The Van Buren press., 1894-11-24
ORGANIZED LABOR WINS.
Pullman nnd General Managers' Asso.
citation Criticised by the Z. 3.
Strike Commission.

CHIcAGs, Nov. 13-The US Strike Commission
has submitted its report to Pr 8. Cleveland. 1t
Is signed by United States Labor Commissioner
Carroll d. Wright, John d. Herman, of New
York. and Nicholas d. worthing.on, of Illinois.
This commission was appointed to investigate
the wrongs growing out of the recent American
Railway Union strike in this city. as a result of
the Pullman Company's refusal to treat with its
employees
The report expresses itself vigorously against
the General Managers Association aud the Pull
man Company for refusing to arbitrate the
grievances Of the employees.
The commission holds that the General
Managers Association exists without legal
right and Is menace to labor and the peace of
the working classes. The methods OF the Pull
man Company. which are known to every
reader are denounced and legislative reforms
advocated to give labor an equal footing with
capital.
The commission regards the calling of troops
to Chicago as opportune, from the fact that the
lawless element. not the peaceful strikers. were
mobilizing and might have done much injury
to both life and property.
The combining Of powerful organizations, the
commission holds, is one of the most serious
legislate against This combination has
virtually removed competition among the roads
for employees. They are practically one, and
labor is governed absolutely by the demands of
the combine.
The strike commission justiaes the organiza-'
ton of labor unions AS the only means by which
the employe can hope to secure recognition
from employer.
The commission recommends the creation of a
permanent United States Strike Commission of
three members, with powers to investigate dis
putes between railways and their employees, and
to compel the railroads to obey the decisions of
the commission.
That, whenever the parties to controversy in
a matter within the Jurisdiction of the commits
sion are one OF more railroads upon one side and
one or more national trades unions incorporated
under chapter 567 of the United States Statutes
of 1886. 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 a temporary member of the
Commission IN hearing, adjusting and detcrmin-
ing that particular controversy.
This provision would make it to the interest
of labor organizations to incorporate under the
law. and to make the commission 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 the situation upon both
sides.)
That during the tendency of proceeding
before tho commission inaugurated by national
trades unions, or by an incorporation of
employees II shall not be lawful for the railroads
.,lo,,a
for inefiiciency, violation of law, or neglect of
duty; nor for such unions or ineorporations
during such pendency to order unite in, aid or
abet strikes or boyc0tts against the railroads
complained of; nor. for a period of six months
after decision, for such railroads TO discharge
any such employees. in whose places others shall
be employed, except for the causes aforesaid;
nor fer any such employees. during like period
to quit the service without giving 80 days
written notice of intention to do SO, nor for any
such union or Incorporation to order, counsel or
advise otherwise.
That chapter 567 Of the United States Statutes
of 1886 be amended SO as to require national
trades unions to provide In their articles of
incorporation and in their constitutions rules
and bylaws that o member shall cease to be
such and forfeit all rights and privileges con-
ferred Oh him by law Us such by participating in
or by iustigating 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 no more personally liable
for corporate acts than are stockholders in
corporations.
The commission recommends the Massachu.
sets system Of settling strikes by arbitration;
also declaring illegal contracts requiring men
not to join labor organizations or to leave them,
US condition of employment
The commissioners urge employers to recog-
nize labor organizations and 70 take labor into
consideration and consultation when business
demands it.
According to the testimony, the railroads lost
In property destroyed. hire of United States
Deputy Marshals and other incidental expenses.
at least s0s5, ,Oss The loss of earnings of these
roads is estimated at $i,672,9l6. Some 31OO
employees at Pullman lost In wages as estimated
at least $Sj0000. About 100, 900 employees upon
the "a roads centering at Chicago. all of which
were more or less involved In the strike, lost in
wages as estimated at least 81 1889. l43. Many OF
these employees arc still adrift and losing wages.
The commission says Of the Pullman Palace
Car Company: For the year ending July (,
1898 the dividends were g., 800 600 and the wages
$7,22S, 7l05 81 For the year ending July /, 1884,
the dividends were $3.50 900 and the wages
SAT- ,70l.sa''