The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-06-25

tunity TO vote on the question How
ever. they may have voted. there was
at least the quality OF sportsmanship
in abiding by the result
"All the States are now taking what
virtually amounts to q referendum OF
the constitutional amendment which
As pending before the legislatures. II
the States act favorably upon It. the
workmen can have no feeling that
there has been q lack OF fair play.
The result sought by the proposal be-
fore the Senate committee then will
be achieved gradually, and with am
pie notice for the accommodation OF
habits and temperamentA
ITO my mind there IL more risk IN
This proposal than there would be in
Is q partial interference with liberty,
without any increase Of control I
have opposed the CONSUMPTION OF labor
because I have felt that we should, 50
long as it may be possible. rely upon
the voluntary and patriotic eo-opera-
tion OF American labor.
81 realize that INSCRIPTIONS and
selfish interests, thinking only Of
private gain, may seek to use the
views of conscientious officials sole
~ for their own purposes. That is
one OF the penalties we must pay for
frankness in an issue which has only
one moral side. But IL the committee
were fully aware OF the pains We
have taken to produce the right spirit
and complete unity In the shipyerds
If the committee were fully aware
Of the advantage the nation derives
from such unity and singleness of
purpose, believe the members would
refrain from reporting . measure
which will lead to contention. The
sudden taking away of light wines
and beer from the foreign element In
the yards, OF which there IL q very
large proooTttoa, win, fear, have q
I wrench4ng effect on the whole pro-
gram IT will set men to talking Of
the wisdom OF such q move: It will
puzzle thousands OF temperate for
eigners vho are accustomed merly
to . glass Of beer or 4 glass OF wine
with their meals.
Ne GBOOsers7 Used
'None OF the shipyards Gfs able
to tolerate employees who overin-
dulge in stimulants. Such men are
eliminated automatically. The chief
effect then will be to call = sudden
halt upon q part Of the daily routine
Of bArd-working and sober men. One
OF the greatest difficulties we have
had to combat was the constant turn
over OF labor. We have been im-
! proving that situation gradually, and
we are frankly worried lest this pro-
posed experiment may cause addi-
tiona unrest. As have said, II this
were a matter that affected . manu-
featuring business OF my own,
would take the chance, and any con-
sequences there might be, and re-
build with the calmness OF conviction
/ Even as a private employer, however
\ I would not attempt any paternal ex-
| pertinent with the habits OF my en-
| ployes at the height Of the rush sea-
son.
AS a prudent man. I should walt
/ for the dull season 50 that the re-
/ suits of the experiment., IL unsatis-
| factory, would not be so disastrous
to ESSENTIAL top speed production.
/ But in this great public enterprise we
! cannot take any chances, we cannot
pause TO make men over or to create
new standards OF living. We cannot
pause to debate our inhrmities, 10
stir up new antagonisms. to try ex-
| perimentS. No nation engaged in this
world war, either ally or enemy, has
| attempted such an experiment. The
! German government. monstrous in
its cold, unfeeling and cruel preci-
sion, ignoring the individual except
4 as a part OF its military science, has
not made the experiment; nor has
| England lighting for its freedom
| nor France fighting for its very life
Nor can we. gentlemen. afford t.
experiment with a nations destiny
We have had our backs to the wal
and only now are beginning to give
blow for blow. The German subma
| rines set out to blow, our small mer
chant fleet out OF the seas. Re
| spending to the nations call fol-
ships, the workmen in the yard!
have been breaking all the records
OF the world in shipbuilding. The
men are filled with enthusiasm. They
will this year more than treble thu
| output OF last year. which was thu
| banner year OF our history. We know
what Is happening now, and, TO pu
il frankly and simply. We do no
know what would happen under thu
proposed experiment
I'VE feel that the work OF the mo
ment is too important for the diver
sion OF any energy into an inVestiga
ton or controversy over the frailtlei
Of human nature. We've got to pu
all the smash and drive we've go
Into this war. We've got to fight
hight and still night, with every mus
lcle straining, and put aside nones
lsential experimenting, IL we are 4
wiring victory from the Huns"
Closely QuestIoned.
After Mr.. Hurley read his statement
he was closely questioned by member
Of the committee.
Senator Gronna asked IL prohibi
ton rad been successful in Oregon
and Washington, and the shipyard
there were efficient.
Mr.. Hurley nodded an affirmative
reply.
senator Gronna cited the opinion
" Detroit manufacturers to the effec
there was no division OF opinion tina
the efficiency OF workers was in
creased by prohibition.
Isn't i reasonable to suppose