The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-03

that there was no way to enforce the judgment
of the arbitrators and, therefore, IL was null
lity He had not the least concern on that
score. He had no fear that after the railway
corporations and their employees had united Ia
an arbitration its judgment would be dis
obeyed or not be acquiesced in as final and con-
elusive. Refusal to obey the judgment OF the
arbitration would be the exception and not the
rule, and an award honestly reached would be
eacredly observed. Either party believing 1t
had a genuine grievance, and inviting the other
to arbitrate, would occupy vantage ground
which the other could not successfully combat
There was sense of fair play among the peo-
ple Crvstallized into public opinion, and no
railroad corporation, no labor union couio long
hold cut against fair demand backed by will
lngness to submit the justice OF that demand to
q board of competent arbitrators He believed
In arbitration as principle and thought that it
should prevail in the settlement OF international
differences. It represented higher civilization
than the arbitrament of war. 1t was IN accord
with the best thoughts and sentiments of man
kind; it was the true way OF settling
differences between capital and labor. 1t would
sring both to better understanding avoiding
strikes and lockouts. avoiding force, avoiding
unjust exactions and oppression, avoiding dis
turbances to trade and transportation, and II
this House could arbitrate in the smallest meas.
IRE, by legislative expression or otherwise, to
this end, it would receive the gratitude OF all
ulen who loved peace, good order, justice and
fair play.
Mr.. Hewitt, of New York, opposed the bill,
and said the proft-sharing system was the final
solution of this great question. What the work
men required was a perfect understanding.
When they had perfect organizations, and came
TO railroad corporations and demanded arbitra-
ton. they would not only get 1t by the force
they had in their organization, but they would
be welcomed by their employers here, as they
were now in Great Britain, as bringing great
solution to the question.
Mr. Lawler. of Illinois. said that the oppo-
nents of this bill had had three long months to
prepare opinions upon the question, and had not
done So Passing on to the consideration of the
strike on the Missouri Pacific. he said that, with
out wishing to become communistic in his utter
ances, he was free to say that If Jay Gould was
hung to a lamp post in New York. it would be
blessing to the community known as the United
States. Laughter The action of Jay Gould
might cost hundreds and thousands OF lives
throughout the Western States. The death of
man like this was nothing compared with what
might occur if the difficulties were not settled in
/; those States. There was no sentimental basis
In this matter. It was justice to the workman.
There was no harm in this bill, and the discus
sion of 1t had healthy effect upon the country.
It was an honest bill, and If there was any
thing wrong with it Congress could repeal it at
any time.
Mr. Breckinridge's motion was defeated.
Mr.. Kelley, of Pennsylvania offered an
amendment, appropriating $500 for the pay
ment of expenses of arbitration. Rejected.
On motion of Mr.. Lowry, of Indiana, an
amendment was adopted providing that in no
ssase shall any witness be compelled to disclose
the secrets or produce the records OF any labor
organization Of which he may be an officer or
member.
Mr. Warner Of Ohio, would vote for tho bill,
but with many misgivings as to whether it
would benefit the laboring classes OF the coun-
cry, and In this connection he quoted from
communication to Mr.. Curtin. of Pennsylvania.
from Mr.. Powderly in which the latter gentle
man said: by all means in your power, en-
deavor to have the light of congressional in
vestigation thrown on these men who owe
much to the American people, who Cypress
their workmen in the name of the law. You
will find great deal to accomplish in this inves-
tgation, and it will do great deal of good to
the people"
Mr.. Farquhar, of New York. supported the
bill.
Mr.. Glover of Missouri, said that labor would
not be content with the fraud and deceit en-
bodied in this bill. It was constitutional abor-
ton, and had nothing wherein to stand. 1t
would not receive a vote which would not be
vote of supposed expediency. He denounced it
In the name of capital; he denounced it in the
name of labor, because it offered stone and not
bread. And in the name of the suffering coun-
try, of the whole Southwest, he denounced it as
an insult to the intelligence of the merchants
and of the workmen, on whose credulity and ig-
norance it was not safe to longer trade Refer
ring TO the epithet used by Mr.. O'Neill of scon-
stitutiona1 cranks," he wished to say to that
gentleman, who was known as constitutional
lawyer among base ballsts, and as base-ballist
among constitutional lawyers, that there was no
foundation on which this bill could stand. He
wished to enforce the idea that gentlemen who
voted for this bill would find capital, and labor,
and the public denouncing their votes.
The second section of the bill was agreed to,
with certain amendments recommended by the
committee on labor, and the third and fourth
BectioEs were agreed to without change. While
Che fifth section was under consideration, for the
purpose of limiting debate, but before a motion
to that end could be submitted. motion to take
recess until 1880 was agreed to, the evening
session being for consideration of pension bills
Mr. O'Neill, of Missouri, gave notice that he
would tomorrow ask the House to set aside the
special order for that day-the consideration of
the report from the coinage committeeman pro-
coed to consideration of the arbitration bill.
The first and second sections OF the bill, as
agreed upon, provide for board of arbitration
which shall possess the power belonging to
United States commissioners appointed by the
Circuit Court of the United States, but in no
case shall any witness be compelled to disclose
the secrets or produce the records or proceedings
of aay labor organization of which he may be an
officer member; and any order, finding, conclu-
sions or award made by majority OF arbitrator
shall be of the force and effect if all the
arbitrator concurred therein or united in making
the same
The House. at It's evening session, passed
thirty Ave pension bills and adjourned