The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-08-05
BE COOL, DELIBERATE,
TEMPERATE.
Introduces Resolution Calling
for Independent Inves-
tIgatIon by the
Senate. :
URGES DON'T DECRY MEN
Says Incraese Asked Amounts
to Eight Hundred Mil
lion Annually
|RGES DON'T DECRY MEN

Washington, Aug. 5.-An independ-
ent investigation of railroad wages
| by the senate, before responding to
President Wilson's request for rail-
! road wage adjustment board, was
urged today by Senator Cummins, OF
Iowa. chairman of the interstate
commerce commission.
At a meeting of the commerce
commission today TO consider the re-
quest of President Wilson, Senator
| Cummins presented a resolution call
ing for the independent inquiry.
Under the resolution the senate,
would inquire into comparative wages
and particularly into whether living
costs have increased since the last
wage increase granted the railroad
workers.
The resolution also calls for an
inquiry into the general effects of a
wage Increase to railway men at this
time. The resolution was referred
to subcommittee composed of SEN
! ators Cummins, of Iowa; La Toilette,
OF Wisconsin, and Wolcott, of Della
ware. who were ordered to make n
| report before the end of the week.
Senator Cummins later appealed 10
the senate to consider the demands
OF the railway employees carefully and
to speak temperately."
Il think every one realizes that we
are approaching, If we have not al
ready met, an exceedingly serious
situation" said Senator Cummins.
Must Keep Our Heads.
we must keep our heads and con-
slder the matter In good temper. We
ought not to deery the railway men
making their demands unless we are
very sure of the facts.
The railway executives have been
demanding an increase in rates and
no one denounced them for believing
their rates should be increased. SO
we ought not to denounce the rail-
way workers for demanding in
creased pay until we have informed
Ourselves"
Aren't they accompanying these
demands with a threat of a strike? ?"
INQUIRED Senator Nelson, of Mime
sofa. W.
7 do not know" replied Senator
Cnmmins
"All that am suggesting is that
we do not infiame the situation, but
that we look upon every path coolly,
deliberately and speak temperately,"
said Senator Cummins. ..
Senator Cummins, in response to
a question from Senator Thomas, of
Colorado, stated that the demands of
the railway workers for 16 cents an
hour additional would mean an ID.
crease of $500, 100000 a year.
Would that not increase the cost
of living?" asked Senator Thomas.
Yes" replied Senator Cumlnina.
But believe that the readjustment
OF living costs is matter of wait
ing for commerce to grow and re-
sumo and for the readjustment fol-
lowing war conditions"
Report Soon.
The interstate commerce committee
VIII be ready to report bill for the
return OF the railroads long before
the senate has disposed of the league
OF nations" Senator Cummins said.
If the senate could spend some
time to. avert a catastrophe, which
thoughtful men believe mays occur at
any time. I believe the country would
be better off" said Senator Cum.
Minis.
In other words, peace at home is
better than peace abroad" said Sem
ator Thomas.
Il am shuddering all of the time"
continued Senator Cummins, that
what the people of Europe have suf
fered. the people of this country may
have to 20 through.
The railroad administration has
power to deal with this situation and
does not have to appeal TO congress"
Cummins added. There is no need
for the president to appeal to U.S."