The Washington times., 1916-08-31

time of peace, he held to be repugnant
to American ideals. but he did not touch
at this time fully on the military neces-
Gompers pointed out that the Canadian
act idea would serve to make
men do involuntary service" during the
investigation period.
This" he declared. sis In opposition to
the constitutionally guaranteed rights
Of American citizens. You may forbid
strikes, and make strikers criminals. but
you cannot stop men from quitting their
work." he added.
Cites Colorado Law.
Gompers mentioned Colorad0's law
making strikes unlawful. He said
the Colorado Federation of Labor has
adopted a resolution demanding re-
peal OF that law. which. he said, has
failed utterly to stop strikes.
81 will not attempt to paint the pic
ture of brutality melted out by even
that liberal government OF australia
arbitration law" said Gompers. That
law gives all the balance OF power to
the employers.
Under the Canadian act now called
the lemon act employers are given
time to employ strike breakers. and
so arrange their business that they
cannot lose, whatever the award.
81 have, I think you will agree. done
as much as any other man In Ameri-
Gu to prevent strikes. But there are
worse things than strikes.
Thought Intolerable.
1T Ia lack OF a man to the right to
work or quit work when he Wills. Such
a thought Is intolerable-that a man 10
a criminal to be hurled into Jail IL he
and other workers refuse to work be-
cause working conditions are intoler-
able.
81 trust Congress Will not pass this
act which Is fundamentally opposed to
the spirit which brought this republic
into being
Such n law. Gompers said. would be
In effect, repeal the act which permits
scamen to leave ships when In port.
Can you enact law which would
prohibit a railroad president from re-
signing his position" Gompers asked
Would you even consider such
proposition? Then why make II impos-
sible Tor u man who workr for that
railroad president to resign his job?'
You suggest we do not 60 the wrong
way" asked Chairman Newlands when
Gompers concluded. What right way
have you to suggest7 ask thiu not to
criticise. but sincerely to get help.
"Why do you object to years wal
before n striker"
For the same reason that there
would be varied objection to suspension
for n year of the thirteenth amendment
to the Constitution. II men do not wan
to work they should not be compelled
TO for any length OF time any more thar
should the negro be compelled. ever
temporarily. to return to slavery
Question by Lewis.
Senator Lewis asked Gompers VIII,
tehre would not be delay so Congress,
can have time to investigate in view Of
the serious Of the situation.
Gompers replied the railroad manager
already have done all in their power Il
gather strike breakers, and that fur
Their delay would result badly for thu
men.
ITO give the managers additional tim,
to complete such arrangements with al
their wealth and wiles, would be ruinoul
to the cause of these workers." replied
Gompers. ITO give more time to thu
railroad managers would be to max,
the strike, when IL came. at least par
TALLY Ineffective"
w. G. Lee. tPainmen's leader. told tn,
committee the brotherhood chiefs coult
flash the message "satisfactory settle
ment," and halt the strike. provided tn,
eight hour bill Is passed by Saturda,
midnight. The men. he said, are willinl
to submit to the collateral investiga.
In the measure.
Lee held II would be impossible to de
lay the strike unless the bill wer,
passed. Senator Pomerene had suggest
ed inasmuch as Congress In working OF
the problem. delay ought to be possible
Lee disagreed.
Lee expressed the brotherhood stan,