Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-12-08

other labor unions Wnich nave OIteh,
been among the most effective agents In
working for good citizenship and for up
lifting the condition Of those whose well
fare should be closest to our hearts. But
when any labor union aeeks improper
ends, or seeks to achieve proper ends by
improper means, all good citizens and
more especially all honorable public serv-
ants must oppose the wrongdoing as
resolutely as they would oppose the
wrongdoing Of any great corporation. OF
course any violence. brutality or corrup'
tion should not for one moment be toler-
ated. Wage workers have an entire right
to organize and by all peaceful and honor
able means to endeavor to persuade their
fellows to Join with them in organiza-
tions. They have legal right, which,
according to circumstances, may or may
not be moral right, to refuse to work
In company with men who decline to join
their organizations. They have under no
circumstances the right to commit vio-
lencs upon those, whether capitalists or
wage workers, who refuse to support
their organisations, or who side, with
those with whom they are at odds; for
mob rule Is intolerable in any form.
Employers Liability Law.
The wage-workers are peculiarly en-
10 pEOtCCtiVh hhu thO SAASS~N
agement Of the law. From the very ma
ture OF their occupation railroad men. for
instance, are liable to be MANNED m do
ing the legitimate work Of their profess
sion. unless the railroad companies are
required by law to make ample provision
for their safety. The administration has
been jealous in enforcing the existing law
for this purpose. That law SHOULD be
amended and strengthened. Wherever
the national government has power there
should be q stringent employers liability
law, which should apply to the govern
ment itself where the government Is an
employer Of labor.
In my message to the Fifty-seventn
congress, at its second session. ! urged
the passage of an employers liability law
for the District of Columbia. ! now re-
new that recommendations, and further
recommend Ehat the congress appoint
commission to make q comprehensive
study Of employers liability with the
view Of extending the provisions OF
great and constitutional law to all en-
ployments within the scope Of federal
power
The government has recognised heroism
upon the water, and bestows medals OF
honor upon those persons who BY ex-
treme and heroic daring have endangered
their lives In saving, or endeavoring to
save, lives from the perils Of the sea in
the waters over which the United States
has Jurisdiction, or upon an American
vessel. This recognition should be ex-.
tended to cover cases Of conspicuous
bravery and self-sacrlfce In the saving
OF life In private employments under the
jurisdiction Of the United States. and
particularly In the land commerce Of the
nation.
Prevention of Railroad Accidents. Y
The evef-increasing casualty list upon
our railroads 10 q matter Of grave public
concern, and urgently calls for action by
the congress In the matter Of speed and
comfort of railway travel our railroads
give at least as good service as those Of
any other nation, and there is no reason
why this service should not also be as safe
as human ingenuity can make 1t. Many OF
our leading roads have been foremost In
the adoption Of the most approved safe
guards for the protection OF travellers and
employees. yet the list Of clearly avoidable
accidents continues unduly large The
passage Of law requiring the adoption OF
a block signal system has been proposed
to the congress. earnestly concur In
that recommendation, and would also point
out to the congress the urgent need OF
iaDislstinn, In ia intarsas II the nnhl'r
sarety limiting the hours or iapor ror raii-
road employees In train service upon rali.
roads engaged in interstate commerce, and
providing that only trained and experienced
persons be employed In positions Of re-
sponsibility connected with the operation
Of trains. OF course, nothing can ever
prevent accidents caused by human weak
ness or misconduct; and there should De
drastic punishment for any railroad EN-
ploye. whether officer or man who by issu-
ance of wrong orders or by disobedience
of orders causes disaster. The law OF 1901,
requiring Interstate railroads to make
monthly reports Of all accidents to passen-
gers and employees on duty, should also be
amended SO as to empower the government
to make a personal investigation, through
proper officers, Of all accidents involving
loss Of life which seem to require lnvestiga-
tion, with requirement that the results
of such Investigation be made pubic.
The safety appliance law, as amended oy
the act of March 2, 1908. has proved bene-
fetal to railway employees. and In order
that its provisions may be properly carried
out. the force of inspectors provided for by
appropriation should be largely increased.
This service is analogous to the steamboat
inspection service, and deals with even
more important interests. 1t has passed
the experimental stage and demonstrated
its utility, asd should receive generous
recognition by the congress.
Unions Of Government Employees.
There is no objection to employees OF the
government forming or belonging to
unions; but the government can neither
discriminate for nor discriminate against
nonunion men who are in Its employment.
or who seek to be employed under 1t.
Moreover. It IL n very grave imnronriety