Evening star., 1921-05-17
SEES THREE CURES
FORBUS|NESS|LLS
S. c. Mason Urges R. R. Pay
Cuts, Open Shop and Sales
Tax Law at Convention.
Br the ASsociated Press

By the Associated Press.
NEW YORK. May 17.-Abrogation OF
the national labor adjustment agree
ments on the railroads, support OF the
open shop and the enactment of a
sales tax law were urged by stephen
c. Mason. president Of the National AS
nual message delivered today at the as
sociation's twenty-sixth annual conven-
ton.
The infamous national labor adjust
ment agreements. said Mr.. Mason.
(which were inherited by the carriers
out Of the wartime period Of govern
ment operation and the coincident un-
economic high railway wage burdens.
have been the chief causes of the de-
plofa BILE transportation conditions which
have existed during the past year.
Lauds Eseh-Cum minis Act.
TN my opinion the Esch -Cummins act
OF 1920 has more than justified its en-
actment in every respect.
II believe the time has come. when.
if the railroads are TO be efficiently and
economically operated in accordance
ton act of 1920, normal conditions of
employment must be restored. The re-
cent action Of the Railroad Labor Boa I'd
in decreein. tine abrogation Of the war
time national agreements, unquestion-
ably did much to clear the way for a
practical solution Of the labor problems
Of the railroads"
The speaker declared that the
open shop" had gained greater
measure of public support and recog-
milton than ever during the past
year, adding:
Scores A. F. OF l.. Methods.
80 long as it is the cardinal prin-
ciple and working determination of
the American Federation Of Labor to
eAclude independent workers from
empIoyment. there will be employers
who will protect themselves and their
employees against the dominance of a
policy of arbitrary exclusion by the
operation of non-union shops
Mr Mason urged a wider recogni-
ton among employers Of the need for
informing their employees on the sub
ject of business principles as affect
ing their material interest. especially
the relation Of wages and expenses
to costs and prices and the necessity
for an adequate return on invested
capital.
emDloyers." he added in placing be-
fore their employees business details
necessary to demonstrate certain vital
economic facts has disarmed the
preachers of discomfort and selfish
ness and in many instances induced
labor to accept with good grace neces-
sary wage and hour adjustments in
the interest Of the community, as well
as that of avoiding shutdown
Would Reform Organization.
Demands for a change in the ad-
ministration of the association made
at the opening session yesterday were
expected to be threshed out in closed
sessions of the assembly today
Indications Of dissension were given
with the distribution of Il circular in =
cIuding resolution Of the leaders of
the movement deploring conditions
within the organization and calling
for an investigation Of the associa :
and the effecting of necessary re-
forms
Hear From Bra.ilian.
The United States no longer is hold
ing its own in the Brazilian markets.
Alencar Of Brazil. declared in an ad-
manufacturers.
During the war American manufac-
turers had a free field. he explained,
but since restoration Of peace they
nave Deen OOllScu 10 meet COmpeti- =
ton of former rivals. who, he said.
were undoubtedly driving them out.
zone great handicap from which
your business men suffer in Brazil"
sa id the ambassador. 'is the fact tina t
their investment of capital is so in
significant, as compared with the in
vestments of their foreign competi-
ton, England, France and Belgium
put their money into foreign enter
prses, and obtain not only a return
on the investment but they secure
large orders for materials and sup
plies of all kinds, thus developing
their foreign trade. The people of
the United States have never availed
! themselves as they should Of this
means of extending their political
and commercial influence in South
America. Even at the present time
| when capital is SO much more abun-
dant in the United tSates than it is
in Europe. it has been found more
easy for Brazil to place loans in Eng
land than in the United States"
Tho diplomat recommended that
American interests develop their
trade with South America by sending
personal representatives who speak
the language: extending long time
credits; endeavoring to give South
Americans what they want and great
l. REDUCING transportation charges.