The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-04-23
ARBITRATION COMMISSION.
Presids nj Cleveland Believes that Con-
grtss Should Provide for the Set
Ting Of Labor Difficulties.
A MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.

Yesterday sent the following message to
congress on the subject of the labor
troubles:
10 the Senate and House Of Representa-
tires:
The constitution imposes on the prcsi-
dent the duly of recommending to the
OF congress from time to
time such measures as he shall judge nee
essary aud expedient. | am so deeply
impressed with the Importance of imme-t
dmlciy aud theu3htfully meeting the
problem. which recent events and The
present condition have thrust upon US,
involving settlement of the disputes
arising between our laboring men and
their employers. that | am constrained to
recommend to congress legislation upon
this serious and pressing subject. Under
our form of government the value of
labor AS an element of national prospect
ty should be distinctly recognized and the
welfare of the laboring man should be
regarded AS especially entitled to legisls-
tive care. 10 country which offers to
all its citizens the highest attainment,
social and political distinction, its work
ing men can not justly or safely he cons
sidered as irrevocabiy consigned TO the
limits OF class and entitled to no atten>
ton and allowed no protest against
neglect. The laboring man bearing in
his hand an indispensable contribution to
our growth and progress may well insist
with manly courage and as light upon
the same recognition from those who
make our laws. as is accorded to any
other citizen having valuable interests in
charge, aud lis reasonable demand should
be met 10 such a spirit of appre-
citation and fairness az to induce
contcnted and patriotic cooperation
in the achievement of a grand nation
al destiny. While the real interests Of
labor are not prevented by resort to
threats and violent manifestations, and
while those who under pretext OF an ads
vocncy OF the claims of labor. wantonly
attack the rights of capital and tor selfish
purposes or II love of disorder SOW the
seeds Of violence and discomfort, should
neither be encouraged nor coDciliated.
All legislation on the subject should be
calmly aud deliberately undertaken, with
no purpose OF satisfying unreasonable
demands or gaining partisan advantage.
The present condition of the relations be-
tween labor and capital are far from sat
islactory. The discomfort of the ems
ployed Is due in large degree to the
grasping and needless exactions of EN-
ployers and alleged determinations in
favor of capital rs an object of govern
mental attention. 1t must also be con-
ceded that laboring men are not always
careful TO avoid eauseless and uniustifia-
bic disturbances. Though the import
ance of a better accord between these in
terests is apparent, it must be born in
mind that any effort in that direction by
the federal government must be greatly
limited by constitutional restrictions.
There are many grievances, which legis-
lation by congress cannot redress and
many conditions, which cannot by such
means be reformed. am satisfied, how
ever, that something may be done under
federal authority to prevent disturbances,
which SO often arse by disputes between
the employer and employed and which al
times seriously threaten the business in
terests of the country, and in my opin
ION the proper theory on which to pro-
coed is that of voluntary arbitration as q
means OF settling these difficulties, but
suggest that instead of arbitrators chosen
IN the heat of conflicting claims and at
ter each dispute shall arise, there be
created commission of labor con-
sisting of three members, who
shall be regular officers of the govern,
ment charged among other duties with
the consideration and settlement, when
possible, OF all controversies between la.
Dor and capital. The commission thus
organized would have the advantage OF
being stable body and its members, Us
they gained experience, would constantly
improve IN their ability TO deal intelli>
gently and usefully with questions which
might be submitted to them. If the ar
btratOrs are chosen for temporary ser
vice, as each case of dispute arises, the
, experience and familiarity with much that
is involved in a question, will be lacking
Extreme craftsmanship and bias will be
the qualifications sought on either side
and frequent complaints of unfairnes:
and Partially will be an inevitable impo,
sition upon the federal court of duty
foreign 10 Judicial function. The selec
ton OF an arbitrator in such cases Is a
least of doubtful propriety. The estab.
lishment by federal authority Of such {
bureau would be a just and sensibl,
recognition of the value Of labor and Of
its rights to be represented in the depart.
meDt Of the government so far as its con
ciliatUry offices had relation to disturb
ances, which interfered with transit and
commerce between the states. Its ex
istence would be justified under the pro-
visions OF The constitution. which gives
to congress power to regulate commerce
with foreign nations and among the sew.
eral states and in frequent disputes be-
tween laboring men and their employers
OF less extent and the consequences Of
which are confined within state limit
and threaten domestic violence, the inter
position 0f such commission might b,
rendered upon application of the legisla
ture or the executive of the state u nde
constitutional provision, which requires
the general government to protect eacl
of the states against domestic violence.
Ii such commission were fairl,
organized, the risk of loss o
popular support and sympathy resultin,
from refusal To submit to so peaceful
an fundamentally would cOnstrain boil
parties to such disputes to invoke its in