The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-28
TAFT'S LABOR RECORD.
Discussed by an OniciaI of the Rail-
way Brotherhoods.

Pittsburg. Pa, Oct. 2s.-H. R.
Fuller of Beaver Falls. Pa, national
legislative representative of the
brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers,
F1remen and Railroad Trainmsn, has
given the Associated Press a copy of
q letter which he mailed to President
Roosevelt commenting upon the presi-
dents letter to p. H. Grace, financier
or lodge No. SO. Brotherhood of Raj
road Trainmen, who in behalf of him.
self and associates, wrote the presi-
dent asking how they could best serve
their own interests in the present cam
paign. The president replying urged
the support of Judge Taft for the
presidency and discussed at length the
candidates attitude on questions at
fecting labor
In his letter Mr. Fuller says:
II am at a loss to understand why
Mr.. Grace should seek information
and advice regarding Judge Taft's at
titude toward the railroad employees of
the country from the very one whose
influence and administration were used
to bring about his nomination and is
now being used to secure his election.
when Mr.. Taft's labor decisions have
been discussed in the lodge rooms and
printed and commented upon, includ-
Ing those of the Brotherhood of Rail-
road Trainmen of which Mr.. Ora ce
and myself are members. Had he
consulted such publications he would
-
record of Taft rather than partial
one, and both he and his fellow en-
ployes throughout the country who
read your reply would be in possession
of the facts rather than being in the
position of having been misled by the
president of the United States. The
most important Fart of Mr.. Tafts Ia
Dor record IS conspicuous by its alb
sence from your reply and it is to sup
ply this deficiency that I write this
letter" ...-
Mr.. Fuller then refers to the de-
cision of Judge Taft in the United
States circuit court for the southern
district of Ohio, April 80. 1894. de-
Ginning the petition of employees of the
Cincinnati. New Orleans & Texas Pa
cific railroad that an order of the re-
ceiver reducing wages ten per cent be
rescinded. He quotes at length from
the decision in which Judge Taft states
that from a strictly legal standpoint
the employees have no standing in this
court to call for an adjudication of any
rights. The court is limited in the ex-
ercise of its discretion to such action
as may be consistent with the preSer-
walton of the property and its admin
istration in the interests of those who
own it.
The reduction was approved.
May 81. following. Mr.. Fuller's let
ter states. the employees petitioned the
court TO direct the receiver to modify
the wage scale which Judge Taft de-
clined to do. The decision on this
petition is quoted at length. including
reference to a change in pay for over
time. which virtually was reduction
in wages.
Trainmen had been paid overtime
when a train was over 35 minutes late
but by a ruling of the receiver this
was changed to overtime for two hours
or mere: the receiver alleged that I'M
der the old rule trains were unneces-
sarily delayed. The decision upheld
this change. 1t also recites that while
some railroads in the same district
were paying higher wages for similar
service others were paying the same
or less.
Mr.. Fuller contends II is an injus-
tice to compel employees to work over
cites decisions of other federal judges
in what he contends are similar cases.
where proposed reductions in wages by
receivers are prohibited by the court.