Brotherhood of MEN and NATIONS BY John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/brotherhoodofmenOOrock Brotherhood of MEN and NATIONS BY John D. Rockefeller, Jr. AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE CIVIC AND COMMERCIAL CLUB AT DENVER, COLORADO, June 13, 1918 Brotherhood °f MEN and NATIONS FOREWORD Four years ago this great world war began. For two and a half years, while Europe was in the throes of the struggle, the United States stood on the side lines a neutral spectator. Today we are in the contest with all the strength and the vast resources of our great nation. Never was battle joined in holier cause. The Germans are fighting for territorial expansion, commercial extension, military supremacy, world dominion — material things. The Allies are fighting for spiritual things — the sacredness of a promise, the inviolability BROTHERHOOD of womanhood, the rights of the weak, the freedom of the individual. In this fight we propose to stand by the side of the brave and unconquerable British, the gallant and indomitable French, the Italians, who in some military matters have been leaders, and our other Allies, until, under God, victory has been achieved, even if it takes our last man, our last dollar and our last ounce of strength. The war is obviously the central thought in the minds of all of us, and such questions as these are constantly presenting themselves: What, if anything, might have been done to Can Such prevent this great conflict? Is there nothing Conflicts he can render impossible its recurrence in Prevented ? the years to come? I am wondering whether there may not be something suggestive as an answer to these questions in the subject of which I desire to speak very simply and informally, and which is summed up in the single word, “Brotherhood.” of MEN and NATIONS I BROTHERHOOD Involves Personal Relations Brotherhood implies, yes, involves, personal relations between men. It is difficult to have a fraternal feeling for the brother in blood whom you have never seen, but easy to develop a brotherly attitude toward the man with whom you are in frequent and friendly touch. Is it not true that the great majority of misunderstandings and difficulties which arise between men are the result of lack of contact? When men rub elbows, sit around the same table, and discuss mutual interests, the things they have in common multiply, while their differences rapidly disappear or are adjusted. It was Charles Lamb, I think, who said, “I cannot hate the man whom I know. ” BROTHERHOOD Obviously, personal relations among men must exist in order that this spirit of Brother- hood may be developed. They furnish the friendly soil in which the germ is nourished and grows. of MEN and NATIONS II BROTHERHOOD IN INDUSTRY This is illustrated in the field of industry, where the spirit of Brotherhood is sorely needed. In the early days of industry, the owner of a plant or business also discharged the functions of the board of directors and the officers, including superintendent and manager. There were but few employees; they usually lived near by. It often happened that they had been brought up from boyhood with the owner, had attended the same school, had called him by his first name. As a rule there was but one plant, and neces- sarily frequent contact between owner and employees occurred. When questions arose on Direct Contact in the Early Days of Industry BROTHERHOOD Contact Lacking in Modern Industry either side, they were taken up at the next chance meeting and readily adjusted. Under such conditions it naturally re- sulted that a spirit of Brotherhood was developed. In modern industry the owner of earlier days has been replaced by thousands of stock- holders, for no single individual can provide the capital required by the great industries of today. Instead of a few employees, the workers are numbered by the thousands, tens of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands. They come from all sections of the country, and often represent many parts of the globe. Instead of one plant, there are frequently many, scattered all over the country, it may be sometimes in foreign countries. The result is that contact between owners and employees is practically impossible, and too frequently a chasm opens between them. 8 of MEN and NATIONS Instead of Brotherhood there has developed distrust, bitterness, the strike and the lockout. Often, therefore, the conclusion is reached that Labor and Capital are enemies ; that their interests are antagonistic; that each must arm itself to wrest from the other its share of the product of their common toil. This conclu- sion is false, and grows out of unnatural conditions. Labor and Capital are partners; their interests are common interests; neither can get on without the other. Labor must look to Capital to supply the tools, machinery and working capital, without which it cannot make its vital contribution to industry, and Capital is equally powerless to turn a wheel in indus- try without Labor. Neither can attain the fullest permanent measure of success unless the other does also, and the unnatural conditions, namely, the absence of contact between owner and em- Labor and Capital are Partners 9 BROTHERHOOD ployee, must be made as nearly normal as possible by the establishment of personal rela- tions between the owners, represented by the officers, and the employees, representing cer- tain of their fellow workers whom