The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-04-24
FRESH-S0PH DEBATE
Shall the Government Settle
Labor Disputes2
Much is Well Said on Either Side, the Judge.
Decide in Favor Of the Affirm
alive.
Especial to News and Observer

Especial to News and Observer
Chapel Hill, N c., April 22.-The thr-
teenth semi annual Fresh-Soph debate
tonight was decided in favor of the Dia-
| lectic Society. The query was, Resolved:
That the National Government should
have the power to compel and should
compel the settlement of all labor trou-
bles Of national importance through a
board of arbitration" The judges were
Profs. Williams and Noble and Dr. Ruff
fin.
Mr. Sam Kluttz, the first speaker for
the Dialectic Society, showed that it was
the function of the government to abol-
ish strikes and lockouts. The tendency of
advancing civilization is all in the direc-
tion of substituting the compulsion OF
courts of justice for private compulsion
of individuals Or groups of individuals.
Let us see the results that will lead
from compulsory arbitration. Strikes and
lockouts will be abolished. Wages and
terms will be so fixed that manufacturers
can make contract ahead without fear of
disturbance. Compulsion in the back
ground will make Cancellation easier.
labor will be organized into trade unions
and associations instead of mobs and
monopolists. The concentration of wealth
and power will be checked.
Mr. Jno. A. Parker the first speaker
for the negative, argued that govern
mental arbitration in labor disputes of
national Importance would be contrary to
the principles of American democracy
and is not function of the government.
He said in substance that the Federal
Government gives to every citizen the
right of private contract. 1t leaves in
dustry to be pursued by the individual.
The government does for the individual
only that which he cannot do for him
self. Governmental arbitration would de-
prive many of our citizens of the right
of trial by jury. 1t would legislate in
favor of classes; it would deprive many
of the right of private contract, it would
usurp legislative and judicial powers and
functions now delegated to other depart
ments of our government.
J. B. Robertson, the second speaker
for the affirmative, said in substance
that strikes, a complicated form of dis
agreements, are destroying every interest
that promotes our public welfare, sus-
pending business and leaving homes
desolate. Surely then our national gov
eminent should settle the disagreements
between labor and employer by board
of compulsory arbitration.
Mr.. Wilson, the second speaker for the
negative, argued that in order to remedy
any evil it is necessary to remove the
cause Labor troubles are caused by
MISUNDERSTANDING rather than direct
quarrels. Compulsory arbitration could
not remove this cause, for it's only work
would be to decide on points in dispute.
1t could not be enforced against both
parties, for laborers could not be held
to property responsibility and could
not be imprisoned for refusing to work. 1t
would cause petty discontents to be con-
stantly referred to the court and thus
increase labor disputes. Furthermore,
there are natural forces tending to solve
tho labor problem. These are boards of
Cancellation. the National Civic Fedora
ton and profit-sharng.