El Nuevo mexicano., 1916-08-31
CONGRESS BETWEEN
DEVIL AND DEEP
SEA, BELIEF OF
SENATOR COMM|NS
Only Way to Avert
Strike by Law to Out
law Unions, Says
GOVERNMENTAL
OWNERSHIP, TREND

(By Leased Wire to New MexIcan.)
Washington, Aug. Ex-senator Cum
Minis, of Iowa, n of the Progressive
Republicans of the interstate com
merce committee, yoicing opinion In
the senate today on some Of Presi-
dinet Wilson's legislative proposals to
meet the railroad crisis declared that
congress, in search of legislation was
confronted by "a Scylaa and a Charyb-
dis and that 1T will be interesting
to consider how far we can steer away
from one without encountering the
perils of the other" Mr.. Cummins as
serted compulsory arbitration was not
only impracticable but uncOnstitution-
al and that any attempt to establish
maximum wages for railroad en-
ployes was doomed to immediate fail
ure," although congress undoubtedly
has the right to prescribe both mini
mum and maximum wages.
The senator proposed as a possible
deterrent to industrial disputes, with.
out advocating it or expressing any
opinion on the justice or wisdom of 1t,
that would impose a modified or par
tial restriction Of the right to strike in
a combined way which he said
would make for Industrial peace and
at the same time would not unduly
infringe upon personal liberty
1T is my deliberate judgment" said
Senator Cummins 'that there is no
method for the prevention Of strik-
es by force of law except to deny to
w%orkingmen the right Of striking in
union or in concert-that is to say, to
make it unlawful to enter into an
agreement or understanding that they
will cease to work at a prescribed time
and In a body. To do this, which i
believe to be within the constitutional
authority Of congress, without provid,
ing an efficient substitute is to pracr
ticany prohibit unions, for while the
unions have other and notable func-
tions, il they are deprived Of that
right to quit work in a body as the
outcome of an understanding or
agreement, they will be shorn of THEN
real power and will rapidly becomeI
mere benevolent societies.
II am for one, unable to understand
any such action, unless It is accom-
panied with sure. relief from injus-
tice.
Here is the obstacle that cannot be
overcome continued Senator Cum
minis. THAT attempt to make men
work against their will is involuntary
se%rvitude, forbidden not only by the
thirteenth amendment to the constitu-
tion but by the natural instinct of free
men in a free country. Compulsory
arbitration in the complete sense is a
myth, a mere idle dream. 1t is only
possible under pure socialism or in a
pure monarchy"
Senator Cummins was interrupted
continually by senator's and question
ed closely. Senator Hardwick, Dem
ocrat, said that unless the country
should embrace ultimate government
ownership and operation Of railroads,
other legislation for government reign
was impossible.
Il believe that the interstate COM
merce commission ought to have the
express power conveyed upon it, not
only to fix rates but also to determine
what are just and reasonable wages,
hours Of service and conditions OF
he said.
1T seems to me that 1t should be a
long step toward government owner
said Senator Borah. SENATOR
Harwick replied that the day of gov
eminent ownership already is at
hand, unless the government commits
sion gets complete power to regulate
I'll phases of railroad problems"
Government ownership of railroads
was advocated by Senator MARITIME,
Democrat of New Jersey.
Senator Thomas, Democrat, declar-
ID the occasion was such that it re-
expeditions action and II the
government fails to protect its citi-
from the threatened grave con,
sequences it has no right to call itself
/ government" N
Senator Gallinger, Republican lead
II, asked Senator Thomas If he
bought an appeal to the men would
Ielay the strike a few days.
Il think it would do no good" re-
lied Senator Thomas.
A suggestion for immediate action
N a resolution to provide for an in
T~estigation of differences between the
ailroads and employees, a strike pend :
ng a decision to be unlawful, was con-
idered by the senate interstate COM
1erce committee late today, but no :
ecision was reached. 7
An alternative suggestion was for :
Immediate enactment of the provis- !
ms for an S-hour day and an investl \
alton of its effect on railroad reve. h
ues and rates. with an early report b
, congress, other more drastic and [
duplicated legislation to be consider. n
q later. Reaching no decision the h
1mmittee adjourned until tomorrow. #
" an allday hearing on legislative Il
roposals. +