New-York tribune., 1901-08-29
PLAN FOR ARBITRATION.
PROPOSITION BY THE HEAD OF THE
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
APPROVED BY sHAFFER AND SENT TO
PRESIDENT SCHWAB.

Pittsburg Aug. 2S.-Simon Burns. General
Master Workman Of the knights Of Labor and
president Of the Window Glass Workers Asso
ciation has sent an open letter to Charles NJ
Schwab president of the United States Steel
Corpora ton and TO President Theodore Shaffer
Of the Amalgamated Association. President
Shaffer says he is satisfied TO submit TO the ar
rangenent proposed by Mr. Burns. so II only
remains for Mr. Schwab to concur. If he does 1t
may result in the immediate termination OF the
great strike Mr. Burns's letter is as follows:
The present difficulty existing between tn the
United States Steel Corporation and the Amal-
gamated Association is one that capltal, lappr
and the public largely interested IN. ana Ihe
main points in dispute are not understood pE
Others than the two organizations that are prin-
cipals and perhaps not all interested IN those
thoroughly understand where he blame shoulo
rest when il will end. how. and what dam
age and trouble il may cause before being set
tied One side blames the other, ana as
matter Of fact, perhaps. both sides may he 10
blame more or less
Capital and labor are so closely connected
that they should carefully consider and recog-
nize each others rights. Labor must pe EN-
Moved capital invested. and each should ne
fair and friendly toward the other.
There is no good reason now for referring 10
the mistakes or errors made by either side In
the past should the mistakes or of1cers
or individuals. their intentions or what they
say or do have any effect The present ques-
ton is what is right and best TO DO to secure
the best results under the present conditions
for both sides, and TO avoid trouble IN the fu-
ture.
Neither side nor their representatives will ad-
nit they are wrong; that is why the matter
should be referred TO Others. VINO VIII nor 1
hesitate 10 decide how and where one or noth
are wrong.
President shaffer. representing his organiza-
ton has agreed TO arbitrate. President SchWan'
representing his organization, has refused, con-
tending there is nothing TO arbitrate.
If his position is correct then he cannot lose
or the interests he represents be injured by
allowing honest, truthful and fearless citizens
10 settle this controversy and all questions IN
connection with the same, which neither sioe
seems willing able 10 do
The first question for arbitration board 10
decide IS whether there is anything TO arbtrate.
They would first ascertain why there has been
no settlement made-why the plants have been
idle and whose fault II is. What is required
now is a suggestion or proposition TO both sides
ttat VIII be fair and that neither can aHord TO
reject.
both sides TO sign an agreement TO arbitrate;
then the resumption of the plants and the selec-
tion Of the arbiters. With this in mind, ] sub
NIT the following basis for arbitration:
DETAILS OF THE PLAN
First-That President Shaffer and President
Schwab. representing both sides, shall sign an
agreement TO arbitrate, and that the decision OF
a majority Of the board of arbitration shall be
final and binding 10 all parties connected with
both organizations
Secondhand Immediately upon both SIDES
agreeing 10 arbitrate President Shaffer and the
officials Of his organization shall promptly call
OF the strike and order all men to return 10
work; that they must all accept the decision
rendered.
Third-That al workers vi no ceased work on
order Of President Shaffer the officials OF the
organization shall be allowed to return TO work
in their respective places and without prejudice
discrimination.
Fourth-That the arbitration board shall con-
sist of three members each party TO select one.
the third To be selected by the two named
Fifth-That each side shall publicly announce
the name of the man selected within twenty
four hours after signing the agreement; that
the board shall organize within five days there
after. and render decision in writing signed by
at least members within at least fifteen
days
SiKth-That all testimony shall be taken un-
der oath. and the board shall have fun au-
thOrity 10 summon any person connected with
either side. and shall have access TO examine
with the same. and shall also have the right
10 hear any person not connected with either
side
Seventh-That each organization shall have
the right TO select two representatives to at
tend the meeting Of the board, and cross-ex-
anime witnesses
Eighth-If at any time dur ng the blast or year
there is any dispute about the Interpretation or
intent Of the boards decision, and II the proper
officers Of the organization cannot peacefully
decide and settle il, it shall then be referred
20 the chairman Of the board Of arbitration. and
his decision shlll be recognized by both sides
Ninth-In the selection Of arbitrators a
rule each side secures a representative strong
y in favor Of fits particular interests prejudiced
and opposed TO the other side, and under such
conditions the settlement rests with the third
party. who sometimes rs selected by lot. there