The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1919-02-08
UNIONS WANTSAY
IN R. R. SOLUTION
Want Order Against Political
Activity Revoked.
OFFER TO RUN The ROADS
Declare For Five-Year Government
Control if Ban on Political Activity
Is Revoked.

Washington, Feb. S.-Presenting
railroad labor's plan for solving prob
lens through government ownership
and private operation by our great
proft-sharing corporation, Glenn L.
Plumb, of Chicago, appeared before
the senate interstate commerce COM
mittee.
He said all opposition by employees
to the proposed fve-year extension of
present government control would
cease if the railroad administration
revoked its order against participation
in politics.
Responding to question by Sena-
tor Mclean, of Connecticut. during
the reading of his prepared statement
Of the four brotherhoods and other
employees organizations, Mr.. Plumb
said.
''That is our only objection to the
fve-year plan. The purpose Of an ex-
tension is to allow time for political
solution Of a social issue. Under the
order we would be precluded from full
participation in the working out Of
- solution. We could not wave
complete freedom to the financial in
terests as the problem is worked and
while we were limited
"If we were not barred from parti-
cipation in the final solution then
am to say our objection to the five
year-plan would be eliminated. Mr..
Hines arguments are very cOgent. We
agree that twenty-One months is not
sufficient for complete solution.
eff there can be period Of STABILIZE
ed conditions while congress is work
ing on this problem it would be in the
interest Of the public and labor is
particularly interested" Commenting
on wage conditions. Mr.. Plumb said:
"The railway executives Tin testi-
mony before the committee) did not
say the wage level is too high. None
would say the status would be pre-
served, and one said wages should be
governed by the law Of supply and de-
mand So between a great monopoly
and organized employees that doesn't
mean supply and demand at all 1t
merely means a trial Of strength"
Mr. Plumb. presenting the cooper
alive plan, recommended the govern
ment acquire all railroad property at
a price fairly representing the physi-
cal valuation, and entrust the opera
ton TO be directed jointly by EN-
ployes, officers and the government.
Earnings would be divided equally
among employees and the government
Rates automatically would be reduc-
ed when profits amount to more than
fixed rate.
The corporation would be subjected
TO regulation by the interstate CONF
merce commission which would retain
its present reguating powers.
The brotherhood objected TO the
railway executives PROPOSAL TO estah-
FISH a secretary cf trars?orta ron. say
ing this would constitute regulating
the people in the interests Of capital.
Mr.. Pl,mh Suggested organization
of can operating corporation where
operating ability constituted its so'"
capital"
"A certain agreed percentage Of
the net results of operation should he
long TO this corporation" he said.
1.-THE stock of the corporation should
be held in trust fo.. the benefit of tie
employees. The corporation would be
administered by board Of directors,
who, we suggest tentatively, should be
selected in this manner:
"One-third to be elected by the
classified employees below the grade
Of appointed officials; one-third by the
appointed officials and employees; the
final third being appointed by the
president Of the United States"
With half the profits going to the
government and the other half to the
corporation to be distributed among
employees, Mr.. Plumb said, the men
would be actuated by desire to Pro-
note efficiency and economy.