The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-04-15
MEMPHIS APPEAL.
THUR,DtY, 5: APRIL 10, 1885.
ARRIrRArION IN ENGLAND.

ARBITRATION IN ENGLAND.
With us arbitration in labor ques-
tons his had 80 little practical trial
thst legislation is carried on rather on
III, ore,ical than experimental princi-
pie, AS srbitration is likely, after
tn b,t er experience we are having,
Ia b come a frequent means OF settling
lGr = dr-putes, it is we'll to know under
v" - no lifications it has been found
IL It II 'cessful in England, where the
R,-,rm mas had ample trial. In the
En- lIish coal districts aud iron fur
mace it he's worked well, but probably
the instance most Calcu ated TO be Of
bentti - ourselves is that OF the
hosiery and knitted glove department
Of the town of Nottingham. That de-
paTtmpnt of trade has been famous for
its strikes from the opening of the pres
ent century. The readers Of the poet
ByrCn's works find there speech in
behalf of the framework knotters OF
Nottingham, in which be told the
House Of Lords that when measure
to help the suffering came before
them they dallied over it for months,
but bill that proposed to hang men
whom hunger had driven to violence
could be passed in a few days. The
Nottingham arbitration system has
proved eminent y successful in dis
trict that was eminently hard to deal
with. 1t is a voluntary organic alton,
has board Of twenty-five members,
one-half workmen, the other
manufacturers; these are elected an
nuilly by each class. A question ia
dispute Is first subj ected to commit
tee of inquiry, who ascertain the facts
OF the case, and sometimes are able 80
TO present them as at once to settle dis
pute. The secretary OF the board
must be notified month in advance
of an intention TO claim an
advance OF wages. At the meetings
OF the board the chairman has a cast
ing vote, but should it give dissatis-
faction the aid Of a referee is called
in. II the aid Of secretaries and the
proceedings OF the Committee OF In
quiry have brought no settlement the
matter comes before the whole board.
Here comes in very valuable feature
OF the system. After reference is
made TO arbitration no strike can take
place on the part OF the workmen, nor
any lockout by the employers, until
the decision is rendered. Thus time
is secured for calm and dispassionate
action. The boa'd proceedings are
conducted without stiffness or Cere-
mony. Workmen and employers sit
interspersed, the discussion is con-
Quoted in a neighborly tone, and the
best and iairest decision is made tho
whole can arrive at An umpire is
called in ii the two classes OF repre-
sentatives cannot otherwise agree.
The decisions OF the board are
binding, except as to the future
rate OF wages, as that rate is
liable to be affected by the state
Of trade. The board can only recon-
mend, With all this strikes may oc-
cur under obstinate circumstances,
but the system Is very powerful ID
limiting the number Of such occur
rences. Tue months delay, the
friendly efforts Of the secretaries, the
facts asCertained by aud the concilia-
tory attempts OF the Commit ee Of In.
qutry, all have a modifying effect, and
If they do not of themselves settle
disputes they dispos minds coolly TO
consider and acquiesCe in the decision
Of the board, The whols spirit and
detail Ct the system is admirable, and
is well worthy Of attention among our
own people al the prsfent time. Much
lie gained by allowing time for hot
blood 10 cool, 80 that reason and com.
mon sense may rule rather than the
haSty Impulses Of passion. The delay,
the ctncilist)ry preliminaries and the
deliberate conclusions of the board
are all of character to favor the
maintenance Of ftiendy relations,
aba'e prejudice, avert violence, and to
promote justice equally on behalf Of
employer and workman.