United labor bulletin., 1914-12-12
The Optimistic
Philosopher

~ HARTMAN FRANK p. WALSH
of the federal commission ON in
dustrial relations is a regular
human dynamo. The rapid
method in which he bombards witnesses
with questions has gained for him the
reputation Of being the leading criminal
lawyer OF Kansas City. Yet he smiles,
xever loses his temper and appears
exercise the power of an X-ray on
~. witness. The o. p. was able to be
present in the Senate chamber during a
major portion of the time the two lead
ing characters of the inquiry were on
the stand: President John McLennan
of District Is, United Mine Workers of
America, and Jesse F. Welborn, presi-
dent of the Colorado Fuel and Iron
Company. And let it be known to all
the people that the head OF Roekefeller's
s37 100000 worth of Colorado properties
insists on his name being pronounced as
two distinct syllables, well born. Per-
haps he was, but morally and spiritually
he has not done himself proud since
getting away from his mother. The diff
ference between a trained lawyer and n
family doctor as cross examiner was
demonstrated by Attorney Walsh bring
ing to the surface many features of the
operators' way of bushwhscking their
employees and the public that were un-
fathomed by DIR. Foster when here n
few months ago as head of the con
gressional investigating committee.
some of the other commissioners take
an occasional turn at the interrogating
business, but in the main most of the
questions are propounded by the chair
man like the judge in French court
before peace customs Were upset by in
vasion of the kaiser. Walsh has n great
human side and does not hesitate 10
let IT be known that he believes labor
unions are doing great work in up
liiting the toiling masses. Upon his re-
turn from spending Sunday with min
ers and their families in the strike zone
around Trinidad he said; Il don't see
why anyone should hate these people
down there. They all seem like pretty
goods folks to me-
:.::.
Much favorable comment T. being
made in Denver upon the personnel of
the Industrial commission. not the least
81 which applies 10 the three members
named by President Wilson TO represent
labor. Next 70 the chairman Austin y
Garrctson. president of the Order or
Railway Conductors, participates most
IN the examination of witnesses. And
and bring out important facts invaria.
bly, beneficial TO labor John b. Lennon
treasurer Of the American Federation OF
Labor. who worked in Denver a.
tailor and represented his union in the
Trades and Labor Assembly for a num-
her Of year,, l. perhaps the best in
formed Of any member Of the commits
sion on Colorado industrial conditions
lie was here during some OF the early
struggles of organized labor and while
he does not propose many questions
himself. he suggests them to the chair.
man. Lennon has met a number of his
Old friends here and tomorrow will de.
liver an address at the Trades and Ia.
bor Assembly meeting. lie informed the
q. 7. that he was proud of having been
~ charter member and helping to or.
7iHir. Drawers central labor BODY.
James oConncll. second vice president
OF the American Federation Of Labor
and for several terms president OF the
International Association Of Maehinists.
aiso takes frequent turns Mt tho bat in
questioning witnesses. usually
With the object OF getting into the off
eiai record matters that viii serve to
solve the question of industrial unrest.
o'ConDcll IL wen known here among
organized workers. having visited the
pacity. Friday nigh, he was guest
at the regular meeting Of Machinisf-'
Union No. a. and made an Interesting
address IN III. boys.
:*:
Prof. John Il. Commons j. the expert
sociologist Of the commission. lie is n
pigmy physically hut giant when IL
comes to measuring intellect. As head
of the department Of political economy
Of the University OF Wisconsin and
auihor Of a number OF widely circuia,-
81 books dealing with social and eco.
nomic subjects, his fame rs n warrior
Tor human and industrial justice has cx-
tended from sea 20 sea and even 60 ~.
rions beyond. lie framed the industrial
relations commission law enacted by the
Wisconsin Legislature. which has made
conflicts between empioyc and employer
in that state nightmare of past his
tory. BEFORE leaving Denver this week