The Connecticut labor press., 1920-09-25
Church Will Stand Firm.

Any fear that may have existed con- cerning the disposition of the leaders of the Interchurch World Movement to continue their investigations into indus trial conditions has been dispe1led by a statement recently issued by Bishop Francis J. Mcconnell and Dr. Daniel A. Polling, chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, of a commission that re- gently surveyed the steel industry and made a report that is at once the most exhaustive and most condemnatory of the autocracy of Garyisn that has ever been published. ..-
 When tins report was ready for the public large business interests, impe1led by the steel industry, made every effort to prevent its publication. When coer- cion and criminal methods did not avail the interests, they withdrew from the lnterchurch Movement promised fnan- cial help and the machinery of the CO., It was quite generally apprehended then into industrial situations that are in flaming workers and creating unhealthy social and industrial relations.
 The eminent churchmen who have addressed open letters to the public and
 
 hopes of those who recognized the good this commission was capable of doing. They declare that their findings are fully justified by recent, developments, and adhere to their original position that a great industry will witness re- newal of strife unless the public inter venes and forces the kings of steel and finance to deal with their workers in conformity with accepted American ideas.
 They ask the steel men if the 'b1ack- list and the spy system are the indus try's pride," and assure them that the public will be satisfied with nothing short of reasoned discussion of the facts disclosed and action thereon. Men responsible for the lives of more than 3OO,O00 humans must make reply to in quiries addressed to them by wel1-mean- ing men, and they must reply without delay.
 It is, perhaps, noteworthy that only the brazen1y frank organs of privilege have attempted to meet with yitupera- ton, the deliberate statements of the church commission. That is the most significant fact in connection with the discussion provoked by the publication of its epoch-making report. Disguised propagandists dare not brand with hate instilling words men of unprecedented integrity and high standing in their de- nomination organizations. Their repu- tation Is sufficient protection against all such assaults.
 A few trade and class periodicals have attempted to discredit the steel re- port by alleging that the investigation was conducted by reds" and impractical and misguided men. They do not at tempt to refute charges that have been substantiated by mass of unquestioned testimony. They resort to the poor ex- pedient of defaming those whom they are unable to meet H fair controversy.
 It is equally important that leaders of B religious organizations offer to lead the public in a demand fof industrial justice They tell the steel barons that their threats are not feared and that their punishments are futile. The church is aroused and militant and is going forward with new zeal to pre- determined cleansing of the ulcer of Garyism. It is not to be swerved from its course by the mailed-hst of autocracy or the ostracism and abuse of biased newspapers.
 The steel industry will be a subject of pertinent discussion until the 12-hour day. the seven-day week, the suspension of civil liberties, the elaborate system of spies and under-cover men, are per manent1y and definitely things of the past MT. Gary will fail as disma1ly in turning back the rising tides of dis appreciation of his methods as legend ary despot failed in checking the tides of the ocean.