Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1919-09-05
JUSTICE AND CHARITY

There are some very curious things
happening in this good old world of
ours. Take as an example the winter
of 1917-1918. The bitterness of that
winter is still fresh in the minds of
all railroad employees. Zero weather
and coal shortage, then meatless,
wheatless and sweetless days. But
our sons and brothers were over in
France fighting for democracy and
we thought they needed it the worst
and we willingly, yes gladly, did with
out our share for their sake.
We were also getting engines and
cars in working order to rush sup
plies and men to their assistance.
The mechanics were being paid from
99c to 45c per hour, and we were
working overtime every day and had
it not been for this overtime there
would have been a great many empty
stomachs and cold sleeping quarters.
But Mr.. McAdoo said, "be patient and
your wages shall be rectifed." We be-
lieved him and waited patiently and
| it finally came in the form of CSC per
hour for mechanics and 45c for help
ers.
Food and clothing had got almost
h.cyy i Il
ask a merchant the cause the answer
would be the government has con-
tracted it all at high figure and we
have to pay the price if we get it.
But just the minute we received our
increase they began to lay the high
price on the working man. We had
some back money coming which most
of US used to pay up debts as far as
it would reach. Then we bought
bonds through the monthly payment
plan and paid one hundred cents for
every dollar. But when we got in a
pinch and had to let the bonds go the
banks handed US $91.00 for the paper
we paid $4,000. Of course that was
not profteering, just simply finance,
with the working man as easy capital.
And l believe l would be safe in say
ing of the 100 per cent bond sales
among the railroad employees that rs
per cent have had to let their bonds
go at a sacrifice. But our govern
ment needed the money and like all
true American citizens we were will
ing to do our part.
We have denied ourselves for all
manner of necessities to help out, but
we have reached the end. The climax
is at hand, something must be done.
We are asking 85 cents per hour for
our labor. And when you look at the
acting heads of our government and
what they receive 85 cents is drop
in the ocean. Take for instance the
President of the United States his
salary originally was $4,000 per
year. But some of our good hearted
congressman concluded he could not
live on this meager salary? So they
raised it $4,000 more on the year,
at the ratio of 365 days per year that
would mean $68.50 more on the day
and on the eight hour basis it would
be an increase of $8.56A per hour
(some increase). But now when the
poor poverty stricken railroad work
ers ask for tic on the hour he has the
nerve to juggle four little one cent
coppers and say this is all can give.
His salary of $4,000 per year runs
him $25.681a per hour and 30 hours
at 85c would not be quite as much as
his one. Then we had the President
of the road till Mr.. McAdoo used the
tinware. He received $4,000 per
year salary, and $4,000 for expenses
(some expenses). His hardest job
outside of drawing his salary and ex-
penses Of $125.000 per year was clip
ping coupons to the extent of about
100000 per year, while we, the rail
way "OIhSIo, SOC OuC anu CIV ulldCI, /,
went over the top and inside to make
his locomotives and cars safe, and all
for Ale to 45c per hour. While he
was pulling down $42.80A per hour
or $7.13 per minute (without coupons)
We want to work SO hours for the
pay he receives for one. Yes we will
work hours and % minutes for what
he receives for one. minute (and not
mention coupons).
We used to feel all puffed up and
proud when some of his agents used
to pat us on the back and tell us how
noble and patriotic we were, but we
have discovered that we can't pay
house rent and feed our children with
this talk. We should be paid wage
that we can live like civilized beings.
Stop and think. how niggardly four