they them- selves have chosen. This principle of representation, including The Colorado adequate machinery for the uncovering and Industrial . Pl an early adjustment of grievances, was adopted some three years ago by the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company, one of the largest industrial corporations of the State of Colorado. It has since that time been put into opera- tion by the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey in all of its plants in various States; by the Consolidation Coal Company, one of the leading producers of anthracite coal, operating in several States, and by a number of other coal companies in the anthracite fields. Furthermore, the adoption of the principle is being urged both by the National War Labor 10 of MEN and NATIONS Board and the Fuel Administrator. The public is also coming rapidly to recognize and accept the principle as just and fair. I am profoundly convinced that nothing will go so far toward establishing Brotherhood in industry and insuring industrial peace, both during the war and afterwards, as the general and early adoption by industry of this prin- ciple of representation, the favorable consider- ation of which cannot be too strongly urged upon leaders in industry. But there is another principle even more fundamental, from which the idea of repre- sentation has been developed. It is this: “Do as you would be done by.” Some months ago I was one of a number of men who were asked two questions by a Commission appointed by President Wilson to deal with certain labor difficulties. The first was: “What do you regard as the underlying cause of industrial unrest?” The Basic Principle of Industrial Brotherhood u BROTHERHOOD The Remedy for Industrial U nrest TheC lnd I The second: “What remedy do you sug- gest?” I stated that in my judgment the chief cause of industrial unrest is that Capital does not strive to look at questions at issue from Labor’s point of view, and Labor does not seek to get Capital’s angle of vision. My answer to the second question was that when employers put themselves in the employee’s place, and the employees put themselves in the employer’s place, the remedy for industrial unrest will have been found. In other words, when the principle adopted by both parties in interest is “ Do as you would be done by,” there will be no industrial unrest, no industrial problem. Since the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company was perhaps the first to develop a carefully worked out plan of industrial representation, which was adopted by unanimous vote of the board of directors, and a seventy-eight per cent 12 of MEN and NATIONS vote of the employees, and has now been in operation for about three years, it may be of interest to mention briefly some of the out- standing features of the plan, and some of the results of its operation. 1. The first outstanding feature of the plan, is the representatives, their conferences and committees. By secret ballot representatives are chosen annually by the employees from their fellow- workers in each mining camp and each division of the steel mills, one for every one hundred and fifty employees, but never less than two in any camp or division. The representatives, together with an equal number of the officers of the Company, hold conferences at least three times during the year in the several coal mining districts, and similar conferences are held in the steel plant. There is also an annual conference of repre- sentatives and officers of the Company. Such a conference occurs with the employees of the mines as well as with the employees of the steel plant. Outstanding Features of the Colorado Plan The Representa- tives 13 BROTHERHOOD In addition there are in each district of the mining camps and in all of the divisions of the steel plant, four standing committees, each committee composed of three employees, selected by the representatives but not necessarily repre- sentatives themselves, and three officers of the Company. These committees can initiate busi- ness as well as consider such matters as are re- ferred to them. The Committees are: Committee on Co-opera- tion and Conciliation; on Safety and Accidents; on Sanitation, Health and Housing; on Recrea- tion and Education. Employees in Constant Touch and Conferences with Employers There is also an officer, known as the Presi- dent’s Industrial Representative, whose duty it is to visit currently all the mines and confer with the representatives. A similar officer performs a like function in the steel plant. These officers are also available for conference at any time at the request of the representatives. Thus it will be seen that the employees, through their representatives chosen from among themselves, are in constant touch and conference with the owners through their rep- resentatives, the officers, in regard to matters pertaining to their common interests. 