The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-12-24
NATIONAL ARBITRATION
WORKINGMEN PROTECTED.
rhe Measure Throws Safeguards Around
Their Interests.

Labor Commissioner Wright has sent to
Representative Erdman. of Pennsylvania. the
draft OF bill for the National arbitration OF
Interstate commerce strikes. The mea-
sure was prepared by the late strike commits.
sion.
The bill is modelled after the interstate
commerce act Ii provides for the appoint
ment by the president Of u commission OF hve
persons, TO be known as THE United States
Board OF Cancellation and Arbitration
Not more than three OF the commissioners
shall be appointed from the same political
party. One of them shall have had expert
ence in the management OF railroads, aud an
otker is to be selected from some incorpor-
ated association OF railway employees Inc
commission shall have authority to inquire
into the terms and conditions OF all employees
subject to the act, and shall have the right to
obtain from common carriers all necessary
Information.
The commission has the power to make all
necessary rules aud regulations, and may
administer oaths. The salary OF each COM
missioner shall be $1,000 per annum; the
secretary to be appointed shall have salary
OF 50, 500. The principal offices OF the COM
mission shall be In Washington, where its
general sessions shall be held, but special
sessions may be held anywhere In the United
States.
Whenever II shall come to the knowledge
OF the commission that strike or contro-
yersy between those subject to the act is
threatened or has occurred, IL shall endeavor
TO effect settlement. Likewise upon the re-
quest of employees or corporations. rs well
as its own volition, IL may make an investi.
xation. All reports OF investigation and
medatations shal! be prma facie evidence as
to each and every fact, asd be given due
weight in all Judicial proceedings, and the
Attorney-general of the United States, to
whom the same shall be transmitted, snail
take such action as is necessary. Daring
the pendency of an arbitration, IL Is not law
tul for an employer to discharge an employe,
nor for such employe and associations to aid
DR. abet strikes, nor to quit employment
without 80 days notice. The violation Of
this provision Is made lnlsdemeanor
In section l3, the incorporation OF en-
ployes is encouraged, and chapter 567. United
States statutes, 1886, is enlarged so as to
provide that the constitution and bylaws Of
such association shall contain a provision
that membership shall cease by participating
In schemes OF violence, strikes. etc., and that
the members shall not be personally liable
for any acts, debts or obligations OF the or
ganization. Whenever receivers appointed
by the federal courts are in control OF rail-
road, the employees shall have the right to be
heard In the court upon all questions Affect
ing the terms Of their employment. and no
reduction OF wages shall be made by the re-
eeiver without authority OF the court after
due notice
II is further made misdemeanor for any
officer or employer TO require employees to
enter into an agreement not TO become a
member OF a labor organization, or to
threaten an employe with loss OF employ
ment or discrimination because OF such mem
Dership, or to require such employees to
become a member OF beneficial associa-
tion.
The purpose is to have the bill considered
by the labor commission OF the House at an
early day. There s no doubt OF u favorable
report on 1t, aud It is hoped to secure consid.
dava