The record-union., 1894-11-13


IN theory are based upon competition for
labor between those who demand it as
well as among those who supply il. For
instance, as we have shown, there is no
longer any competitive demand among
the twenty-four railroads at Chicago for
switchmen. They have ceased competing
with each other; they are no longer
twenty-four separate and competing en-
ployers; they are virtually one.
However men may differ about the
propriety and legality Of labor unions,
we must all recognize the fact that we
have them with us to stay, and to grow
more numerous and powerful. Is it not
wise TO fully recognize them by law, to
admit their necessity as labor guides and
protectors, to conserve their usefulness,
increase their responsibility and prevent
their follies and aggreSSiOns by comforting
upon them the privileges enjoyed by cor
Dorations, with like proper restrictions
and regulations?
The growth of corporate power and
wealth has been the marvel of the past
fifty years. Corporations have undoubt-
eddy benefited the country. and brought
its resources to our doors. 1t will not be
surprising if the marvel of the next fifty
years be the advancement of labor to
position of like power and responsibility.
We have heretofore encouraged tine one
and comparatively neglected the other.
encouraged TO prosper legitimately, and
to grow into harmonious relations of
equal standing and responsibility before
the law? This involves nothing hostile
TO the true interests and rights of the
other.
1.-The demand that the commission
should recommend specific remedies is
premature. Such problem, for instance,
as universal Government ownership OF
rCI G " nd fo
away ii attempted, to be considered as
an immediate practical remedy. Ii be-
longs to the socialistic group of public
questions. where Government ownership
is advocated OF monopolIes such as tee-
graphs, telephones, express companies
and municipal ownership OF wafer works,
gas and electric light and street railways.
These questions are pressing more ur-
gently as time goes on. They need 10 be
well studied III every respect by every
citizen.
should continued combinations and
consultations result in half a dozen or
less ownershipS Of our railroads within
a few years, as is by no means unlikely,
the question of Government ownership
would be forced to the front, and we need
to be ready to dispose of it inteliigentIy.
We need TO fear everything revolutionary
and wrong, but we need fear nothing
that any nation can successfully attempt
in directions made necessary by changed
economic or Industrial conditions. Other
nations under their conditions own and
operate telegraphS and railways with
varying results. Whether it is practical bic
for this nation TO do so successfully when
it becomes necessary to save an invest
ment, or when the people determine it
shall be done, Is an open and serious
question, which cannot be answered
fully except by actual experiment. We
ought to lnaugurate permanent system
of investigation into the relations be-
tween railways and employees, in order
to be prepared TO deal with them intelii-
gently, and that we may conservatively
adopt such remedies as are sustained by
public opinion for defects or wrongs that
may from time to time appear.
The question of what shall be done is.
therefore, one of expediency and not OF
power. When railroads acted as Judge
and jury in passing upon the complaints
of shippers, they demanded, and the Con-
greSS granted, Government tribunal
where shippers and railroads could meet
on equal terms and have the law adjust
their differences. IN view of the Chicago
strike and its suggested dangers, the
people have the same right to provide
Government Commission to investigate
and report on differences between rail-
roads and their employees, to the end that
may be less disturbed by strikes and
bOycotts.
when railroad employees secure
greater certainty of their positions and of
the right to promotions, compensation
for injury, ETC., it will be time enough to
consider such strict regulations for them
as we can now justly apply to railroads,
whose rights are protected by laws and
guarded by all the advantages of greater
Tod
The commission contends that the law
should make it obligatory upon some
public tribunal to intervene by means OF
investigation and Cancellation, and to re-
port whenever difficulty of the charac-
ter OF that occurring during the season at
Chicago arises.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF THE COMMISSION
1.-THE commission therefore recon-
mends: That there be a permanent
United States Strike Commission of three
memb ers, with duties and powers of in
vestigation and recommendation as TO
disputes between railways and their en-
ployes, similar to those invested in the
Interstate Commerce Commission as to
rates, etc. a. That as In the Interstate
Commerce Act, power be given to the
United States courts To compel railways
to obey the decisions of the commission
after summary hearing, unattended Dy
ing the decisions Of the commission be
allowed pending appeals. (6.) That when
ever the parties to the controversy in a
matter within the jurisdiction of the
commission are one or more railroads
on one side, and one or more ma
tional trades unions incorporated I'M
der Chapter 567 of the United States
Statutes of 1886, or under State statutes,
upon the other, each side shall have the
right the select a representative, who
shall be appointed by tie President, to
serve as temporary mem Der OF the COM
mission III hearing, adjusting and deter
mining that particular controversy. (This
provision would make it for the interes
of the labor organizations to incorporate
under the law and to make the commits
sion practical board of Cancellation 1t
would also tend 10 create confidence in
the com mission, and give 10 that body in
every hearing the benefit OF practical
knowledge of the situation on both sides. J
to- That during the tendency of a pro-
ceeding before the commission inaugu-
rated by national trade unions, or by an
incorporation of employees, il shall not be
lawful for the railroads to discharge en-
ployes belonging thereto except for in
efficiency, violation OF law or neglect of
duty; nor for such unions during pend
ency, to order, unite. aid or abet strikes
or boycotts against the railways COM
plalned OF, nor Tor period OF six months
after decision fer such railroads to dis
charge any such employees in whose
places others shall be employed, except
for the causes aforesaid; nor for any such
employees during like period to quit the
service without giving thirty days writ
ten notice of intention to do so, nor for
any such union or incorporation to order,
counsel or advise otherwise.
THAT chapter 567 of the United States
Statutes of 1885 be amended so as TO
require national trade unions to provide
in their articles of Incorporation and i'll
their constitutions, rules and bylaws;
that member shall cease to be such and