424 State Papers and Addresses

The whole purpose of the nationwide effort today is to perpetuate the
very democratic institutions,, under which labor has been given such wide-
spread recognition. This democratic form of government will continue to
accord labor its just rights. On the other hand, unless our democratic institu-
tions are perpetuated, labor will be the greatest sufferer by being reduced to
the lowly position occupied by toilers in the totalitarian states.

No more important question is before the American public today than that
which concerns the avoidance of strikes and stoppage of work. A solution has
to be found, and it is to be expected that the patriotic and sincere representa-
tives of American labor will manifest a helpful desire to bring about a working
arrangement, to the end that our production may not be curtailed. Labor must
also assist in the expulsion from its ranks of subversive elements. In this
period of "all-out" defense preparedness, the control of American labor should
not be allowed to rest in the hands of foreigners, whose allegiance is to another
government than our own. On the other hand, if these agitators happen to be
of American citizenship, although disloyal to our Country, a way must be found
to curb their efforts and to punish their treasonable activities.

We have seen expressed many times of late opinions of competent indus-
trialists connected with production management in Washington, who warn that
even the present production program, if realized completely, will not suffice for
our protection. Certainly if this be true, we need to have available every
ounce of our man-power and we cannot allow our national labor potential to
be dissipated in unworthy attempts to exact financial advantages, or by sub-
versive undercover efforts to sabotage production.

We hear much today and we will hear more, of the importance of morale
in our fighting forces. Most significantly, the power and influence of religion
toward building and sustaining morale is being recognized by War Department
authorities, who have instituted a program for building chapels in all camps
for the members of all faiths. This is a gratifying and heartening accept-
ance of the fact that everything begins and ends with God, and that without
Him there can be no sustaining moral element.

The picture facing the young people who are stepping forth from colleges
and universities today, while it has its darker aspects, in some respects is
infinitely better than that which was presented just a few years ago. Today
there is the soul-satisfying realization for every man that there is work to be
done, and that his help is needed vitally, whether or not his path of duty leads
to the defense forces for safeguarding American Democracy. There was never
a time when the active, intelligent efforts of young men were needed more than
they are today.

Industry has need for skilled workers of every kind, and particularly
there is a dearth of men who are capable of leadership and management. You
young men, with the very splendid attainments that are yours because of your
years at Georgetown, are better equipped than most of those who are entering
life today. Not only have you scientific and factual information of surpassing
excellence but your intellects have been trained, your ideals have been shaped
under an educational system second to none. So highly have you been favored