Speech #630122725

I submit a resolution and ask to have it read and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. The resolution (S. Res. 251) was reid and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. as follows: Whereas a difference between the coal miners and the operators of coal mines in Colorado. and notably In the counties of Huerfano and Las Anmnas in said State. culminated In a general strike in September last. which is still unsettled and which disturbed condition has resulted In violence. bloodshed. and disorder. and Whereas the military forces of the State were mobilized In October last by the governor of the State for the protection of life and property. and have since then been in occupation and control of said counties notwithstanding which the said strike continues with no prospect of an early termination. and Whereas it is asserted(1) That a system of peonage has been established in said counties by certain of the employer companies in order to continue the operation of their mines. (2) That the Immigration laws of the United States have been and are being violated by some of said operating companies for the same reasons by bringing in laborers under contract. (3) That many persons have been arrested. imprisoned. and subjected to arraignment. examination. and punishment without due or any process of law. and in violation of their constitutional rights as citizens of the United States. (4) That a repablican government has bad no existence in fact in said counties for many years. all the officials thereof having been nominated. chosen. and maintained in their several positions by some of said operating companies through whose agencies many foreign employees have been naturalized without regard to the requirements of the Federal statutes in relation thereto. and whose votes have been under the control of said companies. (5) That military tribunals have been created and are in operation for commitment. trial. and conviction. notwithstanding the courts are and have at all times been open and engaged in the administration of justice. (6) That all attempts and overtures at arbitration of or a settlement of the matters in dispute between employers and employees have been rejected or have come to naught. and Whereas an investigation of the said labor conditions with the view of ascertaining the facts and conditions hereinabove outlined. and the causes leading to said strike. and the reasons. if any. why the same has not been adjusted is imperatively demanded and Is desired as well by the executive authority of the State and a large proportion of the citizens of the State as by the miners involved: Therefore be it Resolved. That the Senate Committee on Education and Labor is hereby directed to make a full investigation of the industrial conditions existing in said counties of Las Animas and Huerfano and in such other portions of saId State as are involved therein for the purpose of ascertaining whether the matters and things hereinabove set forth are true. and why the disputes and differences causing said conditions have not been adjusted. and to make such report and recommendations as in its judgment are pertinent and justified by the facts. Said committee or any subcommittee thereof is hereby empowered to sit and act during the sessions of Congress. or of either House thereof. at such time and place as It may deem necessary. to require. by subpoena or otherwise. the attendance of witnesses and production of papers. books. and documents. to employ stenographers at a cost not exceeding $1 per printed page. to take and make a record of all evidence taken and received by the committee and keep a record of Its proceedings. to have such evidence. record. and other matter required by the committee printed.