New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-12-14
Mr.. ADAUSS Plan.

The meeting of the industrial department Of
the National Civic Federation which ended on
Wednesday was largely attended, able and
earnest men took part in the discussions. and
from the amount of space which the newspapers
gave to the proceedings il is TO be inferred that
they were followed with considerable interest
by the intelligent public 1t is fair to say, there
fore, that the meeting successful. and to
hope that it will be seen hereafter TO have
served useful purposes. 1t is certainly encourag-
ing to find that persons of importance in the
world, whose varied circumstances and occupa-
tons make comparison of their views worth
having, are not only glad TO expend time and
strength in an effort to promote industrial har-
mony, but are able TO treat vexed questions dis
passionatey and keep the debate on generally
high plane. Such a courteous Interchange of
independent and vigorous opinions may lead to
no result which can be traced directly to its
source, but it can scarcely fail to contribute
something of value to the common stock Of
knowledge and exert a beneficial influence,
though perhaps in unseen ways. Those who
imagined when the Civic Federation was formed
that il was capable of curing many grave evils
out of hand may feel disposed TO complain but
there is no real reason for disappointment
So far we have observed the three days
meeting developed no programme of positive
action, and with one exception the speakers did
not commit themselves 10 any definite propo-
sitioE Of particular Importance. Mr. Charles
Francis Adams, who, whether right or wrong,
usually expresses decided opinions when he
speaks, was the exception Discarding the idea
Of compulsory arbitration as impracticable if
not intrinsically mischievous Mr. Adams de-
Teieped in an engaging manner Plan of COM
pulsory inquiry as means of eniightening and
s1o-s-,
a strike, and so bringing TO bear moral pres
sure which would compel an equitable settle
ment. His suggestion is that when an indus
trial controversy is OF such a character and
magnitude that third party is concerned-that
is, the publie-a commission should be consti-
tuied by executive authority whether of the
nation or a State. 10 investigate the questions
AT Issue and make a judicial report Neither
side would be under any legal obligation TO
abide 10y the Judgment of the commission, but
AIR. Adams thinks that in nine cases out of Ten
its judgment would be accepted and carried into
effect because Of the general support which it
would command, while in the tenth case a fight
to finish would probably be, on the whole. a
good thing. The machinery needed TO nut the
plan in operation could be easily set I'D. in Mr.
Adamss opinion. and he is understood TO have
bill il preparation for that purpose which
Congress viii soon be asked to consider
1t is quite true that public opinion exerts an
immense force, and that it is right when 1t has
been formed on full consideration of funda-
mental facts. But 1t is capable of being misled
for time. and we are by no means sure that
the conclusions Of a commission of inquiry sit
ting on every important strike might not about
ss often as not be misleading, provided they
were reached quickly enough TO be of practical
effect. IL lis TO be considered further that if
sueH an lnquikitien were always in reserve for
the settlement of industrial controversies. the
executive, whether President or Governor hay
Ing it at command would probably be subjected
in every case to Yexafious and even distracting
pressure-urged to turn his commission loose,
urged TO keep hands off-and that all the while
politicians would be doing their best to control
his decision for their own ends. Once in a