The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-12
A. p. GarretsOn, Father Adam
son Law, Quizzed by Congress.
Denies Labor Wants To Over
throw L. S. Government.
THOUSANDS OF SHOPMEN BACK
Returning to Work in All Parts
of Country.
Men In Chicago District Still
StubbOrnly Holding Out.

Washington, Aug. IA. B. Garrett
son, former head OF the Order of Rail-
road Conductors, who came here to
advocate adoption of the Plumb plan
as a solution of the railroad problems
and who spent practically all of yes
tordays' session on the stand, was ex-
pected to resume his statements be-
fore the house interstate commerce
committee which is holding hearings
on plans for the disposition of the rail
systems after wartime control by the
government ends. Mr.. Garretson gem
orally was credited with having been
enact the Adamson law in 1916 and
his appearance before the committee
is causing keen interest.
Unlike previous witnesses Mr.. Gar
retson had no prepared statement to
submit and the usual method of deal
ing with witnesses was abandoned in
his case. His testimony yesterday
during which he was subject to a run
ming cross fire of questioning, was
entirely eXtemporaneous He declared
he was no dreamer but he did believe
adoption of the Plumb plan would be
q factor in stilling the spirit of unrest
turnout the country. He denied the
rumblings Of discomfort indicated the
laboring people wanted to overthrow
the government and said there was no
desire to extend the Plumb plan be-
yond these Industries in which men
worked by their hands.
Departing from his testimony, the
witness said he wished to deny. as
he had been charged, that the brother
hoods with gun in one hand and
stopwatch in the other" had held up
congress and forced thru the Adam
son law. He challenged anyone to
prove there had been coercion of sem
Ctors or representatives
Strike Condition Improved.
Chicago, Aug. 12.-Conditions due
to the strike of railway shopmen were
reported improved today in practical
Is every district of the country except
ing Chicago. Boston and Atlanta. Ac-
cording to reports received by railway
officials in Chicago. all shopmen on
the Norfolk & Southern railway re-
turned today and on the Louisville &
Nashville road n large number of men
arc back a their posts.
Five hundred shopmen on the Chi
caEO & Northwestern and the Chi
cnCO, Milwaukee & st. Paul road in
the northwest returned which enabled
the former road to remove it's recent
embargo on perishable freight con-
signed 70 points in Iowa.
one thousand car builders who vot-
ed to go out. reconsidered their action
tC lay and decided to remain at work
back to their posts Local shopmen
are firm in their refusal to return un-
I'll wages are increased.
p.an Temporary settlement.
Atlanta, Ga. Aug. 12.--Plans for a
temporary settlement of the south
eastern railway shipments strike have
been formulated and will be presented
to convention of delegates of all
southeastern locals in Atlanta tomor-
row. y. II. Thomas chairman of the
executive committee, announced to-
day.
Back To Work In East.
Manchester. y. H, Aug 12-Re-
pairmen and car inspectors of the
Boston & Maine railroad. who have
been on strike here since last Thurs
day. returned to work today.
southern Railway Shopmcn Back.
Danville Va. Aug. 12.-In COM
pliancc with President Wilson's re-
quest, Southern railway shopmen re-
turned to work today.