ACCEPTANCE OF NEW THEORY 117 
A sure basis would be laid for railway employees both now 
and in the future to develop all the elements of a sound 
citizenship in our self-governing republic. Finally, from the 
standpoint of both the public and the railroads, the productive 
efficiency of all classes of railway workers would be increased, 
and better as well as more efficient and safe service, at 
lower costs, would be secured. 
LABOR GROUP, NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE, 
WASHINGTON, D. C., OCTOBER, 1919 
The right of all wage-earners, skilled and unskilled, to a 
living wage is hereby declared, which minimum wage shall 
insure the workers and their families to live in health and 
comfort in accord with the concepts and standards of Ameri- 
~an life. 
RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM OF THE AMERICAN 
FEDERATION OF LABCR 
The workers of the nation demand a living wage for all 
wage-earners, skilled or unskilled—a wage which will enable 
‘he worker and his family to live in health and comfort, pro- 
vide a competence for illness and old age, and afford to all 
the opportunity of cultivating the best that is within man- 
ind. 
E. J. MANION, PRESIDENT ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRA- 
PHERS, BEFORE UNITED STATES RAILROAD LABOR BOARD 
Briefly stated, the Board would be justified in making its 
award for telegraphers and other classes of railway em- 
ployees on the principle of a living wage for the following 
reasons * 
1. Because it is right. 
2. Because it has the sanction of organized society. 
3. Because of enlightened self-interest—the railroads 
would find that it would pay, because it would bring