The representative., 1894-12-26
TO SETTLE STRIKES.
Bill Originated by Labor COmmis-
siOner Wright.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 1S.-Labor
Commissioner Wright has sent to Repre-
sentative Erdman, of Pennsylvania, the
draft of a bill for the national arbitration
OF strikes. The measure was prepared by
Mr. Wright and his associates on the
strike commission appointed by President
Cleveland to Investigate the great Chicago
strike. Such arbitration was recommended
IN the commissions report and the bill
now gives the practical details of their
plan. plan It differs entirely from the arbitra-
ton bill heretofore introduced by Repre-
sentative Springer, being more elaborate
and precise in it's details. Mr.. Erdman
The e of fee It bill in m the H
Carriers engaged in Interstate Commerce
and their Employees"
1t is modelled after the Interstate COM
merce act as that act has received juris-
diction In almost every section. 1t pro-
v1des for the appointment by the presi-
dent, with the advice and consent of the
senate, of a commission consisting of five
persons. to be known as The United
states Board of Cancellation and Arbitra-
uon. Not more than three of the com
came political party. One of them shall
nave had experience in the management
of railroads and the other is to be Sc
lected from some incorporated association
OF railway employees. The commission
shall have authority to inquire into the
conditions of all employees subject to the
act, and shall have the right to obtain
trom common carriers all necessary in
formation. The provisions of the inter-
state commerce act are closely followed in
TINS respect. The commission has the pow
er to make all necessary rules and reguIa-
tions and may administer oathS. The sal
ary of each commissioner shall be $500
per annum; the secretary to be appointed
shall have salary of $3.50O. The principal
offices of the commission shall be in the
city of Washington where it's general ses-
s1ons shall be held, but special sessions
may be held anywhere in the United
States. An annual report shall be submit
ted and publication of the reports and
10 hOr 0nd CI,o
competent evidence in all courts Of the
United States.
The bill provides that the system of ar
bitration and conciliation shall apply to
common carriers engaged in the transport
alton between. the states of passengers
and property by railroad and by water,
and to all persons and corpora tions leas-
ing cars used for such transportation and
all their employees wages paid in such
and regulations shall be reasonable and
just. not, however, taking away the right
to make contracts.
IN CASE OF STRIKES
Whenever it shall come to the knowledge
Of the commission that a strike or contro-
versy between those subject to the act is
threatened or has occurred it shall be it's
duty as soon as practicable to put itself in
communication with both parties, and en-
deavor by mediation or conciliation to effect
a settlement. Likewise upon the request of
employees or corporations, as well as of it's
own volftion, it may make an investigation.
All reports Of Investigations and mediations
and the findings of fact therein shall be
prima facfe evidence as to each and every
fact, and be given due weight in all judi
cial proceedings, and the attorney general
of the United States, to whom the same
shall be transmitted, shall take such action
as is necessary. During the tendency of an
arbitration 1t is not lawful for an en-
ployer to discharge an emp!oye, nor for such
strikes, nor to quit employer without - 80
seS. De-. c.:e. s:"e a1ie violation of this progis-
ion is made misdemeanor. IS
In section 13 the incorpora ton of employees
IS encouraged, and chapter 067. United
States statutes 1855, is enlarged so as to
such association shall contain provision
that membership shall cease by participa-
ting in schemes of violence, strikes. etc,
and that members shall not be personally
liable for any acts, DEBTS or Obliga tions 4Of
the organization. Whenever receivers sap-
pointed by the federal courts are in control
Of a railroad, the employees shall have the
right to be heard in the courts upon all
questions affecting the terms of their en-
DlOyment and no reduction in wages shall
be made by the receivers without the au-
thOrity of the court after due notice.
1t is further made a mSdemeanor for any
officer or employer to require employees to
enter into an agreement not to become a
threaten an employe with loss of employ
ment discrimination because of such
membership, or to require such employees to
become members of a beneficial organiza-
ton.
The purpose is to have the bill considered
by the labor committee of the house at an
early day There is no doubt of a favorable
report on it, and it is hoped to secure con-
sidera ticn for it in the house soon after the
holidays. Messrs. Sargent, Arthur, and
other chiefs of railway labor organizations
are now in Washington, and will be con-
suited concerning the measure.