14 of MEN and NATIONS 2. The second outstanding feature of the plan is the Employees’ Right of Appeal. Any employee with a grievance, real or imaginary, may go with it to one of his representa- tives. As frequently happens, the representative finds that there is no real ground for the griev- ance and is able to so convince the employee. But if a real grievance exists or the employee is not satisfied, the representative takes the matter to the pit boss, the mine foreman or the mine superintendent, and in the majority of cases the questions are amicably and satisfac- torily settled by one of them. If not, however, it is the employee’s right through his representative to carry the matter to the President’s Industrial Representative, the District Committee on Co-operation and Con- ciliation, the District Manager, the Manager or Assistant Manager, the General Manager, the President, and, as a court of last appeal, to the Industrial Commission of the State of Colorado. Experience proves that the vast majority of difficulties which occur in an industry arise be- tween the workmen and the subordinate officials with whom they are in daily contact, such as pit bosses or mine foremen. The Right of Appeal 15 BROTHERHOOD These petty officials are sometimes arbitrary. But it is by their attitude and actions that the higher officers and stockholders are judged. Obviously, then, the right of appeal from their decision is important, and even if never availed of tends of itself to modify their attitude. Employees’ Bill of Rights 3. The third outstanding feature of the plan which I would mention is the Employees’ Bill of Rights. This covers such matters as the right to caution and suspension before discharge, except for such serious offenses as are posted at each mine; The right to hold meetings at appropriate places, outside of working hours; The right, without discrimination, to member- ship or non-membership in any society or organi- zation; and The right of appeal, to which reference has just been made. Results of the Operation of the Colorado Plan So much, then, for the outstanding features of the plan. What have been some of the results of its operation? In brief: 1. Uninterrupted operation of the plants and increased output. 16 of MEN and NATIONS 2. Improved working and living conditions. 3. Frequent and close contact between em- ployees and officers. 4. Elimination of grievances as a disturbing factor. 5. Good-will developed to a high degree. 6. The creation of community spirit. A community spirit has been fostered in many ways. Club houses have been constructed in a number of the camps, and are under the direc- tion and operation of the Young Men’s Chris- tian Association. These buildings provide recreational and social facilities not only for the men and boys, but for the women and children as well. There are bandstands in a number of the camps, and bathhouses in practically all of them. In several, dispensaries have been built and supplied with district nurses. Community Spirit Fostered 17 BROTHERHOOD Improvement of Living Conditions Schools have been improved — some would serve as models in any city, however pro- gressive. One of the most important features of the community life is the gardens that have been generally cultivated. This has been made possible by fencing around each miner’s house a plot of ground which is developed in grass, in flowers, or in vegetables, and always adds interest and attractiveness to the home. The fences thus built have cost more than $40,000; over $155,000 has been spent on club houses, either completed or under con- struction; and upwards of $50,000 on bath- houses; in other words, a total of a quarter of a million dollars has been expended in three years for these several items alone. The community spirit is developing com- munity pride and rivalry. Each camp has its band, its baseball team. Of late this spirit has 18 of MEN and NATIONS manifested itself most gratifyingly in patriotic endeavors. Over one thousand men in the Company have responded to the call to the colors. To the Third Liberty Loan practically every man in the camps and in the steel works subscribed. A total subscription of over $1,000,000 was received, in addition to some $700,000 sub- scribed to the two earlier loans; and a similar high percentage has been maintained in the recent Red Cross campaign, the usual con- tribution being a day’s pay. In one camp a notice was posted in the office window to the effect that subscriptions for the Red Cross campaign would be received. No soliciting was necessary. The notice was all that was required. Every man in the camp voluntarily came to the office and put his name down for a day’s pay. One must not fail to mention the splendid Patriotic Spirit Shoivn 19 BROTHERHOOD Results of Investigation Red Cross auxiliaries which the women of the camps have organized, and in which they are working earnestly and effectively. I have recently spent two weeks in visiting the twenty or more camps and the steel mills. I talked confidentially with practically all of the representatives in the camps and mills. They assured me that all grievances had been adjusted to the satisfaction of the em- ployees or were in process of adjustment, or that employees had been convinced that their grievances were not well founded. The representatives expressed their own unqualified endorsement, approval and appre- ciation of the plan, which attitude they said was that very generally of the rank and file of the men, who constantly valued the plan more highly as they understood its working better. In view, therefore, of the statements of the representatives, of my own observations, and the results obtained during the three years 20 of MEN and NATIONS which have elapsed since the adoption of the plan, I believe it can be said with confidence that the plan is no longer an experiment, but a proved success; that, based as it is on prin- ciples of absolute justice to all those interested in its operation, its continued success can be counted on, so long as it is carried out in the future as in the past, in a spirit of sincerity and fair play. It is a vital factor in re-establishing personal relations between the parties in industry and developing a genuine spirit of Brotherhood among them. What of the Future ? 