Mr. Howard: "No."
Commissioner Kernan; "Was there any object in breaking the older unions so that the American Railway Union might profit thereby?"
Mr. Howard: "While the increase in membership in the American Railway Union meant a decrease in the strength of the older organizations it was not the object of the strike to break down the older unions."
In answer to a question by Commissioner Kernan as to what he would suggest to prevent railroad strikes in the future, Mr. Howard replied that the government ownership and control of railroads was the only practical solution of the question. He argued that about one third of the railroads of the country are practically under control of the government, and thought the balance could easily be taken. He claimed the Santa Fe was from two to four months behind in payment of wages; that it would seem only fair that the government should see that the men were paid. The government had gone to the extent of forcing the employes of that and other roads to work whether they wished to or not and he thought the other step might as well be taken at once.
Mr. Sovereign, grand master workman of the Knights of Labor, was the next witness. He testified that he was a member of the American Railway Union. Said the only official connection the Knights of Labor had with the strike was the adoption of a resolution that they would not ride in Pullman cars. He also stated that a general tie-up of all the industries in the country to force public sentiment on Pullman and bring to bear on the Pullman company the greatest possible pressure was contemplated, but it was found the tie-up could not be made sufficiently general to bring about the desired results, so it was not attempted.
Commissioner Kernan: "Then you do not consider the American Railway Union responsible for the rioting that occurred?"
Mr. Sovereign: "No, sir. In fact I do not think there was any rioting."
Commissioner Kernan: "Do you consider burning cars a species of rioting?"
Mr. Sovereign: "Not when it was done by U. S. marshalls."
Commissioner Kernan: "Was it so done?"