New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-06

responsibility of director in an in
dustrial corporation
IAN industrial corporation? Not one
OF mine? Ny corporation ~ the Wit
ness asked.
Mr. Walsh explained he meant
director in an industrial corporation.
MIR. Carnegie still seemed 10 be puzzled.
He started 10 answer that he thought
he would not feel responsibility
q hereupon Mr.. Walsh tried 10 make the
question clearer by stating that the
directors in some large corporations re-
ceive reports OF conditions OF various
features Of their industry, and, re.
ferring specifically to the board or
directors OF the Steel company. he
asked:
I'm YOUR opinion. did they also not
receive as definite and frequent re
ports as 10 labor conditions?
81 think that i, would be we'll was
the answer. 81 think that they would
appreciate il. but ! think If | were
director and heard OF 10 complaints,
nothing going on, would take - for
granted that everything was right. IL
would be when notice was served that
trouble had been created that then
should feel il my duty as director 20
20 down and consult with the others.
But not until that time
81 do not know. would be engaged
in other affairs. and Il would not be
likely would know. Provided am
apprised Of il, then | think the dlrec-
tors would be bound TO give atten-
ton =
"Well, do you not believe. in view OF
the number OF industrial disturb
snces
"My friend. now" Mr.. Carnegie in
tsrruntsd' "let me-will you please put
vour question in another way? When
you saw DO you not believe that would
imply that you would have me give &C
ouiescence 10 your view, and want 10
give nv own Be kind enough to say
do you and ask me.
Mr. Walsh had 10 shout 10 restore
order. The spectators were tossing IN
their seats But so were the commits
sioners. And Mr.. Carnegie was having
a pleasant time also.
Directors Duties.
SHOULD a director so. keep himself
advised. in view Of the disturbances.
the recurring disturbances OF labor IN
the large industries, as to the cond!-
ton Of labor. the wages paid. the hours
of labor. the conditions surrounding
the labor. so that he might have his
voice in averting trouble" Mr.. Walsh
asked >,
~ certainly believe that ne should
look into it. should give II attention;
always remembering tina; ne is apprlsed
of the difficulty. As director IN an
institution he would take il for grant
ed. if everything is running well. the
nr.sident and officers do not apprlse
him Of trouble, he might 60 in perfect
innocence Of there being any difficulty.
But IL he is spprised, then ] think 1t
would be his duty az a director to go
and do the best he could 70 harmonic
things
What do you say as to the desira-
bjlitv and right Of workmen 20 form
organizations Of their own for what
they believe 20 be their mutual protec-
ton and benefit
"Why. should be delighted 10 hear
from every such organization
"Do YOU believe In the principle OF
collective bargaining, or the so-called
right of men TO bargain collectively
with their employers:
"Why. SEES; had great times.
never obiected-and the more ! got on
the committee the better.
our Hes
take il. from your answer and from
what YOU have read from your paper
II has been a pleasant experience rather
than otherwise!
II never enjoyed myself so much
I tell YOU. I look back to the old days
that is the chief JOY have. ! burst OUT
laughing many a time when ! think OF
McIuckie. or Billy Edwards catching
him there. You take my Job. That was
the cleverest thing ! ever did. order
M Edwards, order. Mr.. Carnegie taxes
no mans job.
Mr.. Carnegie laughed in recollection
and he glanced 81 the spectators, VINO
were enjoying his testimony TO the iuli'
You never felt. Mr.. Carnegie, that
Won could not confer with any men rep
resenting an organization OF ~orkmen
that came In a buslnesslike and re.
spectacle manner to confer with you
Chairman Walsh asked.
IL was only too glad when the WORK
men came. ! felt sure-l felt pretty
sure-that II they came TO consult win
me We would part all right"
"And did YOU find that II was usually
a means of establishing peace TO so
deal With your ~orkmen"