New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-01
Roads, Unions and Shippers
Plead in Senate Committee

from this side. It's hard, cold facts.
We mean every word of it,"
Nine Hours for Arguments.
The Senate committee devoted nine
solid hours ito hearing the arguments
for and against the proposed leglsia-
ton as presented in the interest OF the
employees, the railroads and the ship
ping interests. 1t was noted that no
real vigorous opposition to the Presl-
dents legislative programme was made
by either the employees representatives.
or the railroads.
The principal objections were those
made by the shipping interests whose
representatives almost unanimously
urged that Congress postpone action
looking toward freight increases until
after a thorough impartial investiga-
ton.
As was expected. the employees did
rot take kindly to the proposition
which would establish in this coun-
try an adaptation Of the Canadian
disputes act providing for a cOmpul-
sorry investigation before a strike or
lockout. Therailroads, on the other
hand, denounced the stand taken by
the brotherhoods, refusing to arbitrate
anything, but il was apparent that if
the railroads get the legislation COM
hitting Congress to an increase in
freight rates they would not oppose
the other measures.
GarretsOn Speaks First.
Mr. Garretson, who spoke first Cor
the four bTotherhoods, chose 10 h. ye
two hours allotted TO them first and an
hour for rebuttal after the railroads
and shipping interests had been heard.
"The success of any labor organiza-
ton lies, to an extent, in its militancy,"
said Mr. GarretsOn. I'VE are in the
grip OF power greater than we, and it
is unfortunate that this situation has
arisen, but ! believe if settlement can
be effected by Congress, even though
we are opposed 10 legislative settle
ments, we are willing to waive the age
old tradition against il, and to accept a
legislative settlement. Such settle
ment in this controversy will be desira-
Bile IN the circumstances.
I'VE believe in the principle Of arbi-
tration, but not in arbitration where
we stand only to lose. The experience
of our men with arbitration has not
made them in love with its practical
results. There have been man unfair
men on our arbitration boards. Under
ordinary processes Of our policies we
would be out Of accord with all of the
five propositions made by the Presi-
dent. But in the hope of efecting a
settlement we are willing 10 waive
many deep-rooted principles and are
willing 20 aid in the passage of legis-
lative remedy that will make il possible
to recall the order 70 strike September
4. As for compulsory arbitration. no
influence that ever can be brought to
bear can induce our organization 70
accept il. I want 20 90 on record here
as protesting against anything that
savers Of making men stay at work dur
ing ony investigation"
The brotherhoods, Mr.. Garretson said,
would not oppose the eonseription act
as long as it was only for military
purposes.
Gompers SpeeLs, Too.
Samuel Gompers, president Of the
American Federation Of Labor, appear
ing in support Of the brotherhoods'
fight, also opposed the compulsory in
vestigation feature OF the Presidents
programme.
Judge Loyett for Roads.
Judge Z. S. Lovett, chairman Of the
Union Pacific, who began the presenta-
ton % the roads case, denied that the
bankers Of the country have tried TO
dictate the position Of the roads in the
present controversy. lie pleaded for
arbitration.
Just az certain a. the sun sets" he
said, "tbc public will pay the bill. Rail
roads have no income except what they
earn. That depends on the rates they
can get. n ~ "A prime PUBLIC question
who II entitled 70 that SEQ, 600, 900 sd-
ditiOnal cost these men or the public.
Ny understandin Of what these men
want is an increase in wages. II Con
RreBs should undertake 10 enact law
which would make them work only
eight hours day they would be up in
arms.
THE iFsue here is whether the 100.
100000 Dlople IN this country are TO be