The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-10-21


MANY SUGGESTIONS
Speculation among conferees as to the
sequel OF the collective bargaining dead
lock brought forth renewal of sugges-
lions made last Friday that the confer
ence make a new start both as to issues
and as to procedure. There really has
been only one question before the con-
ference and that is the steel strike 1t
was asserted in some quarters today,
| and way must be found out OF that
| 'tblind alley
| Those who talked of a %new pro-
gramme'' proceed on the theory that no
| group would dare face public opinion by
withdrawal in a body
/ When it becomes plainly evident that
| an iinpasse is reached over collective
bargaining, John Spargo, public repre-
sentative, plans to suggest a program.
1 which. 1t was said has the approval of
other members of the public. group and
also of chairman Lane. Generally speak
| ing, this plan provides for a declaration
on such matters as the right to organ
| ize and to strike. condStions OF employ
ment and methods of arbitration, to-
gether with interpretive clauses appended
| to each principle.
| An effort may be made also to change
the group method of voting on most
questions in order to make action easier
and less slow.
| GARY'S STATEMENT
| CT desire to make brief statement in
relation to the question under discus
sion, as we'll as others submitted to this
conference for determination Judge
Gary said Further explanation of any
vote I may register will probably be I'M
necessary.
Like other members of the confer
ence. j. recognize that the public inter-
ok ha SidaraT of the
| first Importance: that all private inter-
ests must be subordinated
"I am heartily in accord with the de-
sire of the President to firmly estab-
| lish /, proper and satisfactory relations
between all groups of citizens connected
with industry, including, of course, what
has been designated as capital and labor.
ST believe in conciliation, cooperation
and arbitration, whenever practicable,
without sacrificing principle.
az am of the fixed opinion that the
pending strike against, the steel indus
| try should not be arbitrated, or com
promised, nor any action taken by the
| conference which bears upon that sub
ject.
SHOULD BE OPEN SHOP
"Also that there should be maintained
| in actual practice, without interruption
| the open shop as 1. understood it
namely, that every man, whether he does
or does not belong to a labor union
shall have the opportunity to engage in
any line of legitimate employment on
terms and conditions agreed upon be-
tween employee and employer.
| 'T am opposed to a policy or practice
which unnecessarily limit production. in
creases costs, deprives the workmen from
voluntary and reasonable effort, hinders
promotion or advancement in accordance
with merit or otherwise interfere with
l the freedom of individual action.
"As unorganized labor. which en-
braces the vast majority OF working
people, has no special representation
in this conference, I deem it appropri-
ate to say that all labor should receive
due consideration. and that it is The
obligation. and ought to be the pleas
ure, of employers at all times and IL
every respect to treat, justly and lib
orally. all employees whether morgan
lied or organized"
| President Samuel -Gompers -of thu
AmerSaA Federation of Labor declare;
Judge Gary's statement was identica
i with the steel executives letter, al
dressed to subsidiaries of the steel cor
poration. more than month ago. /,
HIS ONLY OPINION
Admitting there might be differences