of the amount of work which may be accomplished in a given time, or the manner in which payment shall be made for such work, whether by hour- ly rate, piece-work, contract or otherwise. We believe that every workman should have an opportunity to earn a wage proportionate to his ability and productive capacity. VIII. By encouraging fair dealings and broad minded policies, this organization hopes, with the co-operation of Seattle’s thinking public, to bring about working conditions and wages which will make Seattle known as a good city in which to work, to live, and to raise children. Adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 27, 1919 REGINALD H. PARSONS, President TRUSTEES: A. F, HAINES, C. E. HORTON, GORDON C. CORBALEY, Vice President Treasurer Executive Secretary A. W. LEONARD A. J. RHODES Cc. 8S. WILLS D. E. FREDERICK J. D,. LOWMAN Cc. J. SMITH PARK WEED WILLIS 0. D. FISHER FRANK McDERMOTT J. A. SWALWELL WORRALL WILSON JOSHUA GREEN 8. H, PILES P. H. WAST A. 8. DOWNEY, Vice Chairman, In- 8S. H. HEDGES PERRY POLSON FRANK WATERHOUSE dustrial Bureau, acting in absence of JAMES D. HOGE J. E, PINKHAM DAVID WHITCOMB C. H. Black, in Orient. H. A. KYER, Vice President JOSEPH BLETHEN THOMAS BURKE JOSIAH COLLINS M. J. CONNELL C. T. CONOVER GEORGE W. DILLING J. F. DOUGLAS Approved by more than 99% of members of Chamber voting in referendum 1,200 More Votes Cast Than in Any Referendum Ever Taken by Chamber. Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club