The Washington herald., 1907-05-19

Of this Union. He said the beginnings Of
that era were 10 be found in the congress
az The Hague. and that Europe and Asia
and the world must come at last 10 this
idea of matchmaking which had been
worked out in America.
Commissioner Henry L. West spoke on
Arbitration applying his remarks 10
some better methods Of settling labor
troubles in the District Of Columbia,
Discusses Labor Troubles.
He said in part.
During the past few weeks and months
the daily press has been filled with re-
ports OF labor troubles in the District Of
Columbia II is not necessary 10 recite
in detail all the disagreements which have
occurred between employer and employed.
To large number Of those present the
experience has been intimate and realistic.
"Singularly. we are active IN improving
social environment. while making no ef-
fort 20 prevent those disturbances In the
business world which constantly interfere
with our material progress and make per
manent prosperity impossible. We are
letting sunlight and air into the dark al
leys; we have established a court where
the Juvenile offender can be tenderly
guided into the paths Of good citizenship,
we have passed laws 70 guard every fea-
ture Of our physical existence. and now. II
seems. the time has come when we ought
to do something TO insure business tran
quillity.
Need Peaceful settlements.
MY endeavor in this direction is in
consonance with the spirit Of the age
The recent arbitration conference in New
York, the establishment Of the peace tri-
bunal, az The Hague, and the universal
feeling that war is not only wicked but
unnecessary. All these thing indicate the
growing sentiment m favor Of the peace
full settlement Of all disputes. The appre-
citation Of the value Of Industrial arbitra-
ton is also widely extending Any one
who viii read the reports made TO the
Department of Commerce and Labor will
speedily come TO the conclusion that the
wisdom Of settling labor troubles through
the exercise Of moderation and intelli-
gence is appealing more and more TO the
nations Of the world.
There has been a suggestion in this
country Of a national board of arbitra-
tion, TO consist Of the Secretary Of the
Department Of Commerce and Labor,
with five other members appointed by the
President. whose meetings should be held
I'm Washington When this proposition
was before Congress, it was asserted that
strikes IN the United States from 1851 to
1900 cost. in round numbers. $J0)000.000. l
do not intend TO enter upon this field Of
national arbitration, interesting as il
would be. We are concerned more par
tiCularly with our own city, and the ques-
tion arises whether il is practicable to
establish in Washington a court or tri-
bunal for the settlement Of the labor
difficulties which so frequently beset us.
Arbitration Not Compulsory.
1T must be understood that compulsory
arbitration is not contemplated. There
can be no such thing as compulsory arbi-
tration under our Constitution. There Is
no compulsory arbitration in New Zea-
land. where the settlement Of labor
troubles in an orderly and dignifed fash
ion has reached its highest development.
We might hope in time, however, 10
create a public sentiment which would
practically compel every dispute to be
referred to the tribunal Of arbitration.
The idea is neither fanciful nor impTacti-
cal.
Disputes are settled nowadaws by law.
and while l admit that there are some
things affecting both nations and indi-
viduals which demand sterner action than
litigation. still the fact remains that in
labor disputes there cannot be anything
gravely involving either national or in
dividual honor. If there should be. pub
lie sentiment would undoubtedly sustain
the most emphatic measures for defense.
Suggests Tribunal with Power.
IF some tribunal could be created.
consisting possibly of three judges, with
one representative OF capital and one rep
resentatve Of labor. which would be in
vested with all the dignity and authority
Of law, with power 10 send for persons
and papers, TO punish witnesses and TO
enforce its DEGREES, and If 10 the bar Of
that tribunal conflicting interests could
be brought for dispassionate and impartial
consideration, a great step in advance
would be achieved
Amusements of the Day.
Among the amusements Of the day were
baseball games In which the Trades" de-
feated the Board by 10 10 ). Several
teams were also organized In the bowling