New-York tribune., 1919-08-12
Conditions That Obtain
in Russia, France and
England Found Here,
Railmen's Leader Says
Wake Up, He
Tells Committee
Unless Relief From Liy.
ing Conditions Comes,
He Sees Trouble Ahead
Ne,c York Trburs
Washington Bureau

New Yorh: T,1buns
Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, Aug. II. y Nine
tenths OF the labor leaders in this
country are "sitting on the lid" to
keep their men in check, declared A. B.
Garretson. adviser to the Order of
Railway Conductors, to-day while tes-
tifying before the House Interstate
and Foreign Commerce Committee in
behalf of the Plumb plan for rail-
roads. The labor leader tacitly pre-
dicted revolution unless Congress at
once legislated relief
At the same time it developed that
the Plumb plan will not be seriously
considered by the Sixty-sixth Congress.
except in so far as it is regarded as
challenge to the existing economic
system. Leaders of almost every fac
ton agreed that there would be no
legislative action.
Mr.. Garretson in the course of mis-
testimony said:
"The government must either do
business or quit business, recognizing
what its obligations are. If the gov
ernment fails to measure up, it should
be superseded by the mechanical agency
that will do what the Constitution calls
for.
All That Obtains in Europe
"lf you think the American people
will never rise in protest against op-
preston. you had better hire some one
to wake you up All the elements of
the conditions that obtain in Russia,
France and England now exist in this
country.
"lf you think the social crust can't
oe broken, you are mistaken. Inaction
IS sure TO bring ferment to q head. Tn
less relief is found from the unrea-
sonable pressure OF living conditions,
NE are bound to have trouble
Sporadic strikes all over the coun-
try show how the wind blows. Nine
tenths OF the energy OF union labor
leaders is now given to sitting on the
nd. They don't want TO overturn tho
government. but they do believe gov
ernment should function.
1t is within the power OF Congress
to relieve the situation. And we all
know there can be action when it must
be had. The Adamson bill was sign
that when pressure was applied we
break all records to get things done
I'VE had strikes in 1873, but no ac-
ton. Again in 1898 the same hap
pened. Congress seems to listen to
that which it believes can exert in
fuence. Now j. has got so that the
man who stands for labor is damned
II he does and damned if he doesn't"
Chief Points He Made
C1- ro
Mr. Garretson's testimony were:
l. That owing to the inaction Of
Congress labor leaders are having
difficulty in controlling their men.
2. That the railway brotherhoods
went to Congress in 1916 in behalf
of the Adamson law at the request
Of President Wilson. and did not
hold a stop-watch on Congress"
g. That he opposed the nomina-
ton of Mr.. Hines as Director Cen
eral of Railroads. preferring an
other man who, he now says, nigh.
not have done so we'll as Mr. Hines.
4. That the Plumb plan is not half
so revolutionary other plans for
railroad legislation.
s. That, with certain exceptions.
he approves the sentiment back Of
letters sent to Congressman threat
ening political removal unless the
Plumb bill is passed.
Mr.. Garretson declared that until
1910 he was an ardent supporter Of
priv property and had opposed gov
ernment ownership. But, he SAID,
events have been moving 50 fast, and
Congress has so failed t. keep pace
with the high cost of living, that the
time has come TO change the govern
ment that it will respond immedi-
ately to the deman of the people.
Difficult to Convince Them
Force seldom occurs until reason
ableness has failed" he SAID. But as
long as present conditions remain. it
Congress has done all possible to re-
lieve them"
Asked if he thought All bank clerks
might organize ike raj road men un-
der the provisions of the Plumb plan,
he declared that for the present ne was
cons dering railroads alone.
Personally, however" he said 81
don't think there s an industry on the
face Of the earth in which men who
! serve are not entitled to BE- heard as to
/ its conduct
Mr.. Garretson declared the Interstate
/ Commerce Commission Is the only body
ne knows Of that has kept out Of poll
tics, and that under the Plumb plan
the Postofce Department could be run
with greater economy and efficiency. He
agreed with Representative Sims tina.
1t would he impossible at the present
time TO foa- bonds to keep the road,
under private control from gong
| under
Not Influenced by Politics
Denying that political influence would
enter into the operation of the Plumb
| plan, Mr. Garretson said that in 1ats