The Helena independent., 1894-12-23
AgRITRArloN I'M cONcREss.

congress on the various proposed meas
urrs for federal arbitration Of labor dis
putcs. Is an earnest of the Willingness Of
organized labor to 20 more than half
way IN settling differences with em-
ployeTs There now seems to be little
DOUBT that congress will enact an arbi-
tration law before the close of the
present session. The bill that has been
most carefully drawn and matured. and
meets thus far with most approval Is
the measure prepared by Labor Com
missioner Wright, who was a member
OF the late Federal Strike Commission.
II Is entitled "A bill concerning carriers
engaged In interstate commerce and
their employees" 1t is modelled after
the interstate commerce act. and pro-
yides for the appointment by the presi-
dent with the advice and consent OF the
senate Of a commission of Ave mem
bers to be known as "The United states
Board Of Cancellation and Arbitration"
No more than three Of the commission
ers shall be members OF the same poll
tical organization. One Of them shall
be n man experienced in railway man
agement and another shall be selected
from some Incorporated association OF
railway employees. The principal office
OF the commission shall be in the city
OF Washington, but special sessions
may be held anywhere in the United
States In its main features the bill
follows very closely the provisions OF
the Interstate commerce act. II pro-
yides that the system Of arbitration and
consultation shall apply TO common car
riers engaged in the transportation be-
tween the states of passengers and
property by railroad and by water. and
10 all persons and corporations leasing
cars used for such transportation and
all their employees that the wages paid
IN such transportation and handling
and the rules and regulations shall be
reasonable and just. not. however TAX
ing away the right 10 make contracts
Whenever 1t shall come to the knowl-
edge Of the commission that strike
or controversy between those subject
to the act is threatened or has occurred,
Il shall be its duty, as soon as practi-
cable, to put itself in communication
with both parties. and endeavor, by
mediation and conciliation. to effect a
settlement Likewise, upon the request
of employees ar corporations, as well as
Of It's own volition, 1t may make an in
ycstigatIon. All reports ~ lnvestIga-
lions and mediations. and the findings
of facts therein. shall BE- prima facie
evidence ms 20 each and every fact, and
be given due weight IN all judicial pro-
crcdlugs. and the attorney general Of
Tho United States, 70 whom the same
shall be transmitted. shall take such nc
tiou as is necessary During the PEN
d-uey NJ ar arbitration, It Is not lawful
FOR aa employer 10 discharge an en-
ployc por for such rmploye and asso-
Citations to rtl or ubc, strikes, nor to
qult employment without thirty days
notice.
Az 10 railroads ia the hands - rc-
cciycr appointed Ly federal courts. the
bin provides tbat employers shall have
thr rirht TO bo hearl IN the courts upon
.al questions affecting the terms Of their
uuplpypeni and 40 reduction or wages
fnall oa made hy tho receivers without
ln. authority oF thc court after due
notice"
lDlaal-n mldn o. mla1nmnauor for any
JJiror or employer 10 require employees
- n'cr into au aprermru, not To- be-
coin" members or Cd labor organization.
or tD threaten uu rmployc with loss Of
employment because u such member
ship. or to require such employees to be-
como members ~ beneficial orgaulza-
zion.
Another section pr tho bill Is Intended
4 t''u'ounne tho Incorporation of usso-
citations or omployos under con stlm-
Iima ami by-lnWs that shall contain
pmyiaous rorfelting membership Tor
participation IN schemes ~ violence.
and s' forth Th. BIN may br amended
la some OF lis features, but the main
provisions seem to be fairly drawn and
70 mret the favor OF the labor leaders
as wen as of those members Of congress.
who have given the matter careful
study,