Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-11-14
LABOR PROBLEMS
Now Under Discussion at the
Chicago Congress.
SYSTEMS NOW IN VOGUE IN EUROPE

Interesting Description of the Methods
Adopted in France, All of Which Arc
Voluntary and Fairly Successfui-The
British Plan of Avsrting Strikes EN-
planned -eCo,npulsory' Arbitration Not
in Favor-other Subjects Considered
Railway View of the Wright Report.
CHICAGO, Nov. 14-Professor f.. r. L.
Gould, Of jobs Hopkins university, was
the first TO tackle the labor problem at
the Congress on Industrial Cancellation
and Arbitration which met in the Wom-
ans Temple. He was introduced by Pres.
ident Lyman J. Gage who said that not
much introductory matter would be ex-
pectcd from him. The audience was most
interested in the celebrated men who were
to address the conference. The question of
industrial Cancellation and arbitration was
surely one OF the most important waiting
a solution today. The Civic Federation
had no dogma to present; it was interested
in the subject simply as every wide-awake,
thinking man was interested in it. The
industrial committee had done its best
to secure speakers that should adequately
represent all phases of the question of la
Dor aud capital grievances and troubles.
French Councils OF Experts.
Professor Gould discussed the History
OF Legislative Arbitration ON the Cont
ncnt" by first explaining the French pro-
cess OF adjusting labor disputes. He said
"'fhere are IL councils OF experts tcon-
sells de prudchommcs) in operation in
France mt the present time. About 5000
L.
About G6 per cent of these cases are set
tied with costs amounting only to cents
to each of the disputants A council! of
experts consists of an equal number of
representatives of employers and en-
ployed for the specific trades within its
jurisdiction. An employer is president,
| an eInploye is vice president; each one
prcsides during alternate months There
are two sections, one for Cancellation ard
the other for arbitration. The former sits
at least three times weekly for the pur-
pose of meliating disputes.
Is Not "GomPulsory'' Arbitration.
The Gtigants appear without counsel,
and every effort is made to harmonic the
differences. The arbitration branch Is
| composed of "a president, who is an en-
ploycr, and "A vice president who is.a work
man, ana 1Ouf assessors, TWO OF which be-
long to each order Sittings are held once
| II week, are public, and Judgment is rem.
dercd without appeal in cases involving $40
or less. Over that amount an appeal may
he taken to tribunals of commerce" A
law has also been promulgated providing
for Cancellation and arbitration in co!iec-
tive disputes. 1t should h understood
however, that it is all neutrality-suspicious. is
| nothing of the compulsory arbitration
sort about it.
Law as to Collective Disputes.
1.-The law recently promulgated provides
that either party TO Il dispute may make u
written declaration to the local Justice of
the peace giving facts, names. etc, and he
VIII notify the other party and then the
two are brought together and Cancellation
Is attempted. The justice takes no part
in the deliberations unless invited to act
as president. He draws up the terms
which are agreed upon, where a conclusion
| is reached, and transmits them to the min
| lister of commerce Where mediation fails
the justice invites the parties on the spot
| 70 appoint arbitrators. An equal number
is guaranteed for each side. and an umpire
| may be chosen If disagreement is mani
| Tested. Decisions of courts of arbitration
are not binding The justice of the peace
may himself take the initiative after IA
strike has already occurred and neither
| party shows any signs OF seeking concilia-
ton. During 1898 634 strikes were report
ed in France. There was recourse to the
| law in 100 instances"