The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-06
Talk with Secretary Cortelyou, of
Department Of Commerce and Labor
Head of This New Branch Of the Government
Is Interviewed by Frank Carpenter on Indus
trial Matters and Commercial Interests with
Which He Is Officially Connected. Where and
How We Lead the World

TO a better understanding of what the ac-
tual conditions are"
But, Mr.. Secretary. the department
gives information 10 both parties. and it is
perfectly impartial. Why it not be an
arbitrator between them?"
UNCLE SAM AS AN ARBITRATOR.
'"The Department of Commerce and La
Dor has no legal authority to act as an ar
bitrato- between capital and labor" replied
Secretary COrtelyOu. II see no reason, how
ever, why any of its officials may not act
a. arbitrators of labor controversies if re-
quested to do so by the representatives of
both parties. Congress, you know, has rec
ognized the principle of industrial arbitra-
ton by the act of Oct l. 1881. under which
the great Chicago strike of 1894 was arbi-
trated. That act was repealed by the
broader act of June l, 1895. Both of these
acts, however. related only to disputes be-
tween employers and employees engaged in
interstate commerce"
How about the arbitration in the anthra-
cite coal striker"
I'm that strike commission was ap-
pointed by the President at the request Of
both operators and miners, and its author
ity to make a binding award rested only
In the agreement of the operators and min
ers to abide by it's decision. AS you know.
the labors of that commission were succesS-
full"
'But, Mr.. Secretary. are not such troubles
increasing?"
Il think not" was the answer. 1.-The re-
lations of capitai and labor appear to be
growing better. variety of influences are
operating to this end. The National Civic
Federation is bringing about a better un-
ployeS in some parts of the country, and
much is being done in other ways to obvi-
ate industrial disturbances; as, for instance,
by means of trade agreements. These
agreements have been made by employers
and employees coming together largely
through their representatives, to establish
wages, hours of labor and other matters
for fixed period. Such agreements pre-
vent strikes and lockOuts, and at the
present time seem TO be one of the strong
est forces making for industrial peace.
I'VE have also had some legislation by
the various States as to boycotting. black
listing, company stores. women and child
labor, which has removed some of the
causes of friction between employers and
employees. Arbitration boards to which Ia
Dor controversies may be submitted have
been provided for by twenty-one of the
States, but only in a few cases have such
boards been able to accomplish much in the
adjustment of aggravated difficulties. They
are chiefly advisory boards. having no pow
er to enforce their decisions"
UNCLE SANS LABOR ARMY.
How many people are there in the Unit
ed States, Mr.. Secretary, who work with
their hands?"
You will find that in the census reports
replied Secretary Cortelyou. Take out all
who engaged as proprietors. clerks and
professional men and we find that there
are eighteen and one-half millions who
work for wages with their hands. Some
of these are skilled workmen and others
unskilled. OF the total number about four
millions are women. y
What percentage of the whole belong to
the labor unions 2"
1T is estimated that there are about two
millions belonging to the unions
How about wages-are they increasing
in the United States?''
Yes replied Secretary Cortelyou. 1.-The