The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1916-08-31
CONGRESS
Continued from page ~

"tnat questions affecting society take
precedence over economics. We be-
lieve that the human element should
be considered regardless OF its ef-
feet on dividends"
ITO postpone the strike after the
men had voted It," Mr.. Garretson de-
clared, would mean the dislntegra-
ton of the brotherhoods and turn
ing over to the mob OF the trains as
in 1877 and 1894"
Mr.. Garretson added that he wants
to assure the senators that the broth
crhoods we're not opposed to arbltra-
ton.
Under ordinary processes OF our
policies" said Mr.. Garretsan, I'VE
would be out OF accord with all Of
the five propositions made by the
presidents. But in the hope Of eff
fecting n settlement we r willing to
waive many deep-roOted principles
and we are willing to aid in passage
of a legislative remedy that will make
it possible to recall the order to
strike September A. The elght-hour
law, accompanied by n provision to
assure the ten hours pay pending In
uuiry, and / suggest a provision that
the government should bring suit In
case a road refuses to grant the pay
as is provided in the hours Of service
law, would satisfy us In this emergen-
cy. -,
"As for compulsory arbitration"
said Garretson, mo influence that ev-
er can be brought to bear a induce
our organizations to accept it. want
to 70 on record here as protesting
against anything that sayoTs of max
ing men stay at work during any In
vestigation."
Senator Newlands Interrupted Mr.,
Garretson to say that it was his un-
d%erstandlng that the proposed Dill
would not prevent any men from
leaving his employment during his
investigation. Concerted action, he
said, was what it was designed to pre-
vent.
"Quite true" Mr.. Garretson said,
"but II only men individually threat
ened to strike on the railroads we
would not be here now discussing this
proposed legislation"
The brotherhoods, Mr.. Garretson
said, would not oppose being drafted
to run trains as long as 1t was only
for military purposes.
Mr.. Gompers, who followed Mr.
GarretsOn, said that the federation
supported the brotherhoods and pro-
tested against compulsory arbitration.
He attacked government operation OF
roads for military purposes, contend
ing it was CONSUMPTION and indeten-
sible in times Of peace.
Senator Newlands denied this CON
tention that the Legislation denied the
right of a worker to quit his Job. Mr..
INewlands reiterated 1t meant only to
affect the right to quit in concert.
Mr.. Gompers said he believed he
had contributed as much as anybody
lin America to avoiding strikes.
But, gentlemen" he said, there
are things worse than strikes. Wo
have got to live when that strike Is
over and is history and then / ask
YOU will we find upon the statute
books a law that says that men are
criminals IL they strike in concert?
Such a condition is intolerable. 1
trust this legislation will not be en-
acted"
Senator Newlands asked Gompers
to give the committee the solution Of
the problem.
MI. Gompers replied that under the
circumstances the employees should
be left free to strike whenever they
saw ft and not forced to unfold
their arms" by law. The question Of
| bringing about peace now, he insist