Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-21

either side to a controversy, however por-
tentous 1t may be to their interests. which
are thereby made paramount to those of
the public at large. When. at the approach
of winter, general coal famine Is threat
ened: when men who have no grievances
are deprived OF employment at work de-
pendent upon the mining industry; when
entire communities are made to suffer pub
lie Inconvenience and privation; when a
repetition of the riots Of 1897 Is daily be-
coming more imminent, the interests OF
the public cannot Justif1ably be subordinated
to the cause Of either the corporation or
the workingmen by the interposition OF un-
necessary obstacles to the adjustment OF
differences by arbitration.
But the statement Of Superintendent La
throp Is surely not intended to be taken
literally, for the inference will not be cred
tied that it will be impracticable. much less
in possible, to secure the services OF men
whose integrity Of character Is beyond re
pr zach, and who possess intelligence and
expert ability to sufficient degree to rem
der them capable of compromising the
many details of business, judiciously
Weighing the facts and arriving at a de-
cison in accordance with the equities Of the
case and with absolute justice to the vast
corporate interests involved. Whether the
various statements are correct. which form
the basis of Presidents Mitchelfs indict-
ment against the mine operators, and In
what measure the several companies are
responsible therefore; whether the wages
paid bear a legitimate relation to the re-
ceipts and expenditures of the corporation,
based upon actual mot inflated) valuation
of properties; whether the corporation has
been culpably negligent toward its en-
ployes and countenanced imposition upon
them, and whether the advance in price or
coal has been due to increased expenses, are
all elementary facts readily ascertainable
1t will be conceded that the labor organ
izations can advance no valid objection to
an investigation upon the broad lines IN
dictated. 1t remains, therefore, for the cor
pOration. If it shall persist in refusing To
meet the demands Of the strikers, to con-
vince the public of the justice OF Its posi-
ton by expressing Willingness to submit
the matter to arbitration. If their atti-
tude toward the miners has been consist
emily one of justice and equity. they nave
nothing to lose; whereas, In common with
the interests of labor and the general pub
lie, they have everything to gain by secur-
ing permanent adjustment OF the diner
ences. Indeed. the corporation cannot well
afford to decline arbitration II demanded by
public sentiment; for, when the employ
ment of 10000 workingmen and the vast
subsidiary interests involved are consider
ed, 1t cannot be questioned that the right
inheres with the public to be apprised OF
the relevant facts in the case and demand
that steps be taken to secure an early set.
Element upon equitab BILE basis ana II
either party to the controversy MAINTAIN q
defiant attitude 1t lies in the power of the
governor of the state to convene the iegls-
lature in extra session and recommend the
passage Of a law providing for compulsory
arbitra ton.
1 would suggest the appointment of a
commission of five members. one each to be
appointed by the corporation and the
United Mine Workers of America. two by
the President of the United States "a re-
publican and a democraD or the governor
of the state Of Pennsylvania; these four to
choose the fifth: that each member De
guaranteed fee Of 5000 for their services,
and that the payment OF the expenses OF
the commission. in whole or in part, also be
submitted for decision by the commission
Immediately upon an agreement 10 tnis
plan being effected all miners to return
to work, both parties thereto agreeing TO
abide by the decision.
The high compensation of the members,
as we'll as the exalted origin OF the appoint
mcnts of two of them, would render 1t pos
sible to obtain a commission OF highest
order Of ability and would impart dignity
to its deliberations and command respect
for it's decision which would not be other
wise attainable.
1t is obvious that the time is rapidly APP
preaching when the people Will demand.
through a constitutional amendment, the
appointment Of national arbitration COM
mission to secure the maintenance Of an
equitable adjustment between labor and
capital with respect of the large corpora
tons which control the output of a single
commodity. Labor, on the one hand. has
no right to make pre-eminently unjust de-
mands. which would deprive capital honest
ly invested of its proper increment. and,
Oh the other hand whenever capital seeks,
by combination of interests. to increase its
earnings without extending to labor its
legitimate share in the results. its high Of
fice as the benefactor of labor Is according
ly restricted and diminished.
b. F. ATHERTON.