21 BROTHERHOOD The Growing Tendency Tcnoard Co-operation and Brotherhood III BROTHERHOOD in Business It is also true that in the realm of Business personal relations among men lead to co- operation and Brotherhood. This growing tendency cannot be observed but with satis- faction. Under the pressure of war needs, and at the suggestion of the Government, the represen- tatives of the basic industries, such as coal, steel, oil and the like, are working together in each industry in the fullest harmony. The heads of the large companies, handling these and other essential products, who were formerly sharp competitors and sometimes bitter antagonists, are now meeting daily or weekly around a common table in order that 22 of MEN and NATIONS they may provide adequately for the Govern- ment’s war requirements, as well as meet the needs of the civil population, with the utmost economy, the maximum of efficiency and the greatest industrial harmony. Surely the friendships that are thus being formed among men who formerly had little or no personal contact, and too often misjudged each other’s motives, will lead to the develop- ment of a genuine spirit of Brotherhood in business, which should have a marked effect upon the method of conducting business in the days to come. Friendships that will Lead to Brotherhood 23 BROTHERHOOD Business Men Called to Aid the Government IV BROTHERHOOD Between Government and Business That a spirit of co-operation, leading to Brotherhood, is also observable between national, state and city governments and business, is a most welcome fact. While heretofore Government executives have hesitated to place business men on com- mittees or in official positions, where their expert knowledge would be of value, because of some vague fear that they might be biased, now, under the stress of war, they are calling to the aid of the nation, state and city the ablest business men of the country, and are placing them in positions of greatest impor- tance. Moreover, large numbers of business men, 24 of MEN and NATIONS many of whom have been reluctant heretofore to take part in the affairs of government, because so absorbed with their personal inter- ests, are offering their services in any capacity in which they can be of the greatest help in winning the war. The better understanding, the mutual con- fidence, which this association is sure to de- velop, will mean much, not only in the prose- cution of the war, but also in the conduct of government and of business after the war. It is one of the compensating results of this great world struggle. 25 BROTHERHOOD New Questions which are Being Asked V BROTHERHOOD IN SOCIAL LIFE But this spirit of Brotherhood is no more essential in industry and business than it is in social life. As nations prosper, social strata are formed, with the result that misunderstandings arise, bitterness is created, and class antagonism is stirred up. The war is obliterating these class distinc- tions. This is being accomplished to a marked degree among the men in the training camps. No longer is the question asked where a man comes from, who his parents are, what he has; but rather, is he a good soldier, is he brave, is he uncomplaining under hardship, is he a loyal comrade? 28 of MEN and NATIONS These new relationships which are growing up among men quickly lead to the develop- ment of Brotherhood, and the opinions which men have formed of each other, or of other classes, based often only on hearsay or the public press, are frequently changed when personal contact is brought about. As illus- trative of this point, perhaps a personal refer- ence may be pardoned. After speaking in a Y. M. C. A. hut in one of the training camps, as I have done on a number of occasions during the past nine months, I was standing in the center of a group of soldiers, when one of their number, an Italian, went up to a secretary and said, “Which is this man Rockefeller?” Pointing to the group the secretary said, “That is he, over there among those men.” The Italian came over, walked slowly around the group, looked, stopped, listened, and finally went back to the secretary and A Personal Experience 27 BROTHERHOOD Q w A Like Spirit is Developing Among the Women said, “Come, stop your fooling, that’s not him; tell me which he is.” Whereupon the secretary replied that it was I, to which the Italian answered, “Why, that’s a man, that’s no devil!” So it is, as men meet face to face they come to know each other very differently than they do by hearsay. The average man is quick to discern fraud and insincerity and equally quick to recognize genuine friendliness. A like spirit is developing equally among the women of our land. One sees in the Red Cross auxiliary the society woman, the cook, the shop-girl, the stenographer, all sitting side by side at the same table, dressed in the Red Cross uniform, and the only question asked is, “Who does the best and most work?” That one, whether from the bottom or the top of the social ladder, is the most highly regarded. 