William O. Douglas

“ These technology cannot countenance. Liberty under law presupposes the supremacy of politics. It presupposes the possibility, for example, that political deliberation might lead to the decision to postpone the introduction of a new machine. Technology, on the other hand, asserts that what we can do is worth doing ”

“ In other words, the employees have the protection against unemployment for 4 years, but the Commission is not required to give them benefits for any longer period. If the employees themselves make an agreement with the railroad company for a better or a longer period, that is a matter between the railroad men and the railroads, but this 4-year limitation is established by the pending conference agreement. ”

“ We believe that railway labor substantially agrees in that viewpoint. We take nothing from labor by this agreement.' (Italics added.) Mr. Wolverton, another House Conferee, stated: [12]
'It was recognized that the real intent of the sponsors was to save railroad employees from being suddenly thrust out of employment as the result of any consolidation or merger entered into.' (Italics added.)
These are the statements [13] which, the Court says, 'are entitled to the greatest weight' in interpreting the proviso. ”

“ The toll which economic and technological changes will make on employees is so great that they, rather than the capital which they have created, [14] should be the beneficiaries of any doubts that overhang these legislative controversies when they are shifted to the courts. ”