The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-07
CONGRESS RECEIVES
LABOR'S RAIL PLAN


OONttWuoo JFOm FWct foNo.
Federation of Labor. that the employees
would stop all the railroads OF the coun-
try II the Plumb plan was not adopted
was characterized by Mr.. Stone as "the
rankest kind OF nonsense"
we know the railroads will be run
whether this plan 10 adopted or not" he
said. THE Government would use the
power at It's command to operate them.
because people are dependent on the rail-
roads for their very existence"
Chairman Esch then questioned Mr..
Morrison about the threats of the en-
ployees to force through the Plumb
plan.
do you believe in the naturalization
Of railroads by public opinion expressed
through Congress7' Mr.. Sims asked.
Yes" replied Mr.. Morrison.
What method would you adopt to
bring II aboutt"
I'VE would try to convince the coun-
try II was the most feasible plan"
Would you apply duressr' pursued
Mr.. Sims.
That is'not part Of the plan of or
ganized labor"
Would you use the present political
parties or try to organize a labor party
for the express purpose of putting over
the Plumb plan and extending It to other
industries that are considered semi-pub-
licr' asked Chairman Esch.
labor has no plan TO organize n
political party" Mr.. Morrison replied.
TT is partisan to principles. not
parties"
"In case We Plumb plan is not
adopted would the efforts Of your organ
nation be to secure its adoption by one
political party and thus submit the Ques-
yearT
That very probably would be our
course"
That would be the peaceful ana true
American procedure, would Il not7"
asked Mr.. Esch.
That's the procedure we have always
followed" Mr.. Morrison insisted.
Representative Barkley (Ky.) asked
what would be the situation IL both
parties put such q plank in their plat
form. Mr.. Morrison replied that would
indicate even greater sentiment for the
plan.
NO Coercive Measures.
IF no political party adopted such a
plank what would be your procedure"
asked Representative Barkiey.
Labor would then carry on an edu-
cation campaign to influence members"
Mr.. Morrison replied. TT would cir
cularise the people and let them decide,
but 1t would not use coercive measures"
In urging reduction of the present
cost Of living Mr.. Stone declared rail-
road wages had increased 81 per cent.
while the cost Of living had gone I'D
81 per cent. This brought sharp DECLARE
lions from several members that the
railroad employees had benefited more
than any other class
Mr.. S.one sharply criticised Congress
Tor not taking action to reduce tho cost
or living. but Immediately was taken 10
task by Representative Winslow Mass
who asked what should be done.
No definite plan could be given by
Mr.. Stone. other than that profiteers
should be punished. although he prom
ised to present one later.
congress has known this situation
for several months and Is now talking
OF adjourning." said Mr.. Stone. SIT re.
minds one Of Nero fddling while Rome
burned. Congress has been 30 busy
playing politics that It has given no
thought to the common people"
MI Winslow asked II he didn't think
the executive departments with all their
war powers had ample authority to meet
the situation.
You know we are stin at war ana all
the war laws regulating prices are stiil
In force7' Mr.. winsiow asked.
Yes" replied Mr.. Stone, we are in
war. an industrial war. and during that
time the Government should have power
to hx and regulate prices"
New Crusade to start.
Mr.. Stone In his statement before the
committee said regarding the plan of
railroad naturalization: I'VE advance
to a new crusade with tho faith of the
Pilgrims."
IF you are 30 dissatisfied with condi-
lions. why don't you do as the Pilgrim
Fathers did-dig outr' asked Represen-
tativs winslow.
There's no place to dig to-" Mr.. Stone
exclaimed.
MIR. Winslow also brought out that
the brotherhood chiefs had taken no
referendum vote on the question Of Gov
ernment ownership and could not state
whether II was the wish OF the en-
ployees they represent. This Mr.. ston.
was compelled to admit.
Mr.. winsiow failed In efforts 10 obtain
from Mr.. Morrison n categorical .Yes"
or mo" answer as to whether the rail-
road employees and labor In general
were not better OF In this country now
than ever before
His flrst question was:
Has labor. including railroad ann
ployees. at any time in any country evsr
been SO well fed. clothed. housed or on
tertained as in the United States to-
dayT
Mr.. Morrison first repiisd th,s wa.
true at the time Of the armistloe. ana
then said taking into account the in-
creased cost Of living conditions were
not as good as in 1914.
The second question was:
Has labor ever been SO we'll OF In
regard to bank deposits as nowy'
Il have no accurate information ON
that subject" was Morrison's reply
Startling Statements Made.
Despite the declarations of the labor
heads that they propose to carry on a
peaceful propaganda 10 force Govern
ment ownership. several startling stato.
ments that several committeeman con-
Eldered revolutionary were made by the
witr esses.
There IL growing belief that cnp;-
ia, IL not entitled to n return on Its in
vehtments." was ono made by Mr.. Stone.
Questioning ty Representative Coady
(Md.) failed to cause Mr.. Stone 10 re-
veal any details other than, 1T is n
question for future discussion
but capital has saved up profits that
probably should have gone to the work.
ers." Mr.. Stone added
Another startling statement was 10 the
sffeot In the near future 1t probably
would be considered unfair 10 allow
children to inherit the fortunes Of thnir
parents. but devote estates to the build
ing Of churches. schools and humanl-
tartan institutions. Mr.. Morrison adj
vanced this thought
The inheritance Of large fortune