New-York tribune., 1911-01-15
HEAR ARBITRATION PLANS
Seth Lows Amendment Before
the Civic Federation.
MARKS FOR LEMIEUX LAW
James Duncan Points TO New
Zealand in Opposing All Com
pulsorv Measures.

"The Mediation and Arbitration OF lhnus
trial Disputes" was the last question unoei
discussion before the delegates 10 tne sew
enth annual convention OF the Natona
civic Federation. which adjourned yester'
dav noon. A fair representation listened
tn The addresses of Edward w. Frost
chairman OF the Wisconsin state boaru o'
Arbitration. Cornelius j. DOYLE chair'i'ar
OF the Illinois state Board OF Arphratloh
| James Duncan. first vice-president or tne
! American Federation of Labor. and Marcus
| NJ Marks. president Of the NhoiesaIe
| C'lothiers' Association. Frederick hluhf
of Cass city, Mich. presided.
| In the course Of the session Seth Lo"
president OF the federation. read letter
| from Mayor Gaynor regretting that 'ne
| condition OF his throat prevented MS at
tending the dinner on Friday night ans
thanking the federation for It's assistance
| in settling the express strike Mr. Low
went on to say that the express strike eX'
perience had shown the necessity of focus
slrg public opinion on such disputes. and
/ he then introduced on his own initiative a
proposed amendment to the New YORK Ia"
on the subject, which was referred 10 the
! fe6eraton's executive committee.
The proposed amendment in brief, pro
vides that either PARTY to an industrial DIS
pute or any twenty-five citizens, may eau
the attention of the Governor 10 the inter-
ruption or threatened interruption, OF a
public service. and request him to appoint
a snecial board of conciliatior, also pro-
vided for in the amendment which shall
have the powers Of an investigating COM
mission. and shall report decision.
ANY DISPUTE between an employer and MS
employees. according to the Amendment
may be submitted to a board Of arbitra-
tion consisting of three persons. one to be
appointed by the labor union or elected by
the employees II unorganized. ard one by
the employer. These two shall appoint
third who shall be the chairman. Such a
board shall have power to subpoena wit
nesses, compel their attendance ana take
their testimony, and shall make written
report Of it's decision. In case OF dis-
pute between twenty-five or more en-
ployes and n corporation or corporations
the Governor may appoint a special board
OF conciliation, to take the place of an ar
hitration board.
Mr.. Frost, of the Wisconsin state Board
OF Arbitration. strongly opposed compulsory
arbitration, though he considered arbitra'
ton a necessity OF industrial peace. More
blood was shed in strikes in this country
he said. than in wars in South America
Mr.. DOYLE, of the Illinois board thought
that where a strike or lockout was contem-
plated affecting transportation or the food
or fuel supply Of a community, an invesi-
cation should ne made compulsory by law.
He favored a permanent board of media
tion in every state.
Mr. Duncan declared that compulsory
arbitration was impossible in any civilized
country In New Zealand, he pointed out,
, the compulsory arbitration Of dispute be-
tween the boot End shoe workers and
manufacturers resulted in a decision In
favor of the strikers and caused the manu-
factuTers 10 move their plants 10 England.
All the officers OF the federation were re-
elected, with the exception Of Mrs. II.
Beck, Of Philadelphia, chairman OF the
women's department. Her successor is
Mrs John Hays Hammond.