New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-07-12
FOR COMPULSORY ARBITRATION


I
ITS PROVISIONS.
| Chicago July 11.-Advices were received by Grand
! Master Sovereign of the Knights Of Labor to-
! night from representatives Of that order now in
| Washington. calling his attention 10 a law which
/ they say provides for compulsory arbitration OF
differences between employers and employees and
which they add is upon the statute books.
The communication received with incredullty
at first The statute which IA said TO have been
unearthed. and which of the labor leaders
profess to believe may afford A means OF settling
the present fight, IL designated the O'Neil law
and II H. said to have been passed in 1887 or 1883
Mr.. Sovereign At once consulted District Master
Workman Llndhom. and messenger was sent for
Mr. Debs but the latter could not be found
Sovereign Will have meeting with Debs tomorrow
morning. Mr.. Sovereign said 10 reporter late TO-
night:
I'VE cannot take any decided action until in
vcs:lgaton has been made by counsel into the pro-
visions ~ the law and the possibilities Of It's being
applied n the present case The labor side OF this
contest has always been willing and anxious 20
arbl;ra,e ari n some means can be found 70 COM
pei the company 70 submit: TO mat method for the
settlement Of the differences between itself ard Is
employees. we have doub; the justice ot our
claims VIII be clearly established"
Edwin r Walker. the special counsc, appointed
by Acknowledgement Oney 70 assls, Dstrct-Attor-
ney Mf.christ. said tonight: Il remember the
ONeil Arbitration bill T. called AZ the
time Z, was introduced into the House Of Represen-
ta'iyes. but ! under the impr, ss'on that the
measure had never been passed.. and that no law
having tor It's object the enforcement OF c0mpu.-
sorry arbitration Of differences between employers
and employees was ever enacted by Congress. | 30
no; remember the exact provisions Of the OMEN
BILL AMI cannot whether not Il can he made
applicable 20 the present iafOr troubles II lnyes
CATION VIII show that the BIZ was actually passed
by Congress"
Washington. July 1.-THE ONeN Arbitration law
Of III md hat
when differences between transportation companies
and their employees arise each may appoint one
p,-s,u. arI these TWO third person. arl these
thus selected are appointed bodrd OF arbitration
Ghc third person being PRESIDENT with power Of
subpocnning Witnesses administering oaths. etc.
though their power does not extend TO compelling
any witness to disclose secrets produce records
OF any labor organization OF which he may be a
member. Tho statute further provides that II
shall he the right OF any employees engaged IN the
controversy to designate persons TO act Tor tnenl
In the selection Of arbitrator 20 represent them
II shall Sc the duty of said Board II Arbitration,
nmeI upon their selection. 20 organize at the
practical point TO the place OF the origin or
tn. controversy and hear and determine the matters
of III renee. and after finishing the investigation.
the Board shall publicly announce Its decision.
which With the findings ~ fact and the testimony
shall Zee niod with the Commissioner OF Labor Of
the linked states. who shall make such decision
public a. soon rs received 10y MN ,
f. Is further provided that the President may
select two commissioners. one being a resilient OF
the STATE Territory In which the controversy
arises. who. together with the commissioner Of
Labor. snail constitute a temporary commission
f,r m. purpose OF examining the causes Of the
best means OF adjusting II. the result OF when eN-
animation shall be mmrliatey REPORTED 10 me
such report the services Of the two commissioners
shall cease