Iron County register., 1886-04-29
THE PRESIDENTS. MESSAGE

THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
To Congress Recommending Legislator
For the Formation of . National Labor
Commission to Take Cognizance OF Dif'
ferences Arising Between Employer ane
Emp1oye,
WASHINGTON, April 23.-The President
to-day sent the following message to
Congress upon the subject of the labor
troubles:
To the Senate and House of Representatives: !:
The constitution imposes on the Presidents
the duty of recommending to the considera-
tfon OF Congress from time to time sucn
measures as he shall judge necessary and
am so deeply impressed with the import
ance of Immediately and thoroughly meet
ing the problem which recent events and a
present condition have thrust upon us, IN
volving the settlement of disputes rising De-
tween the laboring men and their employ
Congress legislation upon this serious and
pressing subject. Under our form OF govern .
ment, the value of labor as an element OF
National prosperity should be distinct
ly recognized, and the welfare of the labor
ing man should be regarded as espe-
ciaIIy entitled to legislative care. In a coun-
try which offers to all its citizens the high
est attainment of social and political dis
tinction, it's work kingmen can not justly or
safely be considered irrevocably con-
signed to the limits of a class and entitled to
no attention and allowed no protest against
Ii
hand an Indispensable contribution to our
growth and progress, may well insist, with
manly courage and as ri4ht, upon the
same recognition from those who make our
laws as is accorded to any other citizen hav
ing valuable interest in charge; and his
reasonable demand should be met in such
spirit OF appreciation and fairness as to in
duce contented and patriotic cooperation
in the achievement of grand National des-
tiny.
While the real interests of labor are not
promoted by resort to threats and violent
manifestations, and while those who, under
the pretext of an advocacy of the claims of
labor, wantonly attack the rights of capital.
and for that selfish purpose or the love of
disorder SOW seeds of violence and discon-
tent, should neither be encouraged nor con
ciiated, all legislation on the subject should
be calmly and deliberately undertaken, with
no purpose of satisfying unreasonable de-
mandS or gaining partisan advantage.
The present condition of the relations be-
tween labor and capital are far from salts
factory. The discomfort of the employed Is
due in large degree to the grasping and
needless exactons of employers and the
alleged discrimination in favor okcapital is
object of Governmental attention. 1t
must also be conceded that the laboring
men are not always careful to avoid cause
the Importance of a better accord between
these interests is apparent, it must be borne
in mind that any effort in that direction by
the Federal Government must be greatly
limited by constitutional restrictions TIL ere
are many grievances which legislation by
Congress can not redress. and many condi-
tions which can not by such means be re-
formed.
am satisfied, however that some things
may be done under Federal authority to pre-
vent the disturbances which often arise
from disputes between EMPLOYERS and the
employed, and which at times seriously
threaten the business interests of the couu-
try; and in my opinion the proper theory
upon which to proceed is that of voluntary
arbitration as the means of settling these
difficulties. But suggest that instead of ar
bitrators chosen in the heat conflicting
claims, and after each dispute shall arise,
there be created commission of labor, con-
sisting of three mem bers, who shall be regu-
lar officers of the Government, charged,
among other duties, with the consideration
and settlement, when possible. of all contro-
versies between labor and capital.
a commission thus organized would have
the advantage of being stable body, and
its mefnbers, ass they gained experience,
Sea ~see wth the
Il arbitrators are psen for temporary
perience and famlIia~-S with much that is
involved in the question will be lacking,
and an eer bas will be nd hs
frequent complaints of unfairness and par
tiality will be inevitable. The imposition
upon Federal Court of a duty foreign to
the judicial function. as the selection or an
in such cases, is at least of doubt
PePety The by
and sensible recognition of the value OF
labor, and of its right to be represented in
the departments of the Governments.
So far as its conciliatory offices shal have
relation to disturbances which interfere
with transit and commerce between tie
the provisions of the Constitution which gives
to Congress the power to regulate commerce
with foreign nations and among the several
States. And in the frequent disputes be-
tween the laboring men and their employ
which are confined within State limits, and
threaten domestic violence. the interposi-
ton of such commission might be ten.
dered upon the application of the Legisla-
ture or Executive of a State, under the con-
stitutional provision which requires the Cen
eral Government to "protect" each State
against domestic violence
Ii such commission were fairly organ
ICED. the risk of loss of popular support
submit to SO peaceful an instrumentality
would constrain both parties to such dis
putes to invoke it's interference and abide
by its decisions. There would also be good
reason to hope that the very existence of
such an agency would invite application to
it for advice and counsel, frequently result
ing in the avoidance OF contention and mis-
1nderst andng.
II the usefulness of such a commission is
doubtful, because it might lack power to en-
force its decisions, much encouragement is
derived from the conceded good that has
missions which have been organized in
many of the States, which, having but lit
lie more than advisory. power, have ex-
erted a most salutary influence in the settle
ests.
In July. 1884, by a law of Congress, Bu-
charge of a commissioner of labor who is
required to "coIlect information upon the |
subject of labor, its relations with capital, |
,he hours of labor, and the earnings of |
aboring men and women, and the means of |
their material, social. intellectual |
md moral prosperity"
The commission which suggest could cas-
ly be engrafted upon the bureau thus al |
t ady organized by the addition of two more |
and by supplementing the
1uties now imposed upon 1t by such other |
powers and functions as would permit the |
m g
between labor and capital, under
such limitations and upon such occasions as |
should be deemed proper and useful.
Power should also be distinctly conferred |
lpon this bureau to investigate the causes |
# all disputes as they occur, whether SUBJ (
nitted for arbitration or not, so that infor- |
nation may always beat hand to aid legis. |
alton on the subject when necessary and |
desirable.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANs!lG, April p, l0ss.