The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1915-09-24
COMPERS PRAISES
FRANK P. WALSH.
Calls Industrial Commission
Head Fearless investigator.
NATION WATCHES WORK,

stsadfast In Interpretation Of HE Duty,
He Refused to Be Turned From the
Purpose Of Learning the Truth-Ae.
eompIishsd a Great and Worthy ssv-
jos, Says the Labor Leader.
BY SAMUEL GoMPERs.
When the congress Of the United
States authorized the creation OF a
commission on Industrial relations to
inquire into the causes of Industrial
unrest it put upon that commission re-
s%ponsibilities for a %stupendous under
taking. 80
AS the hearings of the commission on
Industrial relations we're held In many
sections of the country, the neture OF
its work and the caliber of its members
became apparent. 1t became evident
that members of the commission really
intended to conduct an investigation
into the underlying causes Of Industrial
unrest: that they were ignoring conven-
tional platitudes; that they wanted
facts and that they were impatient of
repression. evasion or misrepresenta-
ton.
The nation was aroused to interest In
this new kind of commission that o
seriously its mission to investigate.
But even this commission in the brief
period for which it was created could
not inquire into all conditions causing
industrial unrest. 1t could only throw
the light Of general information upon
a few serious situations. There is no
situation more potential for industrial
injustice and all the wrong attending
arbitrary power than that which has
obtained in Colorado for years. 1t
was fitting that the commission devote
much time to consideration of the re-
cent strike in the coalfields of Colo
RADIO. All the factors concerned, the
persons involved, the principles at is
sue, were fundamental in Importance
and Of absorbing interest and potential
influences. The miners were helpless
victims Of exploitation, foreigners un-
aware of their rights and power, re-
duced to serfike relations through
the monopoly power and privileges ex.
ercised by the mine owners. The rich
est man in the world was concerned in
the policies and conditions that took
from othersmen industrial and political
| rights and freedom and even their
lives.
The hearings of the industrial rela-
| tons commission brought out in strong
relief these great contrasts between in
dividuals who as human beings re-
| vealed no natural causes for the great
irregularities.
In the early hearings John D. Rookie
Teller, Jr., tried to establish for him
self a normal and intellectual alibi for
| responsibility for industrial injustice
and destruction of life In Colorado.
He assumed the exalted ground Of the
champion for a great principle" But
when proof from his own Office devel-
oped that shattered Mr.. Rockefeller's
! alibi the commission under the fear
less leadership Of its chairman still
continued an honest inquiry into the
causes of Industrial unrest. Then the
forces of opposition gathered. All Of
the agencies in the control Of great
wealth were brought to bear upon the
chairman, Frank P. Walsh, to restrain
him from "injudicious" investigation
into matters that might locate respon-
sibility. But Frank p. Walsh remain
ed steadfast in his simple interpreta-
ton of his duty-to investigate the
cause Of industrial unrest.
To the last day Of the hearings that
purpose and the policy remained un-
altered; that honest, fearless leader
ship performed a great service for those
denied justice.
Because Frank p. Walsh refused to
be turned from the purpose of the In
vestigation, because he did not yield
to the great pressure brought to bear
upon him, because he refused to per-
NIT subterfuge, evasion, repression,
technical clubbing to deter him from
obtaining information which he with
his associates was commissioned to OBJ
tain, he was subjected to as grilling
criticism as the dollar wise press has
ever directed against a single individ-
ual.
But Frank p. Walsh remained the
StAUCu, Uu WdNck44S 1CCACA VI JuSt1SC
and truth. He has performed a great
and worthy service for those who toll
work that cannot fail Of constructive
results. though even now corrupting
influences are at work trying to poison.
the sources Of information and to dis.
credit in advance future statements
and recommendations in which Mr..
Walsh may participate. Perhaps one.
Of the most significant developments,
Of the Washington hearing was the
concerted, deliberate, persistent efforts
on the part of all witnesses for the
Rockefeller interests to create the I'M
preston that they were unfairly
treated. :,
The masses Of the people are not de-
ceived. They know the power Of great
wealth and they value rightly the our
age. the character and the services Of
Frank 4. Walsh. The great service Mr..
Walsh has already rendered not only to
the working people. but to all our peo-
ple-to the republic itself-will live and