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Capital Journal, Salem, Ore., Monday, April 21, 19529
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tW Government Seizure of the Steel Mills Affects You
Every man and woman who works, every citizen in
America has a stake in the great issues growing out
of the seizure of the steel mills.
If the President has the right to 'seize private prop
erty to enforce union demands, as has been done in
steel, then both the right of property and the continua
tion of collective bargaining are in serious danger.
Even the independence of unions, themselves, will be
in jeopardy.
In looking to the Administration to enforce its de
mands, the union confesses lack of faith in true collec
tive bargaining. It trades political support for Gov
ernment favors.
How has the Administration sought to pay its debts
to the union?
The first fateful step in the chain of events leading
up to the unlawful seizure of the steel industry was
taken early in 1951. Then President Truman knuckled
under to the pressure of union leaders. He gave them
the kind of Wage Stabilization Board they wanted.
The second step was the appointment of the Board
itself. It was a "packed court" with 6 union and 6 so
called "public" members on one side and 6 industry
members on the other.
It was clearly understood that the findings of the
Board in the steel case would be "recommendations"
only and not binding on either party.
These recommendations of the Board, whose first
duty it was to prevent further inflation, called for the
highest wage increase in the history of the Steelwork
ers' Union, and for the COMPULSORY UNION SHOP.
Steelworkers' wages have increased since Korea
about in line with the four big industries-electrical ma
chinery, automobiles, rubber, and meat-packing men
tioned by President Truman. The Wage Board recom
mendation would put steelworker wages far ahead of
these others thus requiring another round of increases
in the industries to "catch up" with steel.
Then came the next step. President Truman in a bit
ter speech, adopting the inflationary recommendations
of the Wage Stabilization Board, announced the seiz
ure of the steel mills.
If the people of America through inertia permit this
illegal action to pass without protest, they will be turn
ing over to the political whim of any President more
and more power over their private lives and property.
That is the well-marked road toward dictatorship. It
is the road traveled by every Fascist and Socialist state.
If the Government can seize steel, it can seize any
business, large or small, any farm, cattle off the range,
or any private property anywhere.
These are the issues invdlved in the gravest Constitu
tional debate since the "court packing" plan of 1937.
II Is Your Fight
This fight does not concern the steel companies
alone. It is the fight of every American citizen.
Jf you are opposed to the illegal seizure of property
by Government to enforce labor union demands, or for
any other purpose, your only recourse is in Congress.
It is your privilege as an American citizen to express
your views to your Congressman and Senators.
Write for copies of Clarence B. Randall's stirring
speech, "These Are the Facts, Mr. President" and book
let "Facts In the Steel Controversy."
STEEL COMPANIES IN THE WAGE CASE
Room 5401, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York 1, N Y.