Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 55, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 October 1916 — THE WAR AND LABOR [ARTICLE]

THE WAR AND LABOR

The war had not been in progress many months before this country realized that immigration was to be seriously affected. As for years it had been felt that some restriction should be placed on the stream of people Europe sent to this country, diminution was not regarded at first with apprehension. But as the war has now passed through two full years, with little prospect of ending before another twelve months, it is generally realized that cessation of immigration carries with it more effects than relief from illiterate additions to our population. Fewer immigrants are available for the rough labor market, and in proportion to the decrease in immigration has the demand for laborers increased. The press of war business, especially in the steel, munition and transportation lines, has made necessary the employment of thousands of extra workmen, more or less unskilled. There is. no doubt that some industries at least could comfortably utilize *a much larger volume than that which is now available. This is proved by the announcements coming from corporations engaged in enlarging their plants.

Rough labor is highly paid at present, and the tendency is. upward. At the federal free employment bureau in Indianapolis it Is seen that highway and railway contractors, compelled to bid against industrial concerns, have had to raise their own offers in order to obtain the applicants. Men taking work of this class are generally ready to throw ■ «> up jobs in one place and go elsewhere if higher wages are offered there. It is probable that the number of transient laborers has been largely increased because of the peculiar situation created by the war. Employers of unskilled labor have frequently bid against each other. In this manner the farmer and the manufacturer have come to be rivals.,. The. latter offers the transient farm “hand” higher wages, and the laborer responds. As city life is more appealing than rural, the farmer generally loses, even if he meets the wages offered by the manti facturer.

A peculiar situation has developed in the South, which a few years ago was considering ways and means of ridding itself of its surplus negroes. It has now lost many negroes and has been unable to fill their places. Due to high wages offered for unskilled labor in the North, there has actually been a migration of Southern negroes. This movement lias attained such volume that Southern farmers, solely dependent on colored labor, have become alarmed. Eventually there must be a readjustment. But this will not be so easy, for the laborer, once accustomed to increased wages and a higher standard of living, will, with much reluctance, accept 'a change for the worse.