Middletown transcript., 1903-03-28
THE STRIKE COMMISSION


The Commission named by
President Roosevelt to arbltrate
the difference between the strik'
ing coal miners and their en-
ployes, made public its decision
last Saturday, and it has proven
satisfactory to both sides to the
controversy. The result OF this
trial on a large scale of arbitra-
ton as applied to labor disputes
will go far to establish that prln-
ciple in this country. For no
minor troubles can resist this ex-
ample of a just award, recogniz-
ing the right Of labor to a fair
return and of capital to control
of it's business, free contract
with it's laboring men, freedom
from boycott, and complete pro-
lection by the law. The report
is fair and comprehensive, criti-
cises both sides and points out
where each is wrong, and while
refusing recognition to the Un-
ion as such, provides that its
members shall choose those who
in the future shall ajust disputes,
at the same time protecting the
non Union worker. The accep-
tance of this decision means three
years peaceful employment at
satisfactory wages and secures
the machinery for future arbi-
tration.
The miners asked for 20 per
cent. increase in wages and an
eight hour day. The Commis-
sion awards 10 per cent. advance
and a nine hour day, thus split
ting the difference. Under the
sliding scale as offered by Mr..
Baer for the mine owners, the
miners would have had 16 per
cent more than the 1900 wages.
AS they had already received a
10 per cent. raise, the commission
gives them 4 per cent. more than
Mr.. Raer's offer. A large num-
Der of men had been working
eight hour shifts. These are
made permanent, as are those OF
the firemen and engineers, the
nine hour day applying to all
others. But more important to
the miners, is the discussion that
the wage scale as fixed in this
award shall be the minimum for
the future. AS coal rises above
$3.50 at or near New York, wag-
es rise 1 per cent. for each cent
per ton advance, but do not fol-
low a downward course of coal.
In dull times this will tend to
squeeze out the inefficient men
who are content to work half
time for bare living.
While the Union is not recog-
nized, the name of the United
Mine Workers not appearing in
the report, the composition Of
future boards of arbitration is a
technical recognition. Each of
the three anthracite districts is
to have two representatives on
Board of Cancellation, one chosen
by the operators and the other
by any "existing organization
representing a majority of the
mine workers in such district.
This organization to-day is the
United Mine Workers and in the
future will be it or some other
"Union." This Board of Concil-
iation is to pass upon alldisputes,
and in the event of inability to
agree, a third man is to be named
by a Federal circuit Judge, who
is also to name an accountant, to
put into practice the sliding
scale.
The award also provides for
check weighing by man paid
by the mine workers, payment
of the laborers by the operators,
that cars shall be furnished
promptly and fairly, stigmatizes
child labor, and condemns the
Union for admitting the boys to
membership, asst was theirvotes
which precipitated the strike.
It provides also for protection to
any mine worker who does not
care to join the Union, and con-
demns the reign Of violence
which is admitted to have been
in effect during the strike.
The report is signed by every
member of the commission, in
cluding Mr.. Clark whois himself
the head of a great Union of
workers. 1t had hard task set
for it and has discharged it well.
It is a triumphant success for
President Roosevelt's original
action.
coMMITTEE TO WORK FOR REPEALER
Benjamin Nields, who was chairman
of the meeting held last SATURDAY. to dis