The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-11-28

special message of April %, 1886 His
view then was that a large percentage of
labor troubles might be prevented or
speedily ended by voluntary arbitration,
and that arbitration would be forwarded
by the formation OF a national committee
with sufficient powers and fair organiza-
ton. He said:
But suggest that instead of arbitrators
chosen in the heat of conflicting claims,
and after each dispute shall arise for the
purpose OF determining the same, there be
created a commission of labor, consist
ing OF three members, who shall be regu-
lar officers of the government, charged
among other duties with the consideration
and settlement, when possible, of all con-
trOverses between labor and capital A
commission thus organized would have
the advantage OF beng stable body. and
lis members, as they gained experience,
would constantly improve in their ability
TO deal intelligently and usefuly with the
questions which might be submitted to
them If arbicr3tOrs are chosen for tenn
porary service, as each case OF dispute
arises, experiences and familiarity with
much that is involved in the question will
be lacking, extreme partisanship and bias
VIII be the qualifications sought on either
side, and frequent complaints of unfair
ness and Partially will be inevitable. The
imposition upon federal court of a duty
SO foreign to the judicial function as the
selection of an arbitrator in such cases
Is at least OF doubtful propriety. The es-
adjustment by federal authority of such
a bureau would be just and sensible
recognition OF the value of labor, and Of
It's right to be represented In the depart
ments of the government.
No reason appears for supposing that
Mr.. Cleveland has changed his views on
the question since 1856 There has been
no diminution Of labor troubles since
then, and no lack OF evidence that some
remedy for them must be found and ap-
piled. His action in ordering the lnvestl-
cation Of the strike last summer is it
self proof that ne still holds his former
views 1t is known that he earnestly
urged arbitration or Pullman and the rail
roads, and ordered the investigation after
falling to secure arbitration. This is ex-
actly in the line of his recommendations
Of 1886, when ne said:
Power should also be distinctly con-
ferred upon this bureau to Investigate the
causes Of all disputes as they occur,
whether submitted for arbitration or not,
so that information may always be at
hand to aid legislation on the subject
when necessary or desirable.
Mr.. Cleveland soundly argued that such
commission must be of utility, aside
from its action as a tribunal in the settle
ment Of disputes. He puts its natural re-
straining power in these words:
If such a commission were fairly or.
ganized the risk OF loss of popular support
and sympathy resulting from a refusal
to submit to so peaceful an instrumental
ity would cOnsJrain both parties to such
disputes to invoke its Interference and
abide by its decisions. There would also
be good reason to hope that the very eX-
istence Of such an agency would invite
application to it for advice and counsel,
frequently resulting in the avoidance of
contention and misunderstanding. II the
usefulness Of such 2 commission is doubted
because Ii might lack power TO enforce It's
decisions much encouragement is derived
u'om the conceded good that has been
accomplished by the railroad commissions
which have been organized in many of the
states. which. having little more than ad-
visory power, have eXerted a most
salutary influence in the settlement Of dis
putes between conflicting interests.
This is VIGOROUSLY true, and a like
good influence has been found to be ex-
erted by arbitration boards even Of the
most limited powers. The value Of such
boards is generally conceded, by all who
have examined the question, whether be-
levers in compulsory arbitration or not,
and the reasoning is as sound today as it
has ever been. The probabilities, there
fore, are that Mr.. Cleveland will recon-
mend the establishment of a national
board of arbitration with as full powers as
can reasonably be given it.