The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-04-29

and familiarity with much that is involved in the
question will be lacking. Extreme partisanship
and bias will he the qualification sought on either
side and frequent complaints of unfairness and
partiality will he inevitable. Imposition on the
federal courts of duty as foreign to the judicial
function, tie selection of an arbitrator in snch
cases, is at least Il doubtful nropriety The estab
lshmenf, by federal autht t., of such bureau
would he a just and sensible r, cognition of the
value of labor, of its right 10 be represent in
the departments OF government. So far
aon its to cOn' ths dis GfsIs had which
interfered with the transit and commerce between
the statee its existence would be justified under
the provisions of the constitution which gives to
congress the power to regulate commerce with for
eign ma ions among the several states: and in the
frequent disputes between lhbOring men and their
employers, of less extent, and the consequences of
which are confined within state limit and threat
IN domestic violence, the lnterpOstion of such
commission might be rendered ON application of
the legislature executive of state under constr
tutional provision which requires the general gov
e!nm mt 70
PROTECT EACH STATE
against domestic violence.
If such a commission were fairly organized, the
risk of a loss of popular support and sympathy
resulting from a refusal to submit to so peaceful
an instrnmentality would constrain both parties to
sucn dispute TO invoke its interference and abide
by it decisions. There would also be a good rea-
son to hope that the very existence Of such an
agency would invite application TO it for advice
and counsel, frequently resulting In the avoidance
of contention and misunderstanding. If the Use
fulness OF such a commission is doubtful, because
ii might lack power to enforce its decisions, much
encouragement is derived from the conceded good
that has been accomplished by railroad commits
sions which have been organized in many of the
states, which, having little more than ordinary
power have eXerted most salutary influence in
the settlement of disputes in conflicting interests
In July, 1884, by law of congress, the bureau of
labor was established and placed in charge of
commissioner of labor, who was required to ''co-
lect information upon the subject of labor, its re-
latiOns to capital, hours of labor, and earning. of
laboring men and women, and means of pronOt-
ing their material, social, intellectual and moral
The commission which | suggest
could be easily engrafted on the bureau thus al.
ready organized. by the addition of two more com
mlssioners, and by experimenting duties now i'm
posed on 1t by such other powers and functions rs
would permit the commissioners to act as arbitra.
tors, when necessary, between labor and capital,
under such limitations and upon such 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
cur, whether submitted for arbitration or not so
that information may always be at hand to aid leg
iiaton on the subject when necessary and de-
sirabe. GROVER CLEVELAND
EXECUTIVE MANSION, April ~. 1886