Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-08-24
THE LABOR QUESTION.
Away Out Of the Present Troubls
Suggested. - .-.,....--.- L@~... /.
STATE OF AFFAIRS ELSEWHERE.

WASHINGTON, August 23.-The communi.
cation of the President OF the Federation
of Labor Unions Of Washington, addressed
to T. V. Powderly, Chairman OF the Execu-
tive Board of knights OF Labor, Scranton;
John Jarrett, President Of the Amalsa-
mated Association OF Iron and Steel Work
ers, Pittsburgh, and other representatives,
Of labor organizations throughout the
country, narrating the substance Of an In.
teryiew with Senator Blair, Chairman Of
the Committee on Education aud Labor,
charged with the inquiry into the causes Of
strikes, condition OF the working CLASSES.
relations Of capital and labor. 30. It. y m
ported here, has been
Attended with Good Results
for the present at least The main points
of Senator Blair's observations respecting
the scope and character OF the labor inves-
tigations of his committee were stated In
this correspondence in all interview with
that gentlemen some days ago. He now
says that the plan OF operations there mark.
ed out has been adopted, and the commit.
tee will 20 to work - - whole. - already
stated, Immediately after the election. In
the mean time the subcommittee, Senators
Aldrich, OF Rhode Island, and Miller. OF
New York, entrusted with report spou
the
Com parative CsnAitiess Or Labor aaG
wages
in Europe and the United States, will be at
work 30 as to be able TO report when the
full committee comes together. Much OF
the examination will be predicated upon
the results OF the inquiries OF this sub-com.
mittee, as il will give starting point a.
showing the defects Of the labor system OF
Europe and point ont where the American
system can be improved TO the benefit OF
all concerned. Acting upon the advice OF
Senator Blair, the suggestion contained In
the communication above referred 10, that
all strikes should cease and workingmen
should
Return TO Work On the Best Terms Pes.
sibIe.
will give the Senate Committee chance TO
work out some plan Of relief Or redress.
without having TO combat q state OF war
between labor and capital. and necessarily
have its Investigations more or less affected
by the heat and prejudices Of the contro-
vcrsy. Senator Blair appreciates the gravi.
ty OF the situation, and says that he will
expedite matters ~ much rs possible, % ~
to reach some preliminary action, at least,
at the next session OF Congress. lie has
already made arrangements To place tho
III WIN wv
principle labor organizations throughout
the country. so that he
Anticipates no Trouble
in attaining fair exposition OF the trials,
grievances and necessities OF Labor - they
appear from the standpoint Of the working
men themselves.
The suggestion In the letter mentioned
that IL the committee should fail to do
something and simply add another exam
pie of legislative jugglery when labor u: ai.
fected. a general strike could bc called
within thirty days after the adjournment
Of Congress, and bring matters down to
close quarters. There is no doubt OF Srna.
tor Blair's sincerity in the premises, but ~
the labor problem Is one Of deep signib.
canoe end diverse and far.reaching ramif.
cations. Il is hoped here that I he wor king
men will not be CARRIED away by too hasty
Judgment or excessive demands, but will
frankly and fairly cooperate with the COM
mittee in bringing about some tangible,
practical and permanent results.