The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1915-01-28
JOHN D. JR., TELLS
ATTITUDE IN STRIKE
Appears as Witness Before Fed
eraI Commission.
BELIEVES IN LABOR UNIONS
Son of OIL King Tells Federal Body
That He Is More Than Will
Ing to Rectify Any Wrongs
He May Have Committed.

New York, Jan. 26.-John D. Rookie
Teller, Jr, in testifying before the
federal commission on Industrial rela-
tions, strongly defended his attitude
In the Colorado mine strike, but at
the same time he advanced the opin-
ion that 1t Is just as proper for labor
to organize for it's own protection as
for capital to do so.
Mr.. Rockefeller, who was dressed in
a black business suit and who seemed
eager to testify. was first asked as to
his occupation. He said:
THAT is a hard question to answer.
I spend part of my time directing the
Rockefeller foundation, and part di-
rectlng the industries established by
my father At other times ! devote
myself to matters Of investment"
Reads Prepared Statement.
Then the witness began reading a
statement, which had been prepared In
advance, part OF which follows
Anyone who has followed the con-
troversy which has arisen out of the
Colorado situation will have observed
that no effort has been spared to make
It appear that have attempted to ex-
ercise kind Of absolutism over the
coal industry Of Colorado and particu-
larly that ! have tried to dictate a
policy of nonrecognition of unions. An
attitude toward industry and toward
labor such as is here implied is so alb
horrent to me personally and so con-
trary to the spirit Of my whole pur-
pose and training that ! cannot allow
these allegations to pass unnoticed.
believe It to be just as proper and ad-
vantageous for labor to associate It.
self into organized groups for the adj
vancement of its legitimate interests.
as for capital to combine for the same
object. Combinations OF capital are
sometimes conducted in an unworthy
manner, contrary to law and In disre-
gard Of the interests both of labor and
the public. Such combinations cannot
be too strongly condemned nor too
vigorously dealt with. Although COM
binations OF this kind are the excep-
ton, such publicity Is generally given
to their unsocial acts that all combina-
lions of capital, however rightly man
aged or broadly benefcient, are there
by brought under suspicion.
"As respects the question OF the
recognition or nonresognition OF labor
unions in Colorado my attitude has
been in conformity with the views |
have expressed relative to the respon-
sibility 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
be the stockholders or directors.
Doubtless mistakes have been made
and conditions are still imperfect. |
have no desire to defend any condi-
lions that are Justly subject to criti-
cism. only ask that the responsible
fly for them be apportioned fairly.
The problem now Is for all concerned
to develop increasing good will and to
improve conditions so far as posi-
BILE"
Glad to Right Wrongs.
Pressed by Walsh, Rockefeller final
ly said:
"The commission has doubtless got
much information with reference to
the subjects thet you have been de-
veloping. Personally as a director Of
the Colorado Fuel and Iron company |
should be very happy to have any mat
ter Of abuse or Of wrongs you may
have found brought to my attention. |
can assure you that ! should be only
too happy to do anything in my power
to see that such wrongs are righted,"
Denies Controlling Company.
Asked how much his father had put
into the Colorado Fuel and Iron COM
pany, the witness said the elder
Rockefeller had invested $24,OO0,000 in
cash, and that the securities repre-
senting the investment were worth at
present $19OOO,OOO.
Father would have been much bet
ter of had he put his money in
savings bank" he added.
Commissioner Walsh asked the wit.
ness whether it was his father who
finally decided to separate himself
from his own funds"
III you mean his own money and
his own personal investments, he does
make his own decisions" replied the
witness.
Mr.. Rockefeller said his father had
been receiving two-thirds of per cent
per annum on his investment of S..
100000 in stock of the company. On
his investment in bonds he had re-
| ceived 3l2 per cent per annum.