The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1911-03-02

ACT FAVORED
HEARING BEFORE THE LEGlSLA-
TURE SHOWS LARGE EN-
FLOWERS DESIRE ACTION
WITHOUT DELAY.

Lansing, Mich. March That the
large employers Of labor in the state
are in favor of an employees compen-
sation act was made clear at a hearing
here Tuesday, which was attended by
| nearly a hundred manufacturers who
came up on a special train from De-
troit, representatives of all the rail-
roads and mining companies and of
the various labor organizations. A
! disposition was shown TO get some
plan started without delay, but the
discussion that followed indicated that
many diverse views are entertained
as to the character of the act which
should be adopted.
The subject is not only n big but
very intricate one and no compensa-
lion act can be put into operation un-
iii an agreement is reached as to eX-
sting principles regarding the doc
trine OF personal negligence. For
some years the iron mining companies
have led a compensation fund to
which the employees have contributed
to the extent of about 20 cents per
month.
w p. Belden, representing the
United States steel corporation, put
the matter very cogently when he
said that the mining companies have
come TO realize the value of human
life and the value of better relations
between employer and employe. He
then declared that in no compensa-
ton act should the employee be asked
to contribute a penny. but that the
amount should be assessed against the
industry. The Moriarty- james bill
which embodies the views of the min
ing companies. provides a compulsory
maximum amount Of $4,000, and these
companies favor a compulsory act for
both employers and employe which
will do away with the common law
,efense of fellow servant, contribu-
tory negligence and assumption OF
risk now relied upon by employers.
ON the other hand Attorney Oily of
representing the order of
Railway Tralnmen, insisted that en-
ployes should be permitted to elect
TO accept compulsory COM
pensation or take their chances on a |
suit. his argument being that the
amount earned and expectancy of one
man would be larger than another, |
while the character of the cause of |
death would enable one man To recov-
er larger amount OF damages Under
such plan. the companies assert they |
would have To pay the compulsory |
amount where death was due entirely |
10 the negligence OF the deceased and !
stand a law suit when the chances for |
recovering a large sum We're better. !
They insisted on some uniform plan |
which would bind both
Again, it was urged that the fed
sral constitution stands i'm the way of |
4 compensation act Some OF those |
who discussed the matter rather fav-
bred a mutual Insurance plan. such as
IS in vogue in Germany.
F.. c. Sehwedtman and James A.
Emery, who toured Europe as COM
nissioners of the United Manufac-
iurers' association. gave an illustrated |
lecture in the house this evening for /
The purpose OF demonstrating the me-
hod of accident prevention and indus
rial compensation I'm vogue In var
Gus countries
1t is doubtful If the legislature will
De able to accomplish anything defn-
te this session and there is a strong
sentiment in favor of a commission
% report to the next legislature,
hough most of the manufacturers
prefer that some plan be outlined and |
ried without delay.