The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-25

milton or non-recognition OF labor
unions in Colorado, my attitude has
been in conformity with the views I
have expressed relative to the respon-
sibilities of stockholders. directors and
managers. The hiring and discharging
Of men and the framing of agreements
as respects the same are functions
which have regarded as rightfully be-
longing to the management and not to
the stockholders or directors The
Colorado Fuel and Iron company has
been managed on this principle. The
decision Of the officers with respect to
the recognition Of the union was
reached without any consultation or
communication with me and I-have no
knowledge of their decision until after
the strike has been declared
The correspondence between himself
and the officers of the Colorado Fuel
and Iron company during the strike,
which already has been made public,
showed. Mr.. Rockefeller Said that he
f naa aSs of
the employees in the determination Of
matters appertaining to- their working
conditions; but that he has studiously
avoided anything which might afford
seeking to dictate, a policy or arbi-
trarily control any situation"
The only, ccai property in Colorado
in which wa Are in any way interested
is the Colorado Fuel and Iron COM
pany," he continued. in addition to
this company, there are many other
coal mining companies in that state,
in none of which either we or the
Colorado Fuel and Iron company have
any interest whatsoever and a large
number Of these companies were in
volved in the strike. For me to have
attempted to dictate policy or con-
troll the situation would have meant
an assumption OF authority far be-
yOnd what the investment which 1
Iron company would have justified.
Mistakes We're Made.
Doubtless mistakes have been
made and conditions are still imper-
feet. 1 have no desire to defend any
conditions that are justly subject to
criticism; only ask that the respon-
sibility for them be apportioned fairly.
The problem now is for all concerned
to develop increasing good will and to
improve conditions az far as may be
possible To that end, my thoughts
and activities have for some time been
devoted.
las to the strike itself, its many
distressing features have given me
the deepest concern I frankly con-
fess that 1 felt there was something
fundamentally wrong in q condition
of affairs which rendered possible the
loss of human lives. engendered ha-
tired and bitterness and brought suf-
fering and privation upon hundreds Of
human beings. Without seeking to
appOrtfOn blame, / determined that
insofar as lay within my power,
would seek means Of avoiding the pos
sibility of similar conflicts arising
elsewhere, or in the same industry in
the future.
ut was in this way that I came to
recommend to my colleagues in the
Rockefeller foundation the instituting
OF series Of studies into the funda-
trial relations, which resulted in Sc
curing the services Of Mr.. Mackenzie
King, former minister Of labor of Can
ada, to direct tho studies"
To the officers Of the Colorado Fuel
and Iron company. the witness stated.
he had forwarded, with his. endorse
ment. the outline of q plan by Mr..
King to establish a board on which
both employers and employees would
be represented, and before which
questions affecting conditions Of en-
ployment could be discussed and
and grievances examined. The presi-
dent Of the company replied that
when the strike was ended the COM
pany would take steps to give the en-
ployees more direct representation in
this respect
In accordance with this plan. MI.
Rockefeller continued, q joint confer
ence between the executive Officers Of
the company and representatives Sc
lected by the men was held in Denver
January 10 and Its spirit had convinced
/ the management that It would lead to
more active cooperation between the
company and its employees in the IN.
4 ture.
I'm conclusion. Mr.. Chairman" said
Mr.. Rockefeller. quite apart from any
utter frankness the views which ~ an
individual and q citizen hold towards
/ the problems into which your commits
n2oH has f>aan ar,x.oarfaA IN fnnufr,n - I