The evening times., 1899-10-21

The investigation into transportation
matters was resumed by the Industrial
Commission today. John x. Cowen, Of
Baltimore, President Of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company, appeared and was
examined Mr. Cowen stated that the COM
pany employs about $4,000 men, who are
paid by the day, week, or month, accord
ing 10 the character of their work. This
number does not include the employees of
the roads in which the Baltimore and Ohio
is interested, such as the Baltimore and
Ohio Southwestern Company.
Employees, he said, are suspended from du-
~ for minor offences. but, to the knowl-
edge of the witness, the company is not In
an agreement with other railroads wherep!
a man is blacklisted.
In discussing the hours of the employees,
Mr.. Cowen stated that twelve hours is call
ed a days work for trainmen and extra
nav is granted for all work performed over
that time The clerks are required TO De
on duty eight and nine hours
In some of the states through which the
Baltimore and Ohio system operates there
are laws prohibiting the running OF trains
on Sunday. Such a law exists in West Nir-
ginia, bur the company continues 10 run lis
SUNDAY trains without interference
An artemp; was once made TO enforce The
law. The case was taken into the courts
but was later dropped. Mr.. Cowsn thougnl
that II would be impossible 10 stop through
traffic on Sunday.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com.
pany has established a relief department
for the benefit Of the men, in case OF sick
ness or accident, the witness continued
which is supported partially by the compa'
nv and by contributions made monthly pl
ihe men. In case of accident or sickness
an employe is entitled to the services OF
physician and money TO live upon. In cas-
OF death the family Of the empioye receives
a death benefit.
Every person who enters the service o
the company is required to sign a contrac
agreeing TO contribute to the fund I'M
contrast does not bind the employe Il
refrain from suit in case of injury, but i
he decides TO sue and gains his point n
is not allowed TO benefit from the fund
Mr.. Cowen did not believe that the &C
tion OF the company in compelling It's mel
10 sign the contract was a ylo- -atlon oil Tn
act of June l. 1898, which makes II mega
for companies to compel their employe
10 subscribe to any organization fostere
by a company. He admitted that as Ia
as the letter OF the law is concerned, IN
practice of the company is a violation, bu
in what ne interpreted 10 be its intande
meaning, the company has the right t
contract with its employees in the manne
mentioned.
The fund has proven of great benefit, $
Mr. Cowen thought, to the men and has me
with their general approval.
In reply TO the claims made the CHIEF
of the various railway brotherhoods. wh
have appeared before the Commission,
The effect that the relief associations of tn
railroad companies are formed with III
idea of dividing the allegiance Of the men
lime OF trouble between the company an
the brotharhoods, Mr.. Cowen stated IN;
the men on his own road apparently do N
believe this. and have made no complain
10 the general officers.
From the relief fund money is loaned I
the contributors who desire 10 borro
money. for the purpose OF purchasin
homes or who desire 10 pay of a mortgag
on property.
In speaking Of ticket brokerage. tn
witness believed that ID results in a grea
many evils, but that il does not in larg
measure restrict the receipts of the com
pany He thought that ticket brokerage
should be stopped the sale of all ticket
placed in the hands Of agents of the com
pany, and the right OF redemption grant
ed the public
Mr.. Cowen stated that the Baltimore an
Ohio Company issues passes. He believe
that ;he practice is extensively abused
Passes are issued to influence trade bU
such practice is growing less. 1T is Gus
tomary 10 grant passes 10 prosecuting at
torneys Of the counties through which tn
lines OF the company passes. Such Official
are frequently called upon to prosecut
offences committed against the railroa
and the company believes that it is q
more Than fair that they should be granite
free transportation, especially in case
where they must travel in order TO prose
cute the case.
Passes are also granted to members o
Congress and of State legislatures, VIII
live along the lines of the Baltimore an
Ohio Railroad. This, so the witness claim
ed. is done as a matter of courtesy. Tn
practice has grown until it cannot now
abandoned. The witness did not believ
State or National law prohibiting fTe
transportation could be made effective
He would be glad to see the abolishmen
of the pass system. IL has come to be
fixed condition, and Mr.. CoReu believe
that ii would be wise and effectual 10 leg
islate against the custom of the day.
law recently passed in New YoT
aimed TO abolish free transportation. 6
the witness stated, has resulted in groWt
Of the evil. Mr. Cowen admitted that dis
examinations against individuals and town