New-York tribune., 1902-01-06
GOHPERS ON ARBITRATION.
THE RECENT CONFERENCE OF THE CIVIC
FEDERATION. HE SAYS. HAS ALREADY
DONE GOOD TO ORGANIZED LABOR"
his STATEMENT TO c. E U
his STATEMENT TO c. F.

Arbitration Of labor disputes was again dis
cUssed at yesterdays meeting Of the Central
Federated Union, the general feeling being in
IaVor OF closer relations between labor and
capital. The subject came up through the read
Ing OF a communication from Samuel Gompers
president Of the American Federation, inclosing
a synopsis Of the proceedings at the convention
Of the National Civic Federation, recently held
IN this city, which sent at the request OF
the Central Federated Union. Accompanying
the synopsis was a personal statement from
Mr. Gompers on the subject of arbitration
which will appear IN the next issue Of the off,
cial organ Of the American Federation OF Labor.
The statement, after pointing out that the pur-
pose of the Civic Federation in calling the con-
vention and appointing arbitration commit
tee was TO prevent reduce the number Of
strikes. says:
There can be no question that in the hands Of
organized labor there lies a innict i'm
mense injury on capital and there is beyond doubt
to avoid this Ths Is na1uTay stTong se6oagS
motive for conciliation and concession TO labor.
By the very order Of things, the workers have
but little materially TO concede. They get too
70 MAKE many concessions Their share IN the
product must Of necessity be continually larger
that is. the avoidance of strikes and iockouts-is
Just as intense as It is among the employers.
sirable not even the most sangline friend or par
ticpant in this new effort entertains the belief
that strikes and lockouts will be entirely elimi-
mated from Industrial life but that IL will act
for the better recognition by each OF the rights
which the other may be entitled
Sonable Will dispute. one Of the great con-
tentions for which organized labor has stood for
years is the opportunity to bring It's demands
grievances TO the attention Of the employers This
the movement unqualifedly declared for and
stands committed to.
Mistaken friends Of labor, the statement adds
have urged the legislatures in the States Of the
country to enact laws for compulsory arbitra-
ton OF labor disputes None il says, have gone
the length Of insisting that compulsory arbitra-
ton should be enforced unless both sides have
consented 10 compulsory arbitration The con-
ference Of the Civic Federation and the estab-
ushment of its industrial department was the
effort to bring about permanent arbitration by
the initiative of both the workers and the en-
ployers.
1T is an effort to bring about peace when
strike lockout has occurred he continued,
"and 10 voluntarily arbitrate matters in dispute
without the interference of the politician and
the courts. The influence Of the conference has
already done good 10 organized labor. 1t is
recognition Of the great services rendered TO the
cause OF organized labor and practical accept
ance by the employers that there is something
to concede. discuss and adjust"
The Socialist delegates We're their feet to
discuss this statement but before there was
time for any discussion resolution was carried
to have copies of the synopsis and statement
printed and sent to the affiliated unions.
On the motion or Delegate Matthew Barr, or
the Arnalgamated Sheet Metal Workers Union.
II was decided to send a protest to Governor
Odell regarding that part of his last message
referring to compulsory arbitration.