SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
Labour and Research. | 
RESOLUTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOUR 
ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. 
HEREAS, scientific research and the technical 
application of results of research form a funda- 
mental basis upon which the development of our 
industries—manufacturing, agriculture, mining, 
and others must rest; and 
Whereas, the productivity of industry is greatly 
increased by the technical application of the results 
of scientific research in physics, chemistry, biology, 
and geology, in engineering and agriculture, and in 
the related sciences; and the health and well-being, 
not only of the workers, but of the whole population as well, are 
dependent upon advances in medicine and sanitation; so that the value 
of scientifie advancement to the welfare of the nation is many times 
greater than the cost of the necessary research; and 
Whereas, the increased productivity of industry resulting from 
scientifie research is a most potent factor in the ever-increasing struggle 
of the workers to raise their standards of living, and the importance of 
this factor must steadily increase since there is a limit beyond which 
the average standard of living of the whole population can not progress 
by the usual methods of readjustment, which limit can only be raised 
by research and the utilization of the results of research in industry; 
and 
Whereas, there are numerous important and pressing problems of 
administration and regulation now faced by Federal, State, and local 
governments, the wise solution of which depends upon scientific and 
technical research; and 
Whereas the war has brought home to all the nations engaged in it 
the overwhelming importance of science and technology to national 
welfare; whether in war or in peace, and not only is private initiative 
attempting to organize far-reaching research in these fields on a 
national scale, but in several countries governmental participation and 
support of such undertakings are already active; therefore be it 
Resolved, by the American Federation of Labour in convention 
assembled, that a broad programme of scientific and technical research 
is of major importance to the national welfare and should be fostered 
in every way by the Federal Goyertiment, and that the activities of the 
Government itself in such research should be adequately and generously 
supported in order that the work may be greatly strengthened and 
extended; and the Secretary of the Federation is instructed to transmit 
copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, to the 
President pro tempore of the Senate, and to the Speaker of the House 
of Representatives. 
