Evening journal., 1920-12-28
HARDING FAvORs ANrI-sTRIKE LAW.

WITH pretenslons of amazement that the Senate
w passed the anti-strike BILL labor union leaders
reported to be sending "rumblngs" to Marion Ohio APP
parenty for the purpose OF enlsng Senator Harding in
opposition to the bill In view OF the vote in the Senate
last spring, together with the campaign uerances OF
Mr. Harding when he candidate for the Presidency,
with the record OF the popular vote at the November
election, IL dncut TO imagine how the labor leaders
could be surprised at the recent passage OF the bill
how they could expect to receive any encouragement
from Marion in their opposition to the which
proposes to protect the public in its right to continuous
transportation service.
1t will be remembered that Senator Harding voted for
the anti-strke amendment to the railroad bill, and
taken to task for his vote. lie made direct and
equivoca reply, setting forth his for support
ing the amendment and his reply widely published
so that voters everywhere knew OF his attitude the
subject His election by plurality OF than 1000
600 rather strong endorsement OF his attitude. In
his letter answering his critics. Senator Harding said
81 favored the an-strike clause because It applies to
la public service under governmental regulation in which
Congress exercises its powers to limit the return CAPT.
tai invested fixes rates at which the public must be
served and finally, in the antstrke clause, provides
capable tribunal for the adjustment OF all labor grev
ances that interruption in transportation need be
apprehended.
in modern life all the people dependent on
railway transportation for food comfort and health,
curity and the necessary for productive activity
and attending livelihood. II has become a prime
sity 49, II the government representing all the people
cannot guarantee transportation service under any and
all conditions IL fails utterly II that government
provide just consideration OF the workmen
atng the transportation system It fails again It ought
and must do both
1T is far aned from the main question 10 talk about
ensavng the aborng Nothing is farther from the
truth The law specifically preserves to the indl-
vdua his right to quit his employment It provides the
governments guarantee Of just treatment while he
mains in the railway employment.
There has been intent to interfere with the plan Of
collective bargaining in competitive private enterprise
This provision deals solely with public service. In
stead OF reaction this is great step forward Surely
the organized railway workmen ask Than full
justice and in this act the government establishes the
tribunals for the award Of that justice. do moi
know that such law will prevent railway strikes but
do know that 1t ought TO- and think the great rank
file OF railway workers ought to welcome IT, 1t suggests
the nationwide aspiration for industrial peace with un
falling Justice TO all concerned which is in the heart
the American millions today
III you and your associates know a better plan II you
know OF anything surprising the supremacy OF just gov
ernment II you know OF a hope more promising thar
your governments commttal to Just treatment let M
know 1t. and Will be happy to subscribe to It instead
lof the which believe to be the best yet oere,
to all who concerned with the good fortunes Of ou
common country"