Evening star., 1915-05-21
TELLS OF EFFORTS
TOEND BIG STRIKE
John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Again
Denies He Guided COL
orado Conflict.
READS SUGGESTIONS
TAKEN FROM LETTERS
Examination in Regard to Labor
Troubles Is Resumed Before
Federal Commission.

John H. Rockefeller. jr.. read de
tailed statement at the resumption yes
terday of his examination before the in
dustrial relations commission in con-
nection with the Colorado strike. He
reaffirmed his denial that he was the
directing mind in the strike and de-
tailed suggestions he made for bringing
an end to the industrial strife.
Mr.. Rockefeller. in support of his
contention that every effort was made
to bring about peace. read letters and
kilograms containing the substance OF
suggestions made by him and asso-
ciates to the Denver office of the Colo
RADIO Fuel and Iron Company during
the strike.
Mr. Rockefeller denied that he or his
associates had anything to do with
the prosecution of John r. Lawson,
mine union officer. recently convicted
of murder in Colorado, as he said
newspapers have stated.
Will Go to Colorado.
Mr.. Rockefeller reiterated his an
nounced intention of visiting Colorado
to investigate conditions, which, he
said, had so far been prevented by an
unfortunate succession of events. He
assured the commission that in the
meantime officers of the Colorado Fuel
and Iron Company are cooperating
with employees to improve conditions
and that these efforts are meeting with
gratifying success.
Mr. Rockefeller also gave the COM
mission the statement of denial he
made to the press April 25 last. in
to hn ph =
ence filed with the commission shows
that he exercised "a personal influence
that extended even to the statehouse
at Denver. and presumed to dictate let
ters that went out to the President OF
the United States and to the governors
of the states over the signature of the
governor of Colorado"
Advice Not Asked.
After quoting from the statement he
made at the commissions hearings in
New York last January. to the effect
that he never sought to dictate policy
or to arbitrarily control any situation
relative to the strike, Mr.. Rockefeller
said that "all policies. as well as mat
ters of detail, were decided upon and
carried out by the executive offlcers at
Denver without asking our advice"
Neither my New York associates nor
directed the conduct of the strike. As
matters progressed and we acquired
fuller knowledge of conditions our ac-
tvities were directed toward making
suggestions, which we hoped might ia
eilitate the termination of the contro-
Vorsy."
NJ. Rockefeller then gave the Sub
made to the Denver once during the
STRIKE" quoting the letter and tele-
grams bringing forth these sugges-
dons.
List Of His Suggestions.
The suggestions Mr.. Rockefeller
grouped under ten headings as follows
That an investigation by three federal
Judges be invited: that provision be
made for injured employees and their
families: that disinterested mediators
be appointed to intervene: that the
operators reiterate their acceptance OF
Gov Ammons' proposition of settle
ment; that plan to get together be
developed; that disputed points. other
than union recognition, be submitted to
q board to be appointed by the Presi-
dent of the United States. that plan
of publicity be developed; that plar
Of organization to secure collective bar
gaining and opportunity for present
ing empoyes' grievances be considered
suggestion in regard to President Viii
sons plan of truce and that plan OF
self-government for employees be con-
sidered."
Denies Price Control Statement.
Mr.. Rockefeller denied the statement
that IT knew on the admission of my
own agents in the field that the Color
ado Fuel and Iron Company controlled
the prices and hxed the working con-
dftfons at the mines" He said the
wrong conclusion was drawn from q
letter from Mr.. Bowers to him, in which
Mr.. Bowers referred to the prices or
wages paid for men for mining coal
and not to the prices at which Goa
was sold. The Colorado Fuel and Iron
Company as the largest factor in the
field. he said. was usually first in max
Ing changes In operating conditions
their lead being sometimes followed
and sometimes disregarded.
Regarding statements that he and
his associates participated in the pros
ecution of John r. Lawson, Mr.. Rookie.
feiler said: Il desire to state une-
Quivocally that neither ! nor any o.
my associates has had any connection
whatsoever with this case feel, ant
have SO expressed myself very explic
lily. that when private interests. either
individuals or corporate, participate il
criminal prosecutions. the proceeding,
tend to lose that impartial Qualit,
which should characterize the admins
tration of Justice
Inquiries as to Trial.
Mr.. Rockefeller declared that wher
he learned that the trial was coming
on he made careful inquiry TO assur,
myself that the Colorado Fuel and Iror
Company was not participating in any
way in the prosecution" and that he
was assured that this was the fac
and that no deviation from this policy
would be permitted by the officers Of
the company in any prosecutions"
In reviewing recent events in Colo
rado." he continued. while IL is doubt.
less true that many OF those who had a
part IN them would in the light OF
present knowledge have acted diffier.
entity in many respects. I can only say
for myself that at each step did what
at the time seemed to me right ant
wise. AS ] see It, the vital question,
now are these: Are conditions as the,
ought to be? II not. arc sincere and
effective efforts being put forth e
make them betterr
Glad to Get Labor's View.
l6r. Rockefeller then told of his in