The Washington herald., 1912-01-17
.BRANDBIS' CHARGES
DENIED BY GARY
Head of the Steel Trust, in a Care.
fully Prepared Statement, Re-
plies to Recent Criticism.

New York. Jan. 16.-Iu a carefully pre-
pared statement Ebert H. Gary, execu-
tive head OF the United States Steel
Corporation, defended that giant trust to-
day from the spirited attack made upon
It last Saturday by Louis d. Brandeis,
the Boston lawyer and economist, in an
address at the Republican Club, IN New
York
Judge Gary warmly denies Mr.. Bran
deis' charge that the steel corporation
is making slaves of its workmen and
forcing them to work twelve hours a
day, seven days in the week. He de-
clares the object has been to better the
condition of the workers. and that wages
are now 25 per cent higher than when
the corporation was organized. The
statement is as follows:
We do not resent criticism. On the
contrary, we endeavor to benefit by It
when We believe 1t is deserved. Many
times statements are made which are
not based upon the facts, and conclu-
sions are drawn which we think are not
justified. We would. OF course, prefer
to have any one interested IN our affairs
make inquiry OF US In regard to the facts
before indulging in unfavorable public
criticisms. II seems to us this would be
faIrer and wiser. However. there appear
to be two different opinions with refer
ence to this question. There should be
a disposition on the part of all thinking
persons TO avoid hasty conclusions, to
refrain from unjust attack, to encourage
friendly relations between all classes,
rather than to excite unnecessary ami
mostly. and. more, TO use every reason
able effort to overcome and eliminate
any real and substantial abuses on the
part of any one or any interests.
IT am not satisfied that our manage
ment Is wholly In accord with the senti-
ments above expressed, though such is
our intention, and I trust will be recog-
nized to be our conduct.
Il believe, taking everything into ac-
count, the treatment accorded by our
favorablE with that of any line OF in
dIstry in this country, or any other coun-
try, at the present time or any period
In the history of the world. 1 may be
mistaken. but believe not.
I'VE are paying 25 per cent higher
wages than we were when the corpora
tion was organized. and we have spent.
and are spending, millions to prevent ac-
cidents in the works, to improve the
sanitary conditions. to furnish voluntary
relief in case OF accident. regardless OF
egsl liability, and for pensions to super
We have standing committees
engaged in welfare work.
I'VE have largely abandoned seven-day
week work and have, to a large extent,
eliminated twelve-hour-a-day work. 1t Is
rue there is considerable Of the latter
'till In force, but this is largely because
he employees prefer twelve-hour-a-day
work in order to receive a larger com
This question, therefore, comes
back to the amount paid for labor. We
,ould, Of course, reduce the hours of
abor by reducing the wages. Whether
IT not we are paying as much as we
'ught to pay is a question always up for
It is well known We have
n the past declined TO reduce wages
when many, II not most, others were
making reductions.
Above all. we are trying to satisfy |
'ur employees that they are receiving fair |
md liberal treatment. and I think they |
Lppreciate our efforts"