The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-02-26

Washington, Feb. 26.-The railroad
unions and the farmers national coun-
Gil today asked President Wilson to
veto the railroad bill
A delegation Of fifteen union heads
called at the White House and left
with Secretary Tumulty a resolution
adopted by railroad Ia Dor reLresenta-
tives. who have been i'll session he re
for several days. requesting that he
send the bill back to congress without
his approval.
The farmers spokesCen handed
Tumulty memorial addressed to the
president urging that he veto the
measure.
"Bin Against Labor"
The union resolution objected to the
labor provisions and those guarantee
ing financial return to the railroads.
These provisions created an invidious
class distinction against labor en-
ployed upon railroads in contrast with
the beneficial class distinction con-
ferred upon investors in railroad
securities" the document stated.
The wage tribunal authorized to
consider disputes. long the subject of
controversy between the union men
and the railroad administration, will,
the employees fear, compel them to
submit to indefinite and unreason-
able" delays in settlement
start All Over Again"
we may be required" said the
resolution, ito originate anew with
each one of the more than two thou
sand privately owned railroads the
wage question now under considera-
tion and only after it has been de-
termined in each of such negotiations
that an agreement could not be
reached, could we present such issues
70 the labor board created by said
bill"
The provisions of the bill. it was
further set forth, "abrogate the right
and freedom of collective bargaining
tnd substitute therefor an indefinite
Iand uncertain method of compulsory
adjustment or arbitration of disputes"
Union men fear that workers will
seek occupation in other industry if
long delayed. as they say would be
the case under the operation of the
labor board created by the measure.
Grants Privileges
The bill it was stated. violates the
fundamental principles of American
government in that it guarantees to
the owners of railroad securities a
right to charge for the service which
railroads afford the public such rates
as will produce n minimum net re-
turn of 5 z per cent upon that uncer-
tain and intangible thing described in
SalQ OIL as the aggregate value OF
the railroad properties of such car
riers'
This is a grant Of a particular. ex-
elusive and special privilege distinct
from those enjoyed by investors in
securities in other industries" said
the resolution.
Predicts Labor Unrest.
1T establishes tribunal authorized
to fix prices to be paid for labor in the
operation of such railroads so private
" owned, thereby attempting to de-
prive the employees of railroads of
their former inherent right to deter
mine the amount of wages that should
receive by negotiations between EN-
ployer and employe."
The communication said that IAN
nounced decision of the labor board
affecting increased wages or salaries
or improved working conditions can
not become effective unless such deci-
sion is cOncurred in by at least one OF
the public representatives. on said
board, thereby conferring upon the
representatives of the public the arbi-
trary power TO annul any decision that
may be unanimously agreed upon by
the representatives Of the offifials and
employees"
I'VE further believe" it was stated
that the inequities, uncertainties de-
lays and antiquities of this bill will
promote unrest and intensity existing
causes of disagreement and prevent
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