The sun., 1919-08-13
u PLAN WOULD
NOT STRIKES
Garretson Admits Majority of
People Oppose Scheme.

WASHINGTON, Aug. IA. b. Garrett
son. former read OF the Order Of Rail-
way Conductors, told the House Inter-
state Commerce Committee to-day that
operating officials In charge of railroads
during Government control were ac-
tuated by the one desire of demonstrate
ing hat Government ownership was not
best for the country.
Exactly the same operating force
that built up a great surplus before the
war reated this big deficit" Garretson
said. Their could be no real test as to
Government operation SO long as the
future disposition of the roads had not
been determined. Every effort was made
to convince the people that private man
agement was best -
"Whe the railroad official prays he
turns his face to Wall Street. but once
II is demonstrated for instance, that
management in future will centre in
Washington, l am sure he will serve the
Government as earnestly as he served
the old masters in the past"
Discussing the Plumb plan for tri-
partite control OF the roads, Mr.. Garrett
son said IL utterly demolished capital
account, while the other plans submitted
to Congress added to II until the grand
children of the present generation would
stagger under the load"
When Representative Sims (Tenn.)
who started out TO question Mr.. Garrett
SON., had finished a fifteen minute state
ment, the witness turned to him and
said
Judge. I'm much obliged to you for
appearing on our side"
The board of directors, under the
Plumb plan, Mr.. Garretson said. would
be the court Of last resort in determin-
ing wages. but the right of employees
to strike would not be abridged.
But" he explained. the employees
would be partners in the enterprise. II
the wage board which would lei wage
disputes refused to grant increases il
would pledge a large, percentage OF en-
ployees to refuse It. So II a body OF
employees went on strike. they would
find a large employee element who fei
their own right had been invaded and
injured and who would stick.
ut will be a long time before you
eliminate strife from industry"
Mr.. Garretson was asked IL the bro
therhoods had any other legislation in
mind in the event that the Plumb plan
was rejected.
at don't think So" he replied. Rail
way employees and citizens are con
cerned in the cost of living. Anything
that settles that problem inures to their
benefit. The Plumb plan is only one
factor in hat direction. 1 "a nc
knowledge OF any other employee pro,
posal."
IT don't believe we nave reached tha'
point" Representative Watson CPa.l
said. where we will give up individual
ism for naturalization"
Nothing has been offered to Con
eIess." Mr.. Garretson replied, "tha'
would accentuate individualism so mucf
as this Plumb plan. 1t offers every in
ducement to individual success"
do you think the people want thu
| Plumb plan?" asked Representative
Barley (Ken.).
IF this plan were put to a referen
dun now" Garretson replied, 81 be
lieve a majority of the people, becaus'
OF old conservative feeling and beini
suspicious of changes, probably woult
vote against it, but the opposite woul,
be true in h immediate future.
have no doubt OF its ultimate approva
by the people,"