The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-09
PRAYER OF LABORERS GRANTED.
Judge Speer Renders a Decision In tho
Central Brotherhood Case.


MACON. GA. April s.-Judge Emory
Speer rendered a decision in the United
States Circuit Court here upon petition
brought by members of the Brotherhood
Of Locomotive Engineers, through Hon.
r. w Patterson, OF the Macon bar, pray
ing the court to carry the contract with
the Brotherhood which was in force when
the receiver was appointed for the Georg-
gia Central road.
The following are extracts from the
opinion "a Judge Speer: Cases are fire.
quent where persons entrusted with cor
porate properties have applied TO the
courts for the prevention or redress OF
grievances threatened or inflicted by Ia
Dor organizations. This is the first in
stance of which we have any informa-
ton where members OF such IN Associa-
tion have. by concerted action In an
orderly way. sought arbtrament OF a
court TO have settled a controversy rela-
tive to the wages and conditions OF their
employment. IL viii be observed that
much of the receivers answer Is an argu-
ment against the propriety and policy
Of contracts Of any character between the
officers Of railway corporations and the
representatives of labor organizations.
The gravity and importance Of tho con-
siderauons thus presented are exceed
fnplv great. The control under any cir
cumstances by the courts Of contracts
between representatives OF the immense
values interested with corpora
tions engaged in the public
duty Of transportation and the
laborers employed in the same ser
vice will doubtless appear 10 many as
novel and dangerous. II Is Wen' now
ever. TO consider II proper provision ny
appeal 10 the court IN the frequent ana
destructive conflicts between organized
capital and organized labor Will not az
ford the simplest, most satisfactory ana
effective method for the settlement OF
such controversies, II not the only
method by which the public. and indeed
the parties themselves, can be protected
from the inevitable hardship and loss
which all must endure from the fire.
ouently recurring strikes. The power OF
the court has always. on proper occa-
sions been exhOrted 10 protect
the properties under It's con-
troll from the damaging and
unlawful results of a strike Of the labor
ers I'm its employ Certainly 1t follows'
then. that It is in the power of the court
I'm the interest Of public order and for the
protection of the property under lis con-
troll 10 direct suitable ARRANGEMENT
with its employees or officers, 10 provide
compensation and conditions Of their en-
plovment. and 10 avoid. II possible, an
interruption Of their labor and duty,
which will be disastrous 70 the trust ana
Injurious 10 the public There is no rea-
son why the receivership in this respect
should be conducted in a manner differing
rom the large preponderance OF the sue
cessful and prosperous railroads OF the
country.
Anv Of these contracts or schedules are
IN evidence. We are satisfied from these
facts that such arrange, rent under proper
restrictions are praiseworthy and oene-
fetal TO the parties. fnd we therefore
shall not longer hesit re to direct the
receiver 10 enter into promissory con-
tract which. however. .,in not be re-
etricted TO the members Of the Brother
hood Of Locomotive Engineers, as the
membership of this order Is and Will be
no disqualification TO service on railroads
under the control Of this court 30 long
as the rules and regulatins OF the ORDER
ara treated as subordinate 70 the law or
tho land The contract will comprehend
all engineers employed by the receiver
whether members or not members OF the
brotherhood.