Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1912-08-09
LABOR LEGISLATION.
tFrom the Vergennes Enterprise and
Xermonter Aug IL

LfNoOn L60to-fNttONs
[From the vergennes Enterprise and
Vermonter, Aug. IL
The Republican party in its state plat
form, does not throw sop to the
workingman, but II does recognize the
fact. In dignihed and manly way, that
there Is demand for enlightened labor
legislation. Fortunately Vermont has
up to the present time, had very few la
Dor troubles. There have been some,
however-enough to show that the state
has got to follow the lead OF other states
where manufacturing is more common
and make the conditions between labor
and capital as agreeable as possible.
Manufacturing in Vermont. is steadily
increasing, and fair laws will tend to
quicken the growth. No laboring man
and no friend OF labor can read the
plank of the Republican platform which
| treats Of labor without being impressed
| by its truth and sincerity. 1t is not
| bombastic but straight to the point. 1t
| Is not bad idea for every voter of the
state to become familiar with it. Here
| 1t is:
scarcely less vital to the laborlng
man than a living wage are safe and
sanitary surroundings of employment.
| State inspection of factories and
| places OF employment Is needed to
insure the proper enforcement of
| laws intended to safeguard those who
| labor.
| I'VE favor the passage of a fair
and equable working mems compen-
| sation law at the earliest moment
| that the state constitution will per-
| nit
I'VE believe that a state board of
| conciliation, mediation, or arbitra-
tion for the settlement of labor
troubles would justify it's existence,
If properly constituted, and we urge
the subject upon the attention of
| our lawmakers"
One of the most important suggestions
| is that in regard to the establishment
| of state board of conciliation, media
ton. or arbitration for the settlement of
| labor troubles. The first thing to do
| when trouble arises between two parties
is to get at the facts 1t is almost i'm
possible for parties to a controversy to
see the facts clearly II left to them
selves. A good farminded neghbor can
often serve as a peacemaker and stop,
at its inception, what might lead to a
bitter feud between families. A
state board, of Cancellation can
do just that oftentimes between capital
and labor. In states where such boards
exist many strikes have been averted
and much money saved to both sides.
Unquestionably a state board OF this
sort would have been of great good in
Burlington during the present year,
/
been practically closed down for six
months because of differences, appar-
emily slight, between the men and en-
ployers. A state board would have been
able to bring out the facts at least, and
the public could have judged where to
, place the blame for a big loss to the
| community
The laboring men of the state cannot
hope to secure fairer legislation thar
, the labor plank in the Republican plat
form squarely promises them. More thar
, this they probably do not seek. Unfair
legislation does nobody good. What the
Republican party plank promises is leg.
I islation guarding the interests of labor
, from unworthy attacks of capital, wher
such attacks are attempted. Thi!
I pledge, like every other pledge made b!
> the Republican platform this year, /!
I made to be kept. 1t Is not so radica
! that it cannot be fulfilled, yet It is
/ distinct step In advance.
Sober thought and careful study of tn
whole situation will surely show tina
the best interests of the laboring mai
: lie with the Republican party.