New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-06

ears and listened. Finally, in 1911, Il
appointed a special committee TO look
into the problem. The committee
found the solution in Germany and
England, and adapted much OF Bis
marck's wise methods 20 Wisconsin
conditions The workmen's compensa-
tion act Of 1911 WAS enacted.
Result of Legislation.
The result: To-day Mike and Pete
and Tony get compensation when they
are hurt; they get IL without delay.
They also get prompt medical atten-
ton, that they may return 70 WORK az
soon as possible. Their families don't
20 hungry. The courts have nothing
TO do with the case unless the question
Is particularly vexing. Four years ago
about one injured workman in seven
gots damages. Even then the seventh
man had 10 wait from one 70 ten years
for his money. Bit that wasn't all.
The seventh man had 20 split about
"Gfty-ffty" with his attorney. What
Of the other six men? No one knows.
Some became hoboes. Others just dis
appeared Others contributed TO the
child labor problem by sending their
families out 20 support the home.
A visit TO the Milwaukee City Hall
when the Wisconsin Industrial Com
mission is hearing workmen's compen-
sation cases will prove the efficiency Of
the new system When the members
Of the commission usually one or two
fix their calendars for Milwaukee hear
ings. they count on hearing one case
every half hour. Just contrast that
with the procedure in the courts. Then
think Of the tremendous saving in time
20 individuals, court costs and general
Tony Ballini's case comes first Tony
carries his arm i'm sling. lie talks
through an Interpreter. Tony insists
that he's badly hurt He wants to quit
work for half year or so. The com
mission examines him and a doctor
looks him over The examination
proves that Tony's arm will heal In
two months. Tony is told TO take
certain amount a week, which VIII be
paid by his employers, and to go 10
work when the doctor says he is TT to
labor.
And so it goes throughout the day
from 9 to y and from l to as late as
6. and sometimes past the closing time
of theatres. Do you often hear OF
civil court sitting nine or ten or twelve
hours in a day?
nomic loss in the one year Of S45OOOO.
Actual figures on the operation OF the
act show that TINS
amount. with more added, is being
utilized directly in settlements for in
dustrial accidents. There is practically
no waste. And employers and their
EMPLOYEES are more nearly at peace than
for years past.
Workmen's compensation. which got
its American start in Wisconsin GIVEN
tv-six states now nave compensation
acts). has done more than any other
thing to bring about earnest efforts Tor
the prevention Of industrial accidents.
At the instance Of leaders in the
labor world, in manufacturing inter
ests and insurance circles, the indus
trial commission made itself clear
ing house for informatio on the sub
iect of industrial safet'. Wisconsin
entered into the spirit
Of the work and followed closely the
efforts Of the commission. Several
large Milwaukee concerns gave all the
data they possessed on industrial safe
ty. and took in exchange what the
gathered from outside Wis
consin.
The matter of industrial safety and
its promotion was a natural function
Of the industrial commission, and the
plan has made for economy and eth-
cheney. Three states have followed the
example and amalgamated
their departments OF factory Inspec-
ton and workmen's compensation.