The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-07-15
ARBITRATION NEEDED.
Opinions of Several Public Mon Regard
ing tho Great Strike.

New York, July THE Journal and
Advertiser this morning publishes
special dispatches giving the following
opinions of public men regarding the
miners strike and the possibilities of
arbitration.
Senator Hanna says: II deprecate
that the coal mining troubles should
come at this time, when the conditions
OF trade are such as to make it seem
impossible to secure favorable con-
sideration of the strikers demands.
The rates of wages are unequal among
mines in certain districts, which is UNI
fair to the men. This is the point first
to be adjusted, and is matter which
should be arbitrated at once and fairly
settled. As soon as business revives
and an increased demand for coal will
justify it, the miners should have their
full share of its benefits, and I believe
they will secure it without strike. 1
am always in favor of arbitration in the
settlement of difficulties between opera
tors and their men. I hope such a
course will be pursued IN this instance
as will bring results satisfactory to
both Sides"
Senator Fairbanks said: II regret
that any difference should have arisen
between the coal operators and the
miners. 1t is to be hoped that wise
counsels may prevail, and that an early
settlement Of the disputed questions
may be- made on fair and honorable
terms. A strike will unfavorably affect
business at the time being. There are
evidences on all sides of returning pros
perity, and anything that arises which
may tend to delay the early return of
normal commercial conditions is to be
deplored. 1t would seem that there is
wisdom and patriotism enough among
all parties concerned to enable them to
unite upon some method of arbitration
whereby a speedy settlement may be
reached, and suffering and distress
averted."
Senator Turpie says: "Neither con-
gress nor the president has any judicial
authority, and consequently could not
sit as a court of arbitration. think
that arbitration will be the solution of
all labor troubles some time, but it
must be conducted under federal author
ity. Some of the states have laws pro-
viding for the appointment of arbitra-
ton board to settle strikes and lock-
outs, but as many of these troubles ex-
tend through more than one state, one
board could not deal with the matter
outside of it's own Jurisdiction.
Senator Lindsay says: "Inasmuch
as the strike itself is to extend through
six states and affect as many more,
believe the proposition looking to arbi
tration to be in the nature of wise and
humane effort to bring about settle
ment of the present difficulties, with
none of the attendant horrors that fol-
low prolonged strike"
Secretary of State Sherman says:
Arbitration is always the best means
of solving such complications as the
miners strike, when the parties con-
cerned are willing to arbitrate. The
question of offering arbitration,
think, is one for congress-
Attorney General McKenna says:
''The strike looks formidable now, but
may soon be settled by compromise, or
as other strikes have been settled, by
one side or the other yelling. l know
of no law that authorizes the general
government to interfere between en-
ployer and employees in matter of
this particular kind.