Evening journal., 1919-08-29

from the individuals In our organiza'
tions who have not as yet indicated
desire 10 listen TO reason or abide by
any criticism not OF their own making
There Is not now. nor has there ever
been, objection TO honest criticism. such
criticism is not Objectionable; on the
contrary is welcome, and this comment
Is made for the express purpose OF d.
recting the attention OF the member
ship 10 members who have by various
means. introduced methods OF procedure
which must appeal 10 every right think
ing union man as being detrimental TO
the organization that we have perfected,
as the result OF thirty years untiring
effort and generally against every OBJ
stacle that could be invented 90 defeat
us.
Delay Decision on Strike.
In view OF the facts as above stated,
your executive officers and national
agreement committee recommend That
the question OF suspendlng work be left
in our hands, with the understanding
that no strike order will be issued un-
less such action become absolutely
lENfN~NlI W MltEk NlAt NIulAAAVAA' - ''-AfFr
from the present situation, or In JOINT
action with other railroad organizations
for a general wage increase.
The above recommendation IS made
after mature deliberauon and consider
alton OF all the elements entering into
this controversy. II Is our honest juds-
ment that a fatal mistake would be
made by our members 10 assume the
responsibility OF tying UP the railroads
at this time, when the President is cvi-
IDENTIFY doing all possible 20 reduce tho
high cost OF living. It Is but fair 10
assume that the President will have tho
loyal support OF a majority OF the
American public in his effort 90 procure
this much needed relief. We would, no
doubt be charged with obstructins his
efforts.
IT should be understood, however,
that n the Government fails 10 enect a
reduction in the cost OF liv-
ing within a reasonable time we 70
serve tho right 20 put the strike vote
into effect.
We sincerely trust that the contents
Of this letter will be given the consid-
Grafton that this important subject
The officials OF the shop unions, as
we'll as those OF The broiherhoods, who
also conferred with the executive coun-
ell. declined 10 make any statement
other than the issuance OF the letter 90
the shOpmen. Warren :. Stone, chief Of
the Brotherhood OF Railway Engineers,
and William Lee, head Of the Brother
hood Of Conductors, conferred with the
executive council and with the officials
of the shopmen. II is understood that
they took a strong position against a
railroad strike at this time. which
would be preiudiclsl 20 labor rs a.
whole.
Toe crisis In the steel trade was pre-
sented 20 the council by Frank Har-
rison, representing the steel workers.
The steel workers are demanding
Of the union. Whether the
OF the committee and thus
giving recognition, will end the strike, |
was not made known.
The Plumb Plan League was repre- |
sented before the council by Glenn r. |
Plumb and eX-Representative Edward 5. |
keating. manager OF the league. They |
,ame out smiling, but had no statement. |
There are many indications that the /
league will not find the support in labor
Z had expected.
Il was freely reported that President |
Iompers does not approve OF it. He |
las declined 10 make a public statement |
IN the subject until he has gone over Il
md consulted with his counsel. 10 was
stated, however, that efforts TO put the
Plumb plan forward as that OF organ
zed labor IL not favored, and that |
President Gompers IS waiting only his
,wn opportunity 20 come out on the
lubieot.