The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1919-11-13

which is not pledged to oppose col
lective bargaining"
The railroad men state they "de-
plOre the action of the federal gov
eminent in it's present attempt at
government by Injunction, believing
that such action will only tend to
make conditions worse and defer If
not defeat a peaceful settlement"
Follows Conference.
The issuance Of the statement pre-
pared by President Warren s. Stone
and the other grand officers Of the
Locomotive Engineers is a sequel to
the conference between representa-
tives Of all the railroad brOtherhOOds
| and Attorney General Palmer Friday.
At this meeting the railroad men
rendered their good offices" in the
coal strike situation. The statement
fellows:
In view of the condition facing
our country at this time, which in
our judgment is far more serious
| than during the late war, inasmuch
as 1t affects all classes of the peO-
pie, and in consideration of the
situation, the advisory board of the
Brotherhoods of Locomotive Engi-
neers, assembled at Washington and
formulated the declaration of princi-
pies:
Serious Crisis Seen.
The advisory board of locomotive
engineers, the undoubted Americanism
of whose membership should assure
them recognition, not only by the gov
eminent, but every factor contributing
to the welfare of all the people, be
| lieve that:
The industrial conditions now con-
fronting the nation, with capital and
labor occupying a militant attitude to-
ward each other, while the whole
country is suffering from high cost of
living, caused by boarding and prof
| iteering, resulting in general discon-
tent which tends to lower production,
have brought about the most serious
crisis in the history of our country.
eve believe:
" That there is no Industrial dispute
or misunderstanding that cannot be
adjusted upon the basis of justice and
right and we further believe that in
seeking justice, justice should be prac-
ticed by all concerned.
| DepIore U. S. InIunctions.
| awe believe in the laws and insti-
tutions of our country, which guaran-
tee that all the people shall have
equal opportunity and a fair and Inn
partial hearing before being con
demned. We deplOre the action of the
federal government in its present at
| tempt at government by injunction
believing such action will only tend
to make conditions worse and defer
If not defeat, a peaceful settlement.
1.-The advisory board has full as.
surance that we express the unani.
nous settlement Of the $1,000 members
Of our organization that the principle
of collective bargaining is of vital i'm
portance to them and cannot be con
strued as harmful to any interest
which desires to be just and fair.
LAS a remedy for the present turbu
lent conditions, we suggest that imme
diate steps be taken to assemble al
Washington an industrial commission
that will recognize the rights Of al
citizens and is not pledged to oppose
collective bargaining, as this is time
for deliberate action on the part of al
concerned in q peaceful solution of the
present conditions.
awe pledge the support of our or
ganization to the government in every
just and reasonable effort toward sta
bilizing Industrial conditions to the
end that normal conditions be re
stored"
Injunction Effect Felt.
Indianapolis, Nov 3.-The full force
of the governments most powerful
weapon-injunction beginning tC
be felt by the United Mine Workers
OF America. The coal strike is on, but
1t is drifting without a pilot. The
great propaganda campaign, intended
TO win public sympathy and encourage
miners in the field, could not be
launched.
At headquarters of the miners here
ed to talk. And when they talked they
didn't want to be quoted. The specteI
CT the injunction was ever present.
No Benefits in Sight.
When the miners laid down theiI
tools they expected to receive strike
benefits of not less than So a week
but in few if any of the fields car
benefits be paid.
Ellis Searles, publicity director OF
the International organization, said Nc
attempt would be made in the face OF
the injunction to carry on a propa
ganda campaign. He said it had beer
planned to take pages of advertising
in 100 leading newspapers of the coun
try. The miners wanted to lay before
the public their reasons for demand
ing a f1ve-day week and a six-hour day
and to explain why their demand fol
a 60 per cent increase in wages wal
not unreasonable.
John L. Lewis. acting head of tn,
miners, and other officials did not an
pear to hope for much when argu
ments to make the injunction perma
nent are heard before Federal Judg,
Anderson. Attorneys for the govern
ment expressed conviction the injunc
. ton would be permitted to stand.
dull as to color and to cut In this tn,
chief differs from the Albanians, VIII
: have taken to American pajamas 70