The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1886-04-28
AN EXECUTIVE LETTER.
Message From the President to Congress- on tn,
Subject Of Labor Troubles.
He Suggests the Creation OF Commis sion
ofLabor, Charged With tlre SstFlyzrsut
Of all Controversies EsesweesP
Labor and Capital.

WAsHMGTo8, April % The Psesjdea. to-
day sent the following message 20. Congress
On the subject OF the labor troubles:
TIC the senate and House of Representative
The Constitution imposes on the President the
duty OF recommending to the consideration III
Congress from time to lime, such measures a. lie
shall judge necessary and expedient.
am so deeply impressed with the importance
OF Immediately ana thoughtfully meeting; the
emergency which recent events have thrust upon
us involving the settlement OF disputes arising
between our labOring men and their employers.
that am constrained to recommend to Congress
legislation upon this serious aud pressing sub
ject. Under form of government, the value OF
labor as an element OF national prosperity should
be distinctly recognized, and the welfare OF the
titled 10 legislative care. In country which
offers TO ali its citizens the highest attainment
%orkpemen ea3 not usSIr or sstey b consid
cred irrevOcably consigned to the limits OF a
class entitled TO no attention and allowed no par
ticuar respect. While the real interests Of labor
are not promoted by a resort 10 threats and yio-
lent manifestations, and while those whom. under
the pTeteXt oil all advocacy oil the claims OF labor
wsntOnly attack the right. of capital and for sci
II. Purpo es or the love OF disorder SOW seeds OF
cOursged or cOnciiSteds All legislation i'm the
subject should be calmly and deliberately uudef-
taken, with no purpose OF satisfying unreasonable
demands or gsining partisan advantage
The present condition CT the relations between
labor and capital are far from satisfactory. The
discomfort OF the employees is due in a large de-
gree TO the grasping eXacttons of employers. aHd
the alleged discrimination in favor OF capital is
an object of governmental solicitation. Ii must
also be conceded that the labOriug men are not
ALWAYS careful to avoid causeipSs and uniIstffia-
bic disturbance. Though the importance of d
better accord between these interests Is apparent
il must be borne in mind that every EFFORT in that
direction by the FEDERAL Government must be
greatly limited by constitutional restrictions.
There are many grievances which legislation b.
Congress can not redress. and many conditions
which can not by such means b. reformed. | am
satisfied, how ever, that something may b. done.
under Federal authority. To prevent the disturb
anceS which so often arise from disputes between
employees and the employed. aud which at times
the country, and in my opinion
the proper theory upon which 70
proceed is that OF voluntary S arb-
But suggest that instead OF arbitrators chosen
in tue heat OF conflicting claims. the shall be
created a commission OF labor consisting OF three
mem bers, who shall be regular officers OF the
Government. charged among other duties with
the consideration aud settlement, when possible
OF all controversies between la Dor aud capital.
commission thus organized would have the
advantage of being stable body. aud its mem
bers as they gained experience. would constantly
improve in their ability to deal intellgenty and
usefuly with the questions which might he sub
mitted to them. Ii arbitrators are chosen for
Temporary service a. each case of dispute arises
experience and familiarity with much that is in
volved in the question will ne lacking. extreme
sought on either side. and frequent complaints
OF uniairnesS ana Partially will he inevitable.
The imposition upon Federal Court or duty,
foreign to the judicial function as the selec.
ton of arbitration in such cases il at least of
doubtful prOprlety. Inc establishment by FEDERAL
authority OF such bureau would be Just aud
sensible recognition of the value of labor, and of
its right TO be represented in the Departments of
the Government. 80 far as its concliatOry Offices
had relation to disturbances which interfered
with transit and commerce between the States
ITS existence would be justified under the provis-
ions OF the constitution which gives TO Congress
the power TO regulate commerce with foreign
Nations and among these States. In the frequent
their employers are of less extent aud the con e.
quepces of which are confined within State limits,
and threaten domestic violence. the interpOstiOn
of such commission might be rendered upon the
application of the Legislature or Executive
OF the state under the constltu,
JiOnal provision which requires the general
government to protect" each OF the states
against domestic violence. III such a commits
sion were fairly organized the risk OF loss of
popular support and sympathy resulting from
taIity would constrain 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
counsel. frequently in the avoidance of cOnten-
ton and misunderstanding.
ii the usefulness of such commission is doubt
full because it might lack power to enforce its de-
ciSions, much encouragement is derived from the
conceded good that has been accom- plished by the
railroad com missions which have been organized
in many of the States, which. having little more
than divSory power, have exerted most Salu-
tory influence in the settlement of disputes be-
tween conflicting interests.
in July, 1884, by a law of Congress bureau of
labor was established and placed in charge OF a
commissioner of labor who is required to col
lect information upon the subject of labor. its
relations with capital, the hours Of labor ana
the earnings of labOring men and wSsnen and the
means of promoting their material, social, intel
leciual and moral prosperity"
The commission which is suggested could east
IN be engrafted upon the bureau thsgEs already Or
ganiZed by the addition OF two or more commits
siOners, and BY supplementing the duties now
imposed apOn is by such other powers aud func-
lions as would permit the commissioners to act
as arbitr8tOrs when necessary between labor and
capital under such limitations anu upon such
occasions should be deemed proper aud use
full
Power shonld also be distinctly conferred upon
this bDoeau TO investigate, the causes OF all dis.
prizes - they occur, whether submitted for arbi-
IT, DIT not. that information may always
1, ..,and to aid legislation on the subject when
necessary and desirable.
GRsgEH CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, April - 1886.