The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1913-11-12
Moss introduces the Resolution
and is Backed by Some of
His State Colleagues.
.s.rel.l . - rrlranAn,


which provides for an investigation
OF the Indiana street car strikes, one
OF which has been settled within the
last few days leaving two others IN
settled and which have been going on
for two months Mr.. Moss desired to
I speak for his resolution, but the Demo-
cratic side objected. As usual. there
was no quorum.
I While they deny any spirit Of re-
venge or pique, or politics actuates
them, the three Republican members
from West Virginia have been active
in trying to promote congressional
investigation OF strike conditions in
! various states. They have the right.
/ as has the House to conduct such in
Yestigation, which was established in
the invasion OF West Virginia by
probing committee from the Senate
when the coal strike was in progress
In Kanawha county. Last Friday,
after suggesting some changes in the
| phraseology of the Heating resolution
to Investigate the miners strike in
| Colorado, Congressman Avis an
nounced that he favored the investi-
4 CATION, and did not object to immedi-
ate consideration of the resolution.
Congressman Sutherland voiced the
same opinion. Congressman Moss
followed with a similar resolution,
which called for a thorough investi.
CATION of the Indiana strike conditions
by the committee on labor. II NAV
be suspicious coincidence, and
nothing else, that 1t was Senator
Kern. Of Indiana, who was the author
OF the Senate resolution which re-
suited in the federal investigation of
the Kanawha county coal strike.
In statement Congressman Moss
took notice OF this. He said: @Sena-
tor Kern took notice of industrial dis
order in West Virginia but, although
strikes causing similar disorder have
been pending in Indiana for over two
months he has introduced no resolu-
lion. Congress has decided 1t has the
I power to conduct these investigations
After West Virginia had secured the
unpleasant notoriety caused by the
demand for an investigation. l was
not opposed tceun Investigation being
made, but contended that 1t was bet
ter TO ascertain the truth, and If there
was any oppression inflicted by the
coal operators upon the miners, to ex-
pose the same with view OF abolish
ing 1t
| What l did object to was the ac
ton OF the partisan press In blacken-
ing the fair name of West Virginia by
exaggerated articles rejecting upon
Governor Hatfield and the state adj
ministration. Only two counties ont
of fifty-fiye were affected by the coal
strike and almost all OF the disorder
occurred in one magisterial district
Of one county.
Several deaths and over fifty in
1ured have resulted from the Indiana
strike, and 1t Is we'll to ascertain the
real trouble there with view of
remedxing the conditions which cause
It, If it is proper to turn on the light
IN West Virginia. It is equally as
proper to turn it on in Indiana. No
political motive should prompt the
/ Inauguration OF these investigations
and hope thar no politics will be per-
mitted to obstruct them.
As soon as ! introduced my reso-
luton the acting leader on the Demo
cratic side objected to its considera-
ton trust, however, that on.
friends on the other side will not con-
tinue to object but will help to get
at the truth. They have the votes 10
prevent this proposed investigation ii
they desire to do so. But want of time
TO conduct this investigation cannot
be set up as an excuse
The action of the Democratic eau
/ Gus has prevented consideration OF
important subjects by the different
committees. For instance. am on
three committees and we have moi
Teen permitted to do any work ON
them. This system is absolutely
wrong We have no more right 10
waste time in attending to public
business than in attending to private
business. Here We are marking time
while the Senate committee wrestlas
with the currency question. and in
me meantime, our pay, and the nav OF
lie hosts Of employees that are pres
ent when Congress is in session, gees
On. This is no more right in the dis
charge Of public business than 1t is In
the discharge Of private business. and
say. without regard to politics. that
ths American people will sooner orl
'a'er condemn any party that transacts
the business of the country in such a
"a 'eful. bGnglesome and dilatory
manner"
+ Congressman Moss's criticism of the
way Congress is being run, or the
way II is running. rather. contained
in the last part OF his statement. was
prompted by his inability 10 get any
action promptly. But this particular
resolution has met the fate Of all other
business that has been attempted. OK
ccpt that on the ADMINISTRATORS pro
gram. The Moss resolution Is now in
the committee on labor OF the House
The supreme court has made an or
der in the suit of Virginia agains.
Wesi Virginia assigning the case for
final hearing on the thirteenth day
of next April, and It is placed at the
l. ~