The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-09
ADMITS union
Gar WRONG IN
WORKER CUSTER
Harley Forces Him to WaVer at
Climax of Speech.
Men and Employers Must Settle
Own Problems, Claim.
WANTED STATE OPERATION
WANTED STATE OPERATION
That's Reason He Upheld Al
lens Production Plan.
Depicts "HOrribIe Conditions
in Kansas Coal Fields.

Jake Sheppard, of Fort Scott. de-
Tended Alexander Howat before the
legislature today. But he didn't stop
therein fact he didn't pause. He
eulogized Howat for his patriotism,
warm heart, earnest devotion to serv-
ice. honesty and public spiritedness in
a way to make Kansas wish for many
more of his kind. Capital was flayed
without mercy. He pleaded defense of
the coal strike and the rights of labor
to command the profits of industry.
Sheppard was sure the Kansas legis-
lature didn't understand the broad
Christian spirit which prompted
Howat to do his duty as he saw it.
The Fort Scott lawyer was willing that
the legislature pass the Industrial
court bill If it would do just one thing
remove the penalty clause. In short
the law was all right if no one was to
be punished for violation of its pro-
visions. Defense was made of the
mine workers during the war period,
and horrible condition surrounding
life in the mining camps was painted.
Constitutional phases of the bill as
discussed in the Walsh speech were
not taken up by Sheppard. Practi-
cally his entire two hours were de-
voted to a discussion of the mining sit
uation- Only once did Sheppard
waver as to Howat's action. That was
at the conclusion of his speech and
in answer to a question by Tom Har-
ley introducer of the court bill.
Loyal Worker Ousted.
do you believe the report that
loyal worker was driven from the
union and a strike precipitated when
his employer refused to discharge
him." Harley asked
II have reason to believe it is true"
said Sheppard.
DO you approve of this action by
the mine unions and if Howat ap-
proved. do you sanction that?'
Il don't approve. I don't believe it
Is true that Howat approved. If he
did, he was wrong"
Sheppard defended his position
against questioners. He maintained
that the new court could afford no re-
lief-that all labor problems must be
worked out between the unions and
employers. If they cannot agree, then
the state or government should step
in He said he approved Governor
Aliens plan and asked miners to do so.
His action, he said, was inspired by
hope that it would lead to state or
government operation of mines.
Sheppard was introduced to 1egis-
lative members shortly after 10
O'Clock. He had stated that he ex-
pected to talk an hour and wanted
them to answer questions.
COntinuC JOINT Sessions.
Senate members again visited the
house following disposition of formal
business in the upper house. Joint
sessions may be continued during dis
cussions by labor leaders and lawyers
urging passage of the bill.
Phil Gallery of Pittsburg may not
speak today. In that event. w. L.
HuGgins and Col. John S. Dean may
appear before the legislators to meet
attacks on the bill by Walsh and
Sheppard.
Speaker Lambertson announced
that the house would probably remain
in session Saturday. General bills will
be taken up and discussion of the
labor court measure deferred until
Monday.
House debate on the labor court en-
actment went into the fourth day
when this mornings session opened at
o'clock and decks were rapidly
cleared for speeches by labor union
lawyers. Labor may seek to close
its debate with a statement from Sam
uel 7. Gompers, president of the
American Federation of Labor, Many
here for speech before the joint ses-
sion.
Refuses to PRINT Speeches.
Before opening the second session
of labor oratory the house voted down
n motion to have Walsh-Sheppard
speeches printed for distribution. A
second motion to have the Walsh
speech printed also failed to pass.
Mrs. Minnie ]. Grinstead Of Seward
county was called to the chair to pre-
side during the days proceedings in
the committee of the whole. Mrs.
Grinstead is the first woman member
of the Kansas legislature.
Glen Willetts. representing the rail-
road brotherhoods introduced Jake
Sheppard. The Fort Scott man came
before the legislature as representative
of the Kansas Federation of Labor
Il am speaking not only as q rep
resentative of labor but as a citizen
of Kansas" said Sheppard. who then
asserted that Walsh's speech was not