ABSTRACT
The demands of American labor in the last decade constitute an American and a democratic program looking toward a gradual reconstruction of economic society and its transformation into an industrial and social democracy. American labor shares its social and political program with the social progressives— that is, the militant and democratic progressives— of this country. The fundamental question has been raised whether American labor, in view of its belief in progress through voluntary organization, can consistently advocate governmental program. American labor and its progressive allies make direct appeal to the interest of the masses as consumers, as producers, and as citizens. The successful application of such policies not only would improve the position of great masses of producers and consumers, but would tend to eliminate some of the most aggressive of exploiting financial and industrial interests from government and the economic structure. In the labor and progressive view the control over American industry and business is largely centered in finance.
