Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1911-02-05
BY f. w. HERON.

II
-, HAVE earnestly advocated for
kSNY the last two years that the
next state legislature NOV in
SESSION. give consideration to a
AokFoN workmen's compensation act
aS As this is a matter OF great
Importance TO our people as whole. and
OF vital interest 10 employer and employe,
II ls a question that should be nom
political and a topic that should be given
most careful study 80 that the act when
In effect will apply to conditions as they
exist in Nebraska.
Economic students in Europe have
studied this problem for years and have
put into effect compensation acts that
have since brought about important social
and economic changes and that have re-
suited in great benefit to all concerned.
Just the last few years, however, has the
matter been given careful consideration in
the United States and now some states
have enacted laws and others appointed
commissions TO Investigate and consider
what statutory regulations can and ought
TO be formulated for compensation for in
juries and deaths among workingmen m
CURED In their work. Some who have not
given the matter thought may not under
stand this movement. what It means to
Nebraska and TO all students OF present.
day Industrial problems. or why Il has
attracted widespread interest among in
dustrial and social reformers throughout
the world.
IL is law or act governing and provid-
Ing certain and adequate return to
Norkingmen for the economic loss of
wages due to personal injury In the coure
81 employment. 1t gives protection to the
employer and the employee and reduces
20 g..a.
scientific and nearly accurate basis En-
ployers liability laws are different from
compensation acts; the former being now
pretty generally accepted as unjust and
therefore this great demand b. tse public
Tor a workable scheme OF compensation
for Industrial accidents
The Bureau of Labor Bulletin on In.
dustrial Accidents and Workmens Com
pensation states that In New York CITY
the average compensation In over 600
damage cases awarded indemnity, was but
$500 each. That makes a total OF 81 SEQ O0C
that was paid, half Of which went 20 the
workmen, the other half going TO lawyers
Thus. out OF the GOO cases. the workmer
actually received but $4,000 The cost TO tn,
state OF New York or the city In cost Of
procedure which was paid BY the tax.
payers was over s3.6oo00O in order q
secure this $4,000 10 the workmen 10,
indemnity justly due them; while In Eng.
land where a compensation act is in fore,
over 100000 was paid by employers last
year ON account Of Industrial accident,
and practically all OF Il went to the injured
workman or his family. The employe ha,
the right under the English law TO sue. bu
the percentage Of suits brought Is yer,
small being less than ! per cent
II Is not that the act aims to furnish
eomplete Indemnity. but prompt and sub
stantial relief and does not therefore nut ,
premium on oarelessness.
Dr. William II. TolmAn In his circular
savinE Lives by LesseninE Accidents.
states; Every year about 90 per cen
Of tho time Of the jury trial and first ap
peal courts In New York is occupied b.
the consideration Of accident cases. Thi
Involves enormous social spd economic
watts. SIX millions annually IL the sx