The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-12-07

washington, d.. c., Dec. S.-President
E~ilson's address at the opening OF the
ession Of congress today was wholly
eyoted to domestic subjects, prin-
pally the problem OF railway legisla-
on.
In the hall of the House with senators
nd representatives assembled in joint
Ession, President Wilson, in accord
nee with the custom he began at the
bening OF his term, read his address
Fom the clerks desk.
The president not only renewed his
recommendation for legislation to pre-
mi a nation wide railway strike or
ckout before there has been opportu-
kty for investigation, but defended II
kainst the attack of organized labor
nothing arbitrary or unjust and the
ustifiable safeguarding by society Of
e necessary processes OF its very
ke."
Aside from recommendations for the
bssage Of the Porto Rico government
II. the corrupt practices bill and the
Febb bill to legalize American collec-
We selling agencies abroad, the presi-
ent's address was devoted wholly to
e railroad situation. The only fea-
re which had not been forecast was
J elimination Of the proposal that
bngress give explicit approval to con-
deration by the Interstate Commerce
bmmission of an increase in freight
ties to meet additional expenditures
the railroads caused by the opera
on Of the Adamson law.
Text ef> Message.
The presidents message in full fol-
|ws:
Gentlemen OF the Congress-: In fulfilling
] this ftn1a fha Attttr Iatl $3.50. .z- -. A.
institution of communicating to you
ION time to time information of the state
the union and recommending to your
Pnsideration such legislative measures as
ball continue the practice, which L hope
bs been acceptable to you. of leaving
the reports of the several heads Of tho
kecutive departments the elaboration OF
Q detailed needs Of h public service
bd confine myself to those matters OF
fore general public policy with which 1t
kems necessary and feasible to deal n
Ne present session OF congress-.
realize the limitations OF time under
hich you Will necessarily act at this
kssion and shall make my suggestions as
W as possible; but there were some
btigs left undone at the last session
hich there will now be time to complete
BID which II seems necessary in the in
rest of the public to do at once.
Railway legislation.
LII NAS tAeR PtaSOt - V ~ Nv
lively necessary that the earliest posi-
e consideration and action should be ac-
brded the remaining measures Of the
Fogram of settlement and regulation
hlch / had occasion to recommend to o
the close of your last session In view
the public dangers disclosed by the un-
accommodated difficulties which then. ex-
ted. and which still u~nhappily continue
exist; between the railroads Of the
buntry and their locomotive engineers.
bnductors, and trainmen.
i then recommend: b
First, immediate provision for the en-
bEing and administrative reorganization
the Interstate Commerce commission
ong the lines embodied in the bill re-
kntly passed by the House of Representa-
ves and now awaiting action by the
enate; In order that the commission may
enabled to deal with the many great
bid various duties now devolving upon 1t
18th a promptness and thoroughness
hitch are, with Its present constitution
ld means Of action, practically impos-
Second, the establishment of an eight
bur day as the legal basis alike Of work
nd of wages In h employment Of all
bilway employees who are actually en-
kged in the work OF operating trains In
5terstate transportation.
Third, the authorization Of the appoint
5ent by the president of a small body of
len to observe the actual results In ex-
frience OF the adoption of the eight-hour
u III ANYWAY ~ olihc "
De men and for the railroads.
Fourth, explicit approval by the con-
tess Of the consideration by the Inter
late Commerce commission or an In
lease OF freight rates to meet such addi-
.onal expenditures by the railroads as
ay have been rendered necessary by the
3loption OF the eight-hour day and which
Ave not been offset by administrative re-
hiustments and economies, should the
let's diclosed justify the increase.
Fifth, an amendment of the existing FED
TAI statute which provides for the media
.on, Cancellation. and arbitration OF such
bntroversies as the present by adding
1t a provision that, in case the methods
| accommodation now provided for should
In a full public Investigation of the
5erits OF every such dispute shall be In
jituted and completed before a strike or
Sckout may lawfully be attempted.
And, sixth. the Judgment in the hands of
be executive of the power, In case of
Hillary necessity. to take control OF such
brtions n such rolling stock OF the
always of the country as may be re-
hired for military use and to operate
lem for military purposes, with authority
draft into the military service Of the
hited States such train crews and ad-
illustrative officials as the circumstances
quire for their safe and efficient use.
Problems Unsettled.
The second and third of these recon-
endations the congress Immediately act
on; IL established the eight-hour day
the legal basis of work and wages In
ain service and II authorized the APP
ointment Of a commission to observe and
port upon the practical results, deeming
)ese the measures most Immediately
feded; but It postponed action upon the
her suggestions until an opportunity
hould he offered for a more deliberate
R~nsideration of them. The fourth recon-
endation L do not deem Ii necessary to
new. The power of the Interstate Com
3erce commission to grant an increase Of
ties on the ground referred to Is ndis-
Yltably clear and a recommendation by
be congress with regard to such a mat
7 might seem to draw In question the
kope OF the commissions authority or its
&clination to do Justice when there is no
Jason to. doubt either.
fThe other suggestions, the increase in
be Interstate commerce commission's
membership and In Its facilities for per-
prming it's manifold duties, the provision
Pr full public Investigation and assess
4ent of Industrial disputes, and the grant
\ the executive of the power to control
nd operate the railways when necessary
J time of war or other like public neces-
|ty-I now very earnestly renew
necessity for such legislation Is man.
fst and pressing. Those who have en-
fusted us with the responsibility and duty