28 of MEN and NATIONS VI BROTHERHOOD in the Religious World In the religious world as well there is need of a more brotherly spirit. Denominational war funds, committees, enterprises, are greatly to be regretted; j) enom [ na united Christian effort is as greatly to be tional desired. When the soldier on the field of Enterprises are to be battle faces the Angel of Death, I fancy he Regretted will not be asked, “Are you a Presbyterian, a Congregationalist, a Baptist or a Unitarian?” but, “Are you a follower of Jesus Christ; is your faith anchored in God?” And when these soldiers come back from the war, having looked death fearlessly in the eye together, they will not be content to return to a church from which their comrades 29 BROTHERHOOD Theoretical and Practical Religion are excluded because of another sect. They will seek a church as broad as the love of God, where any or all Christians may enter, a church exemplifying Brotherhood. When visiting a theological seminary some years ago, I was surprised to learn that a Y. M. C. A. had been established in the seminary, but upon reflection I realized that these young men who are studying theoretical religion need training in practical religion just as much as the men whose souls they are going out to save. 30 of MEN and NATIONS VII BROTHERHOOD Between Nations We have been speaking of Brotherhood among individuals and among groups of individuals. If this is a vital force effective in such rela- tionships, is it not equally applicable as be- tween nations? Constantly we see the principle operating among the Allies. Every day of the war is bringing closer co- operation, more frequent conferences and a better understanding. At last a single com- mander-in-chief has been appointed over all of the Allies’ armies. Not only is this fraternal spirit manifesting itself among their leaders, both military and Manifesta- tions of the Fraternal Spirit 31 BROTHERHOOD The Brotherhood of Right Against Might civil, but, even earlier and more fully, it was put into operation in the relief of suffering among the soldiers and thecivilianpopulations. The Allies have been quick to extend a helping hand to each other in many ways, and the closer the feeling of Brotherhood becomes, the stronger will be the bond that unites them. This spirit should be developed, not only among those of the Allied nations which are actively participating in the war, but it should also be extended until it includes all of the nations lined up with the Allies on the side of Right against Might, even if, because of geographical location or for other valid reasons, some of them are not actively par- ticipating in the struggle. 32 of MEN and NATIONS VIII Where BROTHERHOOD Must Halt Until Right Prevails At that point, however, the extension of the principle must necessarily halt until the war is over. Let me make this very clear. The world is divided today into two hostile and absolutely irreconcilable camps. Savagery has thrown down the gauntlet to civilization — both cannot longer continue to exist on the same planet. Until the leader of the enemy forces and those who have aided him in bringing upon the world this indescribable carnage, as well as all those who are co-operating in the conscious effort to turn the hand of time back to the days of barbarism, have been per- There Can be no Brotherhood with Savagery 33 BROTHERHOOD No Sacrifice is, or can be, too Great manently shorn of the power to further their brutal lusts and inordinate ambitions, there can be no peace. Far better would it be that all arrayed on the side of Right should perish in seeking vindication of the principles for which they are fighting, than that any should survive to live under the dominion of brute force. Far better that the womanhood of our civilization should be sacrificed in this warfare, than that it should survive to receive insult and degradation at the pleasure of a barbarous conqueror. Far better that innocent children should continue to suffer death at the hands of a ruthless enemy, than that they should five on under a rule of cruelty and inhumanity. Not only must German militarism be de- stroyed absolutely and forever, but German philosophy must be reconceived and recon- structed from its very foundations, for no 34 of MEN and NATIONS peaceful intercourse with civilized nations is possible to a people actuated by such bar- barous principles. General von Kries said to a friend of mine in 1916, in speaking of the inhabitants of Poland: “The lives of human beings are to be con- served only if it makes for the State’s ad- vancement; their lives are to be sacrificed if it is to the State’s advantage.” Such a philosophy as this, utterly subordi- nating the individual to the State, must give way to the theory accepted by the free peoples of the world, that the well-being and happi- ness of the individual is the consideration of supreme importance, and that the State exists ultimately for the individual, not the indi- vidual for the State. Nor can the teaching be longer tolerated that the State can do no wrong, and is su- preme, being justified in the pursuance of any Philosophy and Teaching which Cannot be Tolerated 35 BROTHERHOOD course or the performance of any act, however contrary to the moral and ethical standards of God and man, so long as it serves the ends of the State. These principles can no more mix with the principle of Brotherhood than can oil and water. They are diametrically and funda- mentally at variance with each other. Therefore I say, the whole of German political philosophy