The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-03-23
Arbitration Is Practical.

In connection with the proposition to
form a state board of arbitration IN Indi-
ana, it will be of interest to consider
some OF the cases in which arbitration has
been tried as a continuing remedy or pre-
ventive of labor troubles. The oldest of
these in England is the board of arbitra-
ton and Cancellation of the hosiery and
Rlave trade. which was formed in 1860.
This industry had always been subject to
serious troubles, and in the course OF them,
from ITO to 1860, there was a startling
list of crimes committed, many OF which
were punished by death. In 1860 there
were three strikes, and there was every
prospect OF serious difficulty, when,
through the efforts of Mr. \. J. MUNDELLA,
one of the manufacturers, this board was
formed by agreement between the manu-
facturers and the men. 1t consists of
twenty-five members, one-half from each
side and elected for one year by the inter
ests they represent. Within this is asmaller
organization called the committee of in
quirv, and each side OF the board has sec
rotary.
When q question arises the secretaries
settle il If possible. II thew fail the COM
mittee OF inquiry is called il, and if uu-
able, it goes to the board. II the board
divides evenly an umpire is called. The
board meets quarterly, and months
notice is required before any change Of
wages is considered. Neither strike nor
lockout is permitted pending the trial Of
a case. The results Of this boards work
have been most remarkable. Not only
have strikes and lockouts become I'M
known, but there has developed n
mutual respect and friendly feeling be-
tween the employers and the men that has
greatly advanced the interests of both.
Another instance is the manufactured
iron trade in the north OF England.
This industry began 10 be of importance
only third of a century ago, and it's
board OF arbitration was formed by
agreement, in 1859. after numerous
strikes and lockouts. The board
consists of two members from each es-
adjustment represented. one chosen by
the owners and tho other by the oper-
atives Tho board elects n standing COM
mitteo from It's members which considers
oil questions and settles most OF them,
though II has no power 10 make an award
except by consent Of tho parties inter
ested. Tho expenses are shared equally
by the employees and owners, and usually
average $500 TO $4,000 per annum, n
large part OF which Ia for the attendance
Of witnesses. This board has successfully
dealt with oil questions that have arisen.
a third instance is seen in tho Durham
and Northumberland coal mines, where
the system OF arbitration has been stead
lily followed from 1871, though without n
standing board. In that year organizations
were formed, both among the miners and
tho owners Of the colieries, and tho OK
ecutive officers OF those two associations
have succeeded in adjusting all differences
that arose until tho present one. They
usually came TO agreement among them
selves, but occasionally called In arbi-
traitors or an umpire. A somewhat sim
liar system has been in vogue in the iron
trade at Pittsburg but II has not been 40
successful In preventing strikes and lock-
outs.
These, OF course, are instances Of volun.
tary resorts 10 arbitration as a method OF
settling labor disputes, but they demon
strate that arbitration can be applied sue
oessfully for that purpose, notwithstand-
ing the somewhat indefinite nature OF the
questions that must necessarily arise. IL
is probably true that any system OF Rrbi-
tration must be TO some extent voluntary,
but there can always be at least compul-
sorry investigation of controversies and a
decision by disinterested tribunal on the
merits of the questions involved. This
will afford safe ground for public senti-
ment, and it has been shown by expert
ence that neither strike nor lockout can
stand in the face Of public sentiment IL
has also been shown that where state
arbitration system has been adopted there
has been steady growth OF favor for it