Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-23
May Ask Ban on Strikes.

He indicated. however. that the COM
mittee was seriously considering rec
ommending to Congress legislation to
do away for all time with strikes on
public transportation lines in the Dis
trict of Columbia.
In two ways, Senator Pfttman said
this end could be accomplished
l. BY the government taking over
the railways and owning and oper-
ating them.
=. BY creating a commission with
full powers to regulate traffic fares
and wages ard hours of labor
he did not indicate which of these
methods would be recommended by
the committee, or whether the commit
tee would finally adopt either If such
commission were created. he said, it
would have jurisdiction only in the
District of Columbia. However SEN
ator Ptttman added. it undoubtedly
would be used as a model for other
municipalities
First 1ntimation of Findings.
The statement made by Senator Pitt
man today is the first intimation to
come from the Investigating commit
tee since it concluded its extensive and
exhaustive hearings in connection with
the strike, as to what the committee
nndlngs would be. The senator said
that he was led to make the statement
largely to set at rest the many in
quiries as to whether Congress would
be able to get their jobs hack for the
strikers. He had been informed that
many of the former employees were
awaiting word from the committee be-
fore seeking other employment
Every suggestion for remedial iegis-
lation made to the committee by coun-
sci for the strikers. for the railroad
company, for the Federation of Citi--
zens Associations and for the Con-
sumers' League would be carefully can
vassed. he said.
THE committee at its last meeting first
took up the question as to whether any
action the committee or Congress could
take would give any immediate relief to
the striking employees Of the Washington
Railway and Electric Company" said
Senator Pittman.
Unanimous in Opinion.
THE committee members were unani-
nous in their opinion that no power ex-
lists in Congress to compel the re-employ-
ment Of these men by the railroad com
pany. In fact counsel for the employees
was unable to suggest any remedy at the
time OF the argument. other than that a
recommendation to such effect by the
IHISHl nave persuasive effect
on the company.
The members Of the committee are
satisfied that such recommendation
alone will have no effect
AS no permanent action can be had
before the December session OF Congress,
1t was considered advisable for the COM
mittee to prepare very full and COM
prehenstSe report dealing with the facts in
the case and possible legislation that in the
future will obviate the necessity of strikes
and prevent an interruption Of traffic.
THE committee realizes that this can
be done and should be done. 1t is obvious
that 1t may be accomplished in one Of
two ways: either by the government TAX
ing over the roads or by the creation of
commission similar to the interstate
commerce commission with full powers
to regulate the traffic, to Ak fares and TO
establish hours and wages.
Thinks Plan Would Work,
The effect of the determinations of
this. commission could be made as ef-
fcactous in the matter of eliminating