And State Papers 307 



finally something can be done by the direct action of 

 the State. It is not possible empirically to declare 

 when the interference of the State should be deemed 

 legitimate and when illegitimate. 



The line of demarcation between unhealthy over- 

 interference and unhealthy lack of regulation is not 

 always well defined, and shifts with the change in 

 our industrial needs. Most certainly we should never 

 invoke the interference of the State or Nation unless 

 it is absolutely necessary ; but it is equally true that 

 when confident of its necessity we should not on aca 

 demic grounds refuse it. Wise factory laws, laws to 

 forbid the employment of child labor and to safe 

 guard the employees against the effects of culpable 

 negligence by the employer, are necessary, not mere 

 ly in the interest of the wage-worker, but in the in 

 terest of the honest and humane employer, who 

 should not be penalized for his honesty and human 

 ity by being exposed to unchecked competition with 

 an unscrupulous rival. It is far more difficult to 

 deal with the greed that works through cunning 

 than with the greed that works through violence. 

 But the effort to deal with it must be steadily made. 



Very much of our effort in reference to labor 

 matters should be by every device and expedient to 

 try to secure a constantly better understanding be 

 tween employer and employee. Everything possible 

 should be done to increase the sympathy and fellow- 

 feeling between them, and every chance taken to 

 allow each to look at all questions, especially at ques 

 tions in dispute, somewhat through the other's eyes. 



