Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1920-08-20
The InterChurCh Movement
Synopsis of Report of the Investigation of Steel
Corporations Methods

No satisfactory method was pro-
vided for dealing with the griev
ances which arise daily.
6. The arbitrary control of the
corporation extended to the abroga-
tion of the right of free speech and
assembly in certain sections.
7. The movement for the strike
was not a plot and had no "Bolshe-
visit" connections. 1t was intended to
force conference in an industry in
which no means of conference exist
ed--this specific conference to set up
trade union collective bargaining, to
abolish the twelve,hour day and ar
bitrary methods of handling en-
ployees.
The conclusions of this report,
signed by men whose intelligence and
reputation for just and fair dealing
are beyond question, cannot be
ignored by the officials of the Steel
Corporation. 1t is incumbent upon
that great organization either to dis
prove these statements, which upon
their face are a sweeping indictment
of its autocratic labor policy, or to
proceed to remedy speedily the con-
ditions which are now laid bare. 1t
will not suffice to call the investiga-
tors hard names, and to impugn their
motives. 1t will be no defense to
point out that the Industrial Rela-
tions Conference, which set the in
quiry on foot, was a hot-bed of radical
ideas. What the public will wish to
know is whether the allegations now
so specifically and positively affirmed
are the truth, and if so, what remedy
the Steel Corporation proposes to
offer One thing is certain, if the
corporation cannot clear itself, it will
have to clean house. For such condi-
tions, affecting an enormous number
of men and women, dependent upon a
basic industry for their support, can
not continue unremedied without
bringing suffering upon the entire
public, either in the form of another
strike or in some other way involving
danger, distress and disorder as well
as financial loss.
The report does not stop with a
statement of causes. 1t makes the
following series of recommendation {:
/. That Federal commission rep
resenting both sides and the public
bring about immediate conferences
on time and wage schedules, and de-
wise plan for future permanent free
conferences.
2. That the Federal Government
inaugurate full inquiry into the past
and present state of civil liberties in
western Pennsylvania, and publish
the same.
3. That "labor- r-detective" agencies
be investigated and placed under Fed
eral regulation.
A. That recent government reports
on the strike and related matters be
given full publicity.
5. That supplemental inquiries into
several phases of the industry be
made and the results published.
The report has made a profound
impression. For it emphasizes facts
which the newspapers kept in the
background, and shows how the
causes OF the strike were misrepre-
sented by the press. If the Steel
Corporation fails to meet the charges
it is sure to lose the standing before
the public which helped it to win the
first great struggle, and without
which it cannot hope to win the next.
For in these days not even so potent
an organization as the u. S. Steel
Corporation can long maintain itself
in the face of adverse public opinion.