The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-31
SEESLABOR PEACE
Head of Federal Board Predicts
Industrial Quiet for 1922.
Bases View on Improved Attf-
tude of Both Sides.
MUCH ARGUMENT ON SCHEDULE
But Workers and Employers
Are Seeing More Clearly.
All Inspired by Common Mo-
tive, Declares Hooper.
MUCH ARGUMENT ON SCHEDULE

Chicago, Dec. 31.-Industrial peace
viii prevail on the railroads of the
country in 1922, Ben w. Hooper, vice
chairman of the United States railroad
labor board, predicted in an interview
today.
1.-THE future trend or economic
events is so uncertain that any pre-
diction may seem rash,' said Mr..
Hooper. yet, 1 hazard the opinion
that the coming year will be marked
by uninterrupted good relations be-
tween the railroads and their en-
ployes."
Based on Three Factors.
Hooper said his optimism was based
upon three factors:
L. There hasn't been a serious in
terruptiOn of traffic in two years,
showing that a large degree of mod
GRAFTON and good sense prevails on
both sides.
.. The people have been educated
to a more enlightened understanding
of the problems before the labor
board, and the board feels that the
public is back of it.
g. Thee board is determined to use
extraordinary exertions' in reaching
a just and reasonable decision in the
disputes submitted TAFT.
Hooper said in making his optimis-
tic prediction that he would not have
it thought that she hole in the dough-
nut is not just as visible to him, as
he expressed it, as the "encircling
sweetness" of the doughnut itself.
'It is quite plausible for pessi-
mistic spirit to visualize in this sit
uation the portent of approaching
evil he said MANY sharply con-
tested questions of great Importance,
affecting the carriers and the men
will be presented to the board during
the coming year.
May Try to Evade.
EITHER the railroads or their en-
ployes will acquiesce in the decisions
of the board and give the efficient and
uninterrupted transportation which
both parties Nowe to the American
public, or one or both of them will
undertake to eVade or override the
board and in so doing, destroy the
continuity of a public service indis-
p-nsable to the common welfare
ut is possible that the treatment of
this situation by the roads and the
employees may be unfavorably influ-
need by the fact that a heated con-
rressionaI election will be in prog
ress.'
The former governor of Tennessee
likes his job of mediator. The smile
wrinkles in his face deepened as he
confessed he didn't mind going thru
the strike crisis of last october.
81 like to deal with men," he said
warmly.
Both Sides Alike.
Asked who was the hardest to ne
gotiate with, the railroad executive or
labor leader, the chairman said:
They look so much alike you can
hardly know which is which. More
than 80 per cent of the railroad Off
Gals came up from the ranks of labor,
Many of the labor leaders could quail
ify for high positions in the manage
naepts of railroads. They fully under
stand each others problems.
1.-The great majority of railway ex-
ecutives," he said, ARE animated by
commendable motives The same is
true of the men. Both rank high in
intelligence and patriotism" he said.
81 am sure neither side is dispose
to overlook the well being of the coun-
try at large he added, significantly.