UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED STATES 49 
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centers. The summary of these records is an interesting document. 
We are satisfied that the sustained high rate reflects among other 
forces unemployment due to mechanization of industry. 
Nearly one-third of the wage earners in the United States depend 
on manufacturing industries for their jobs. Our wage earner popu- 
lation is increasing, while jobs in manufacturing industry decrease. 
Since 1919 the normal increase in population has brought over five 
and a half million more persons who want work as wage earners, 
while jobs in manufacturing have decreased by 585,000. Thus we 
need more than 6,000,000 new jobs. 
Nor there are a lot of interesting facts that I have included in 
this prepared statement, but it occurs to me I am taking up alto- 
gether too much time. There are others here who will present to 
you some interesting facts and information and I feel I am trans- 
gressing upon their time by pursuing further. I will file this state- 
ment for the benefit of the record and those facts and the information 
which I have failed to read can be absorbed by the members of the 
committee. 
I want to leave this thought with you in conclusion: The American 
Federation of Labor is deeply interested in these measures. We feel 
that, after all, it is the only proposal before Congress that is practical 
and constructive, looking towards the relief of the unemployment 
situation. Can Congress afford to adjourn without doing something 
that will relive the unemployment situation? Can you go home to 
your constituents and face the inquiry of “What did you do to help 
us?” If you fail to pass this, then what will you pass; what else is 
proposed? In these closing hours of Congress, what can you do for 
us if you fail to pass these measures? It is inconceivable that we 
can be confronted by such a serious social and economic problem as 
the one which exists today, without Congress dealing with it in 
some constructive way. If this bill is not right, then what can you 
give us instead; what are we to have? We have gone over it. We 
feel these measures are reasonable, very reasonable and conservative 
indeed, and, if these bills are passed, we can say to labor that Congress 
at least shouldered its responsibilities and did something for you. 
We do not stand in the way of technical progress. 1 do not wish 
you to interpret what I have said, in analyzing the problem growing 
out of the introduction of machinery, as opposition on the part of the 
American Federation of Labor to technical and mechanical progress. 
We feel that is inevitable. The benefits are great; but, while we enjoy 
the benefits, we believe society ought to help those who really pay 
more because of the introduction of scientific and mechanical methods 
than any one else. We must face this issue; we can not avoid it. We 
are face to face with it. Germany and England are grappling with 
it, very seriously; we want to avoid the experiences they have had there. 
We want to deal with it in an American fashion, in an American way; 
but, just as sure as the sun shines, unless our legislative bodies meet 
their obligations and face their duties and responsibilities by helping 
in this situation, we will be confronted with a situation filled with 
discontent, threatening our very security and our peace and our 
prosperity. . 
These are the thoughts I want to leave with you. I bope gentlemen, 
vou will favorably report this bill and that it will be passed promptly.