Quick Change

The U.S. press seldom changes its mind as fast as it did last fortnight on the hot question of the 40-hour week.

Three weeks ago, according to James S. Twohey's survey of newspaper opinion, 79% of U.S. editors demanded that the 40-hour week be scrapped for the duration. Some editors even came out simultaneously for a profit incentive for industry while arguing that, for labor, patriotism should be incentive enough. For every half-dozen editorials declaring that labor must make sacrifices, only one said that all citizens must share the load alike.

But suddenly last fortnight 30% of U.S. editors piped down on the 40-hour week. Chief reasons: 1) news of the Jack & Heintz profiteering case (TIME, April 6) and Assistant Attorney General Arnold's attack on Standard Oil; 2) belated recognition by many an editor that the 40-hour week is not compulsory, that the real issue was overtime pay above 40 hours. Last week a bare 18% of U.S. editors still held out for a change in the 40-hour week.

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