The Drift Toward Paternalism
Regarding the coal strike commission recently appointed by President Roosevelt, to which we have several times referred, it is interesting to note the opinion held by Senator Depew, whose knowledge and experience qualify him to speak with most authority on the subject. In a press telegram of recent date Mr. Depew is quoted as saying: “I wonder if the people stop to think of the meaning of the president’s appointing a commission to adjust a labor dispute. The fact is this country is drifting toward paternalism. This is an absolutely new function the president has undertaken—a long step toward paternalism. This commission will fix a general law that will long control in controversies between capital and labor.” Do the people, indeed, stop to think—do you stop to think—about the meaning of these things?