The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1916-12-07

err Of the interstate commerce commits
sion to grant an increase of rates on
the ground referred TO is indisputabIy
clear, and recommendation by the
congress with regard to such matter
might seem to draw in question the
scope of the commissions authority or
its inclination to do justice when there
is no reason to doubt either.
The other suggestions the increase
in the interstate commerce commits
sions membership and in its facilities
fer performing its manifold duties, the
provision for fun public Investigation
and assessment of Industrial disputes
and the grant to the executive of the
power to control and operate the rail-
ways when necessary in time of war or
other like public necessity now very
earnestly renew.
New Legislation Necessary
The necessity for such legislation liz
manifest and pressing. Those who have
intrusted us with the responsibility
and duty Of serving and safeguarding
them In such matters would find it
hard, l believe, to excuse a failure to
act upon these grave matters or any
unnecessary postponement Of action.
Not emily does the interstate COM
nerce commission now find it practical
~ impossible, with it's present member
ship and organization, to perform it's
great functions promptly and thorough
ly, but it is not unlikely that 1t may
presently be found advisable to add to
its duties still others equally heavy and
exacttng 1t must first be perfected as
an administrative instrument
The country cannot and should not
consent to remain any longer exposed
to profound industrial disturbances
for lack OF additional means of arbi-
tration and Cancellation which the con-
gress can easily and promptly supply.
And all will agree that there must be
no doubt as to the power Of the execu-
tive to make immediate and uninter-
rupted use of the railroads for the con-
centration of the military forces Of the
nation wherever they are needed and
whenever they are needed.
This is program OF regulation pre-
vention and administrative efficiency
which argues its own case in the mere
statement of it. With regard to one of
its items, the increase In the efficiency
of the interstate commerce commission,
the house of representatives has al
ready acted. It's action needs only the
concurrence OF the senate.
To Safeguard Industrial Processes.
would hesitate to recommend, and
I dare say the congress would hesitate
to act upon the suggestion should !
make it, that any man In any occupa-
ton should be obliged by law TO con-
, tinue in an employment which he de-
sired to leave.
To pass a law which forbade or pre-
vented the individual workman TO leave
his work before receiving the approval
Of society In doing SO would be to
adopt a new principle into our juris-
prudence which / take it for granted
we are not prepared to introduce. But
! the proposal that the operation OF the
railways of the country shall not be
| stopped or interrupted by the concert
| ed action OF organized bodies Of men
until a public investigation shall have
| been instituted which shall make the
| whole question at issue plain for the
| Judgment of the opinion OF the nation
| is not to propose any such principle.
1t is based upon the very different
principle that the concerted action OF
powerful bodies of men shall not be
! permitted to stop the industrial pro
cesses of the nation, at any rate before
| the nation shall have had an opportl
| nifty to acquaint itself with the merits
| of the case as between employee and
employer, time to form it's opinion upon
an impartial statement of the merits
4 and opportunity to consider all practi.
cable means Of Cancellation or areitra-
| ton.
/ can see nothing in that proposition
but the justifable safeguarding by so
ciety of the necessary processes OF its
very life. There is nothing arbitrary
or unjust in it unless it be arbitrarily
and unjustly done. 1t can and should
be done with full and scrupulous re
gard for the interests and liberties OF
all concerned as well as for the per
manent interests of society itself.
Three matters OF capital importance
await the action Of the senate which
have already been acted upon by the
house Of representatives the bin whicE
seeks to extend greater freedom OF
4 combination Co those engaged IN pro