The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-14

tration Of any controversy between rail-
road employers and their employees?
Yes, but not all controversies 1t IS
possible for either side to advance propo-
sitions so radical that even war would
to the extent of subnftting them to a
board of arbitration but. with a properly
constituted and permanent board, many
perhaps most-quest1ons could be salts
factorily settled.
"a. Do you favor the constitution of a
permanent board of arbitrators, to which
questions of dispute may be referred by
dgreenents out 70 Wnlcn neither the com
pany nor the men can be compelled TO re-
IS. If the answer to question is in
the affirmative, how do you regard the
mot necessarily all of them) and the diff
ferent labor organizations, contribute
equally amounts sufficient to provide an
nually a sum that will secure three men
of high standing and deserved reputation
who shall serve for a long tenure and be
chosen as follows: One from the ranks of
labor Cor of its leaders,, one from the
ranks Of capital Cor of its represent atives)
and the third in his associations and in
terests, to be removed as far as possible
10 be sustained with fhe distinct .nder~
standing that no contributor to its annual
support shall be required to appeal to it
is to provide a tribunal for the amicable
settlement of controversies, where the
parties desire to so adjust them?
good one. it being distinctly understood
that while submission of any question
cision made upon such voluntary subrnis-
sion shall be final and absolutely binding
than one year Even then we should
have but a moral hold upon the employees,
but it would probably hold to most of
them if strongly backed up by most of
the organizations.
&C. If you answer the fourth question in
the affirmative. and the suggestions set
forth in the fifth seem fmpracticable or
opinion, such board should be constituted,
by whom the members should be chosen
for what term they should serve and by
whom be pafd2
Il think it might be as well that one
permanent arbitrator be selected, and that
casion requires-this for the reason that
local conditions might make it desirable
something's, that at beast two of the board
be familiar with them: this PLAN how
ever, is open to the objection that under
It the board would be less judicial in its
nature, and two of its members would be
permanent board the judicial habit of
mind would perhaps compensate for some
unfamiliarity with the conditions. This
however, IS detail concerning. which
discussion with others would be likely to
bring out points which do not now occur
to me
the committee 1 have mentioned may be
Of service to- the employer, the employee
1T occurs to me that your committee may
be Of very great benefit to the whole coun-
ing upon nothing; the mere fact that men
who have heretofore occupied opposing
from opposite sides, have now come to-
gether for calm conference, unfnf1uenced
by any Immediately pending conflict, is
Of immense benefit of itself it will be
strange If each member does not learn
something and leave your committee
rooms with more respect for the other
side, and It will be equally strange if he
does not, by imparting his views to the
others, hasten the advent of more pacific
and reasonable methods than have here
tofore prevailed. You will not wholly
eliminate the strike; to be absolutely hon
est may say to you and through YOU
70 the committee, that were I on the
labor side, would certainly maintain the
right TO Str1ke-not as Mr.. Gompers saws
for any cause or for cause at all but
Tor good cause. am free to admit tina t
were the strike impossible, there are rail-
way managers who would seek to gain
advantages for themselves by unil1s st
treatment of their employees. So long az
the strike is possible it is a check upon
sucn a disposition But, like war, a strike
is at the moment the stronger. and both
parties should do their utmost to avoid It
II have faith to believe. moreover tina t
your committee will be able to arrive a t
something which will ultimately become
law by custom I do not see how the
question can be met by legislation
nave been through some railroad strikes
ana nave avoided others. and now recall
put one wherein arbitration was frnDossi-
tributed much valuable material Ia fhe
discussion, but you have my best wishes
Tor an agreement as to essentials. which
nthplng go5Ien,v You VIII probably not have
| SO Tnuch difhculty with details"
NSlgned9 E. p RIPLEY.