The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1914-05-08

nels under their tents, he said.
Senator Thomas told the president
last night that the situation in Colo
RADIO was growing worse, and that fed.
eral assistance was needed immedi.
ately'
"The above, Mr.. Chairman, presents
an incident attendant upon mining op-
erations in the several staes all too
frequent of late.
rs it not possible to enact legisla-
FOURTEEv-:c11
ton that will tend to put a stop to
such occureces?
Tears of emotion and sentiment,
sailed by senatorial gentleness, is not
what is wanted, but what is needed is
substantial legislation covering the re-
sponsibilities involved in developing
and producing the product of the
natural resources of the country.
Here we have in Colorado miner
als-natural resources-for the prod
uct, and the public for the market, in
terests of the whole people, combined
in an industry where the employers
and the employees are involved in a
conflict bringing death and disaster
while the public looks on.
Are we of this congress to continue
here paying little heed to the demands
of this undesirable situation?
"Why does not our committee on
mines and mining, having this matter
under consideration, bring in and act
upon it's investigation? Why have not
we-the congress-long before this
time taken steps to bring an end to
this industrial warfare?
Gov. Ammons asks for federal
troops, announcing that the treasury
of Colorado is depleted and without
funds to pay state militia.
"The gentleman from Colorado (Mr.
Seldomridge) several days ago told
us that because of the depleted condi-
ton of the state treasury that indebt-
edness warrants, issued to defray the
expense of the state militia, were uni
versally handled by the clearing
houses and big business in Colorado,
saying, in effect, that when the state
militia was engaged in kepeing peace
it was subject to suggestion from and
Of tho int M
the stae, or, in other words, under the
control of one of the parties to the
controversy.
"This is a sad reflection upon the
conditions now obtaining in Colorado,
condition that involves the integrity
of the state militia feature of our gov
ernmental fabric
This being the case, sir, state mil
itias would better be eliminated from
the field of military action, especially
in connection with industrial disturb
ances, and industries built on natural
resources, with the whole people as a
market, would better be under the jur-
isdiction of the national department of
labor.
"The time will come, and that soon,
too, when the public will demand
changed conditions.
"West Virginia, Michigan, and Colo
RADIO mining operations meancing our
standard of citi7aDcbipt
what is the cause and what is the
remedy? Let us hear from the com
mittee on mines and mining, and then
let congress follow with legislation
that will give the department of labor
power to act
"Mr. Chairman, l have received
many protests from organizations IN
my state against the brutal methods
employed in Colorado
"The greatest argument for govern.
ment ownership or absolute control OF
mines is the fact that disturbances
like the present in Colorado period.
icaly occur to the discredit of the
country"
Resolutions from various organiza
tons from the state of Washington
were made mart of the record