Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1919 — Lahor. With New Vision, Calmly Faces Big Problems of Reconstruction [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Lahor. With New Vision, Calmly Faces Big Problems of Reconstruction

By SAMUEL GOMPERS.

Preaideat Awsrican Federation of Labas

The war has been a new thing to America, to labor, to capital, to government—to all of us. Witji the war have come new methods, new ideals, new inspirations. We have had unusual problems to solve, and we have employed unusual methods in solving them. Labor, perhaps more than any other single element in our society, has never hesitated in adopting these new methods, in adjusting itself to the changed viewpoint, in putting its best foot forward. Only labor has insisted upon, knowing that what was found necessary to do would be for the benefit of all and iq fur-

therance of the common good. The new year may be considered as almost symbolic of the new time to come. Readjustment, reconstruction faces the entire world. We have passed through the fires of hell and we have come forth with a new vision, fired with a new zeal to deal forth justice for all mankind and to rid the world forever of the destructive forces that would debase our morality and destroy'the best that is in us. The organized workers of America did not need this cleansing fire, entailing such sacrifices of blood and wealth. Labor s motives have always been for the common weal. Its hopes have always been bound up inextricably with those of the great majority of the people. Its viewpoint has always been, “How much good for how many people ? And so labor faces the new year calmly and confidently, secure in the knowledge of having done its uttermost in the performance of a noble task; ready to service for the good of all our people and our republic; confident that good will, justice, freedom and democracy will prevail over the whole world.