The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1894-11-24

tics and powers Of investigation and rec,-a-
mendation as to disputes between railways
and their employees, similar to those vested in
the Interstate commission 50 tc
rates, etc.
"(a) That, as in the interstate
act, power be given to the United States courts
to compel railways to obey the decisions of this
commission after summary hearing. unattend-
| ed by technicalities, and that no delays in
obeying the decisions Of the commission be al
lowed pending appeals.
"(b) That whenever the parties to O con-
troversy in a matter within the jurisdiction OF
one side. and one or more national trade
unions. incorporated under chapter So OF the
United States statutes OF 1856, or under state
statutes. upon the other, each side shall have
| the right to select a representative, who shall
be appointed by the president, to serve as q
temporary member Of the commission In hear.
ing, adjusting and determining that particular
controversy. (ThiS provision would make
1t for the interest Of the labor organisations
to incorporate under the law. and to make the
commission a practical board Of Cancellation.
1t would also tend to create confidence in the
commission. and to give to that body IN every
hearing the benefit of practical knowledge OF
.he situation on both sides).
.(c) That during the tendency OF a proceed
.ag before the commission inaugurated by na-
tional trade unions or by al incorporation OF
: employees, it shall not be lawful for the rail-
except for ineficiency, violation of law or
neglect of duty; nor for such unions during
: such a tendency to order, unite in. or aid or abet
strikes or boycotts against the railways COM
| planned Of: nor, for a period OF six months
after a decision, for such railroads to discharge
any such employees, in whose places others
shall be employed, except for the causes afore-
! said; nor for any such employees during a like
period to quit the service without giving thirty
| days written notice of intention to do so, nor
for any such union or Incorporation to order
council or advise otherwise.
-. That chapter 567 Of the United States
| statutes of 1856 be amended so as to require
national associations to put in their articles OF
| constitutions. rules and bylaws that q mem
Der shall cease to be such. and forfeit all rights
and privileges conferred on him by law rs such.
by participating in or by instigating force or
violence against persons or property during
strikes or boycottS, or by seeking to prevent
others from working through violence, threats
or intimidations; also, that members shall be
more personally liable for corporate acts than
arc stockholders in corporations.
"a. The commission does not feel warranted.
with the study it has been able to give 10 the
subject. to positively the establish
ment OF a license system by which all the high
er employees or others OF railroads engaged in
Interstate should be licensed after
due and proper examination. but ii would rec
ommend, and most urgently, that this subject
be carefully and fully considered by the proper
committee OF congress. Many railway en-
ployes and some railway officials examined,
and many others who filed their suggestions in
writing, are in favor OF some such system.
I. ne COLUIllSSlOu WOulu Suggest the CCu-
sideration by the staleS of the adoption OF some
| system Of Cancellation and arbitration, like
that, for instance, in Massachusetts. That
system might be REINFORCED by additional
provisions giving the board of arbitration
more power to investigate all strikes, whether
requested to do so or not, and the question
might be considered as to giving labor organi-
| cations a standing before the law. as hereto
| fore suggested for national trade unions.
-. Contracts requiring men not to go into
labor organization or to leave them as condi-
ton of employment should be made Illegal, as
is already done in some OF our states.
C"l. The commission urges employers to rec
ognize labor organizations: that such organi-
cations should be dealt with special reference
to Cancellation and arbitration when difficult
ties are threatened or arise. 1t is satisfied
that the employers should come in closer
touch with labor. and should recognize that
while the interests il capital and labor are
not identical they are reciprocal.
- The commission is satisfied that If en-
ployers everywhere will endeavor to act in cor
cert with labor: that if when wages can be
raised under economic conditions they be
raised voluntarily. ana that il when there are
reductions. reasons be given for the reduction,
much friction can be avoided. 1t is also salts
fled that if employers will consider employees
as thoroughly essential to industrial success as
capital. and thus take labor into consultation
at proper times. much OF the severity of strikes
can be tempered and their number reduced"