The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1886-04-30
The PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

To Congress recommending eEASAaNAO1
For the Formation of National Labor
Commission to Take COgnizance of DIFF
ferenees Arising Between Employer and
EmpIOye,
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 President
the duty of recommending to the considera-
ton of Congress from time to time such
measures as he shall judge necessary and
lam so deeply impressed with the import
ance of Immediately and thoroughly meet
ing the problem which recent events and q
present condition have thrust upon US, in
vOlving the settlement of disputes rising be-
tween the lab0ring men and their employ
ers, that am constrained to recommend to
Congress legislation upon this serious ana
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-
caily entitled to legislative care. In a coun-
try which offers to all its citizens the high
est attainment of social and political dis
tinctiOn, its wOrkingmen can not justly or
safely be considered as irrevocably con-
signed to the limits of q class and entitled to
no attention and allowed no protest against
neglect- 1he laoorlng man, bearing IN ms
hand an Indispensable contribution to our
growth and progress, may well insist with
same recognition from those who make our
laws as Is accorded to any other citizen hav-
ing a valuable interest in charge; and his
reasonable demand should be met in such
spirit OF appreciation and fairness to in
duce a cOntented and patriotic co operation
in the achievements OF u grand National des-
Whfe 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
laoor, wantonly attack the rights of capital,
and for that selfish purpose or the love OF
disorder sow seeds of violence and dtscOn-
IA
ciliated, ali legislation on the subject should
be calmly ana deliberately undertaken, with
70 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 exactiOns of employers. and the
alleged discrim! nation in favor of capital IS
object of Governmental attention. It
must also be conceded that the laboring
men are not always careful to avoid cause
less and uniustifiable disturbances. Though
the Importance OF better accord between
these interests IS apparent IL must De oorne
in mind that any effort in that direction by
the Fedet al Government must be greatly
limited by constitutional restrictions III 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 so often arise
from disputes between employers and the
employed, and which at times seriously
threaten the business interests of the coun-
try; and in my opinion the proper theory
upon which to proceed is that of voluntary
arbitration the means of settling these
difficulties. But I suggest that instead of ar
btrarOrs chosen in the heat conflicting
there be created commission of labor. con-
sisting of three members, who shall be regu-
among other duties, with tire consideration
and settlement, when possible, of all contro-
VERSES between labor and capital.
commission thus organized would have
the advantage of being stable body, and
It's members, as tney cameo experience,
would constantly improve IN their ability to
deal inteliigently and usefully with the
questions which might be submitted 20 them.
Il arbttfatOrs are CHOSEN IOr temporary
service as each case of dispute arises, ex-
perlence and familiarity with much that is
involved in the question viii be lacking,
extreme p8rtisanship and bias will be the
qualifications sought either side and
frequent complaints of unfairness and par
tiality will be inev table. The imposition
upon a Federal Court of a duty foreign to
the judicial function as the selection or an
arbitrator in such cases, Is at least of doubt
fuI propriety The establishments by Federal
authority OF such a bureau would be a just
and sensible RECOGNITION of the value of
labor, and of its right to be represented in
the departments of the Government
So far as its cOnciiatory offices shall have
relation to disturbances which interfere
with transit and commerce between the
States its existence would be justified under
the provisions Of the Constitution which gives
to Congress the power to regulate cOmmeEce
with foreign nations and among the several
States. Aud 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 a comm ssion might be ten.
deTed, upon the application of the Legisla-
ture or Executive of a State, under the con-
stitutOnal provision which requires the Gen
eral Government to ''proteet'' each State
against domestic violence"
If such a commits IN were fairly organ
lied, the risk of l. of popular support
and sympathy resulting from refusal to
submit to so peaceful an fnstrumentality
would constra1n both parties to such dis
putes to invoke its 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-
understanding.
Il 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
been accomplished by the railroad com
missions which have been organized in
many of the states, which, having but lit
ettad most salntery influenza In the SETTLE.
ment OF Disputes between conflicting inter
ests
reau OF Labor was established and placed in
charge of a commissioner of labor, who is
subject OF labor its relations with capital,
the houls of labor, and the earnings of
Ihboring men and women, and the means of
promoting their material, social, intellectual;
and moral prosperity"
The commission which suggest could cas-
lily be engrafted upon the bureau thus al
ready organized by the addition of two more
commissioners, ana Dy experimenting the
duties now imposed upon it by such other
powers and functions as would permit the
Commissioners to act as arbitrators when
necessary between labor and capital, under
such limitations and upon sucn occasions as
should be deemed proper and useful.
Power should also be distinctly conferred
upon this bureau to investigate the causes
of all disputes they occur, whether sub.
mittcd for arbitration or not, so that infor-
nation may always be at hand to aid legis-
lation on the subject when necessary and
desirable.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, April p, 1886