The Washington herald., 1918-06-05

Hearings on the bill designed to
give the war department Jurisdiction
over the Niagara Falls water power
project were continued before the
House Foreign Affairs committee yes
terday with an added interest in them
by reason OF the attendance OF some
of the interests affected.
The measure now pending In both
House and Senate, introduced by the
chairman Of the foreign committee in
each instance. appears to have the
opposition OF many elements. Sec
retary Baker apparently did not bar
gain on so many points OF disagree
ment when he suggested the enact
ment of this measure, and when, In
fact, he oversaw its drafting.
The opposition. however, appears
to have made II incumbent upon Con-
gress to give the matter extraordinary
attention and to listen most carefully
to the arguments pro and con. In
spite of objections to the measures.
there is the undeniable fact as set
out by the Secretary OF War, that the
legislation Is necessary IL We are not
to scripple ourselves in war affairs.
This consideration will doubtless
cause some Of the opponents to waive
their reasons for opposition. They
certainly must do this IL the legisla-
ton Is to be passed at this session.
Under the caption why Labor
Must Support the War" George l..
10 Int fiNn a
Pressmen's union makes Interesting
statements with reference TO labor's
position in the monumental strug-
gle.
He rather indicates his belief In the
commercialism of the war-a state
ment true to some extent but which
unadorned by explanation and quail
ification may lead the reader astray-
and points out that IL we were to he
defeated it would leave us merely In
commercial rather than moral and
mental servitude. He says:
"The American people and the allies
Of the American government under
stand thoroughly that we are en-
gagged in a commercial war. and II
ended in favor OF the central pow
ers means economic slavery. II end
ed in behalf of America and its allies
means economic freedom and human
progress. II there was ever a doubt
in the minds of any one as to the
| correctness Of this declaration. we
have but to read the forced treaties
of the central powers upon the gov
ernments Of Russia and Rumania.
The people of this country are not
prepared to surrender the traditions
that have been built up through the
ef- nd SonriHPaC nf the mast.
We love our country and appreciate
its influence for good. Those who
do not accept this viewpoint should
Join the other side Of the issue. The
principles at stake are of such
character that a peaceful nation. head
ed by a peaceful President realizes the
necessity and will give in battle every
physical and mental resource, even TO
the last human being. There Is no
time to bubble: We have resolved to
win the war, and we will win 1t be-
cause we recognize fully the need OF
this accomplishment. We will not
turn back the pages OF a glorious
history and permit ourselves to be
enslaved.
All in all, the statement is encour-
aging. We hope 1t represents the be-
lief of most of Mr.. Berry's asso-
ciates in all labor union movements.
Mississippi has, by legislative en-
actment, taken early ground IN pro-
viding for municipality owned coal
and wood yards. The step Is a new
one in the country. and will likely
be watched with interest by those
who have been advocating such
things.
There are points In favor Of this
move which will bear inspection.
Like most innovations Of this nature
however, 1t depends upon getting
good officials to attend to the work
for the people. II the officials are
careful and businesslike they can per-
form miracles in some particulars.
If not, they are apt to cause the
public more distress than they would
have in obtaining coal and wood
through the ordinary private chan
nels.
There are scores of members of
Congress who dispose of the public
| ownership questions In this manner.
They contend:
That the municipality Is the ideal
division to supervise. own and oper-
1te public utilities.
But that there are certain utilities
which cannot be successfully or ad-
vantageously operated by q munich
| pality, and that such utilities had