will have to be recon- structed before this humanizing and peace- Brotherhood perpetuating doctrine of Brotherhood can be Possible only w ith a extended to the German nations. Reconstructed And SOj ag p res id en t Wilson has said: Germany “This intolerable thing, of which the mas- ters of Germany have shown us the ugly face, this menace of brute force and intrigue, which we now see so clearly as the German power — a thing without conscience or honor, or capacity for covenanted peace — must be crushed, and if it be not utterly brought to an end , at least shut 36 of MEN and NATIONS out from the friendly intercourse of nations.” This titanic struggle must be fought out now. Whether it takes one year or ten years to achieve that for which we fight, it must be achieved, and there can be but one outcome of the struggle, for as surely as there is a God in Heaven, Right will prevail and Might will be put down. But when that day has come and peace has been established on an enduring basis, then and not until then can the spirit of Brother- hood among nations be extended, as then it must be extended, to include all the nations of the world. When the Day of Righteous Peace Comes 37 BROTHERHOOD The World a Unit IX Man Cannot Live to Himself Alone , Nor Can a Nation There was a time when neighboring coun- tries were as remote from each other, in so far as intercourse and communication are con- cerned, as though separated by an ocean or a continent. That day has passed. No longer can any man live to himself alone, nor any nation. The world has become a unit. Crop failure in South America is felt in Europe. A panic in London or New York creates financial depression throughout the world. Industrial difficulties in any one country have their influence in all countries. Just as the peace and prosperity of any nation depend upon the happiness and the welfare of all of the people in that nation, so 38 of MEN and NATIONS the peace and prosperity of the world are dependent upon the happiness and welfare of all the nations of the world. And no force will be so powerful in conserving universal peace and good will after the war is over as the spirit of Brotherhood among men and nations. When this world struggle is ended, grave questions are sure to arise in the internal life of the several countries involved in it. Some one has said that the present war is only a curtain raiser compared to the con- flicts which are likely to follow when the period of reconstruction is reached. The progress of events in Russia during the past months gives some indication of the vio- lent differences of opinion which may assert themselves and of the bitter internal dissen- sions which too often attend the re-birth of a nation. The patriotism of men of all classes is certain to be severely tested in the Grave Questions Will Come With the War's End 39 BROTHERHOOD Brotherhood — the Spirit in which Great Problems Must be Met readjustments which must follow the war. During the period of reconstruction the one force to be looked to for the prevention of possible internal wars in the various nations — wars which if they came would be far bloodier and more heartrending than this present war, because between brothers — is the spirit of Brotherhood. If that spirit shall prevail — influencing as it must and will those who are conservative in their views, to consider the vital questions of the day from all sides, and likewise influencing those who are radical to realize that time is a great force in changing most things, that patience must be called into play and that the progress which is slow is surer than that which is precipitate, then and then only can we expect this critical period to be lived through, and the momentous questions which it will bring satisfactorily adjusted, without further bloodshed and suffering. 40 of MEN and NATIONS X BROTHERHOOD Not A New Idea But this spirit of which we have been speaking is not something new. It is cen- turies old. Nearly two thousand years ago, a simple carpenter in Nazareth proclaimed the doctrine. The far-reaching influence which He had was not so much because He preached Brotherhood as because He lived it; lived it when in contact with the woman taken in adultery; lived it when He associated with publicans and sinners; lived it when the physically and spiritually sick touched His life; yes, but more than all, because He was ready to die for it. It is not enough that we accept this prin- He Preached Brotherhood 41 BROTHERHOOD of MEN and NATIONS Brotherhood Worth Its Cost ciple of Brotherhood intellectually, that we concede it to be theoretically sound. Only as we live it, at home, in the office, in indus- trial contacts, in social and political life, in na- tional and international relations, will it become a real, vital, transforming force in the world. Since the war began the world has paid a price in human life, misery and sorrow which staggers the imagination, and further heavy payments must be met. But if, as a result, when the war is over, Brotherhood shall be widely extended among men and permanently established among nations, it will be worth all it has cost. We shall have reason to feel that the hundreds of thousands of brave men who have laid down their lives could not have made the supreme sacrifice for any cause which will contribute more largely to the maintenance of universal peace, the contentment of humanity and the well-being of mankind throughout the world.