Evening star., 1917-05-12
Questioned About the Pamphlet.

Mr.. Hoover questioned Mr. Newman
about the pamphlet circulated by the
Amalgamated soon after the settlement
of the strike in 1916, which stated that
1t was an agreement between the COM
pany and the union, and to which Presi-
dent King had called the attention of
Mr.. Newman.
Mr. Newman admitted that the
pamphlet did not accurately. state. the
fact when it claimed to be an agree
ment between the company and the
union. He said that he had taken the
matter up with Mr.. Orr, treasurer of
the Amalgamated. Mr.. Orr's letter, re-
fusing to have the pamphlet sup
pressed. Mr.. Newman read to the COM
mittee.
In this letter Mr.. Orr stated that the
pamphlet had been printed merely for
the use of the members of the union.
He added that after all the union had
been the compelling force in the set
tlement of the demands of the. men.
and that the officials of the roads had
been permitted Ito hug the delusion
that they were not dealing with the
union" although, as a matter of fact.
that was what in effect they We're
doing.
"Why didn't you take up the matter
Of the pamphlet with the grievance
committee instead of Mr.. Orr" Mr..
Hoover asked. >
Mr.. Newman replied that he didn't
know of any reason. except that Mr..
Orr was an official of the union and it
appeared to be a union matter
Sections About Pamphlet Read.
Mr.. Hoover pointed out that Mr.. King
claimed the pamphlet was being used
to influence non-union men to join the
union whether they desired to or not
MI Hoover read to Mr.. Newman sec
tions from the demands made by the
union upon the company last March, be-
fore the strike. particularly those de-
manding closed shop and recognition
OF the union and the establishment of
new tribunal to arbitrate differences
Mr.. Newman in his direct examination
had told the committee he considered
the closed shop provision the most dras-
tic he had ever read.
did you tell the men that at any
time before the striker" asked Mr.
Hoover.
II did not discuss with the men the
merits OF their demands at any time
said Mr.. Newman. He explained that
the Commissioners feared their useful
ness as mediators would be gone il
they did discuss such matters.
A moment later. however. Mr.. New
man admitted thar in conference with
President King he had expressed the
opinion that the individual contract Of
fered the men by the company was un-
fair.
why did you think it unfair?" asked
Because 1t did not make certain that
the men would get mediation, and be-
cause II prevented them from ever COM
bining," replied Mr.. Newman.
Difficulty in Way of Mediation.
Wasn't the real reason you had in
mind that it prevented the men from
Joining the union?'
NO" said Mr.. Newman. Il should
say that it was about $3.50" He added
that in his opinion he did not think a
complaint would ever reach the public
utilities commission for mediation nm
der the individual contract
Mr.. Newman said that, SO ia ras the
closed shop demand of the union was
concerned. 1t had been eliminated In the
agreement reached with the Capital
Traction Company and that therefore
II never would have been a question
with the Washington Railway AM,
Electric Company had it. too, agreed to
mediation.
The Capital Traction Company sur
rendered to the unien,'' suggested Mr.
Hoover.
II wouldn't call 1t that" said Mfr
Newman. Il would call it a recosni-
tton Of the Amalgamated by the com
pany."
Mr.. Hoover pointed out that the de-
mands of the men provided for a new
arbitration board. eliminating the pub
lie utilities commission as mediators
WAS there any reason for the men
wanting to get rid of the commission?