The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-08-06

WASHINGTON Aug -6q--Iabor now
a dSYfAafsis that Aiifefkea become tNe
home of industrial freedom as IT has
become a land of political freedom
Warren S. Stone grand chief OF the
brotherhood of Locomotive Engl-
neers, said today in appearing before
the house interstate commerce com.
mittee in support OF organizeo
labor's plans for public ownership
md priyate operation of the rail-
roads.
Declaring that American democ-
racy was controlled by an autocracy
in industry, Mr.. Stone argued tnat
there could be no solution and no
lowering of the cost of living as long
as consumers had to pay eXtortlonate
nrotits on their own earnings in pur-
chasing the necessaries of life.
Lapor's belief in the Sims bill, en-
bodving the railroad employees plan
for the solution of the railroad prob
lon. was declared by Mr.. Stone to
be profound. In this plan, he said,
the workers raised the banner or
democracy in control of industry ana
advanced ito new crusade with the
faith of the Pilgrims
"At the request of these organiza-
tions Cthe railroad brotherhoods), the
Sims bill is now before you, SAID
Mr.. Stone. Il speak as the voice OF
these 100000 men, delegated by
them to announce to this committee
and to the people of this country that
they are supporting this measure
with all the strength and all the
unity of purpose that can move so
large a body of citizens.
Labor's Part.
nE and ranreSRnted
by Mr. Morrison is the American
Federation of Labor, adding three
million and half men to that body
OF railway employees who instituted
this movement.
"In the industrial development of
this country great organizations of
capital first appeared as employers.
Individual workers. following the ex
ample set by capital, organized as
employees.
Better Working Conditions.
"Their purpose was to secure bet
ter working conditions and a larger
measure of return for their labors.
The full force of capitalistic organ
izations has been set against labor
to hold and to keep all the profits of
industry. The strength of the labor
unions has been exerted to wrest
for the wage -earners.
This has been a perpetual strug-
gle by the workers to maintain a
tolerable standard of existence on
the part Of capital to amass greater
profits. At times, both sides could
ignore the needs of the public. But
now the very growth of the labor
Organizations has brought into their
ranks a great mass of the consumers.
The large number OF the wage
earners now constitute a large per-
centage of the people. The extern
sion of industry has changed the |
nature of the previous struggle.
'F'or whatever the worker receives |
in wages he must spend for the nee
essaries of life. In addition, he is !
compelled to pay to the employer an |
excessive profit on his own wages. |
The cost of his living is determined |
by the sum he earns plus the profit |
he is charged on his own labor. And |
as a group labor is forever prevented |
from bettering its lot because Of the |
profits exacted by the employer The |
hope of a finer life is never realized. |
So long as consumers are forced to |
pay extortionate profits on their own
earnings to third interest there Is |
no solution OF the industrial prob
lem.
Control of Industry.
I'VE find that this third interest
absolutely controls and dominates the |
management of industry II ixesI
wages and controls working condi-
tions. II fixes the prices of commod-
tiles without regard to the needs of
society or the necessities OF producers
and consumers, We have a demo-
cratic form of government, but an
Continued on Page Nine.)