The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-05
"Try TO Discount Govt Control
and S-HOur Law"
Says "FOur Banks in n. Y. Back
of Conspiracy
TRAFFIC CONGESTION RESULT
Brotherhood Leaders Testify
at Hearing in Washington.
Cite Instances of "ROtten Rail-
rOading" Causing Tieups.

Washington, Feb. 5.-Traffic con-
gestion thruout the country was
blamed on the railroad managements
today at the railroad wage hearing z
by union traders who said the man
agements desire to discredit operation
of the eight hour law and to make
government operation of the roads a
failure. w. G. Lee, president of the
railroad trainmen, said he had evi-
dence that veteran railroad men were
replaced by inexperienced employees
at important gateways, that engines
had been allowed to freeze up over
night. and that train crews had been
called ont and kept waiting until the
16-hour law overlook them before be-
ing sent out of the terminal.
Asked by Chairman Lane of the
railroad wage commission who was
responsible for these things, Mr.. Lee
said he believed he could trace it back
to about four banks in New York City
which control railroad financing II he
wished to seek the real cause.
GaIrctson Confirms Charge.
\. 4. Garretson. head OF the con-
duItors. also charged that railroad
mana eements were trying to discredit
government operation. Lees charges
were made twice during the hearing.
First. he told the commission that he
had evidence to prove that expert
cnced railroad men were not permit
ted to operate as their training die
tatet. Later in discussing the work
ing OF the eight-hour law recently in
vestigated, he said, the commission
should not overlook the fact that the
arrangements worked to make the
cost and delay due to the law as
great az possible.
DO YOU mean that the operating
officials made the increased costs
greater than they should have been ?"
Chairman Lane asked.
that was natural. IS tney de-
sired to cast reflections on the law.
Lee replied. Il do not think it was
natural l have not so cynical view
of human nature returned the chair
man.
Rotten RaiIroading.'
we are prepared TO show many in
stances of rotten railroading. the
union leader replied. "On railroad
not far from here / know of crew that
was called out and the sixteen hour
law overlook them before they left the
terminal. The operating employees can
not prevent these delays when, instead
of a train dispatcher there is back in
the yards a train delayer.
such a policy must go from the
president of the railroad down to the
dispatcher" Mr.. Lane remarked.
do you think they conspired ?''
NO; but | think sufficient number
were interested in working to increase
delay and cost of the eight-hour law
and make government operation fail
ure," Lee answered. "If / looked for
the real cause. ! would trace it back
to about four banks in New Y ork City.
why Sudden Collapse?
"Can you tell me why the Pennsyl-
varia, long regarded as the model rail
road. should fall down all of a sud
DEM Why was a veteran yardmaster
at Alliance. o., replaced by an mex
perienced man who still is there?
Trains have been delayed for hours at
that point. Why do reports to the in
terstate commerce commission show
that in Philadelphia recently more
engines were allowed freeze up over
night than ever before? One re-
quired two weeks for repairs. We
have had winters before. Why is all
this congestion just now?
Il think l understand why the pres
ident said to us when we assured him
of our support in operating the rail-
roads that he was glad to hear the
operatives would assist the govern
ment. You have taken over super
visions of railroads. hut you have lett
the management entirely in hands of
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