New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-25
Government Aid Sought in
Averting Interruption of
Public Utilities.
CONTRACTS ENDORSED
BY MANUFACTURERS
Thirty-Day Notice Before
Quitting Recommended
by II. r. Towne.

A comprehensive plan 10 avert such
interruptions in public service as have
been caused by the present streetcar
strike has been adopted by the direc-
tors Of the Merchants Association OF
New York and submitted to the Cham
Der Of Commerce Of the United States,
with the request that the chamber take
a referendum OF its members on the
subject
Henry r. Towne, president Of the
Yale & Towne Manufacturing Com
pany, is the author of the new plan.
II is based on a "contractual relation
ship" between the corporations and
each employee, conserving to the men
great freedom of individual or collcc-
tive action, but which would make n
strike of which the public would bear
the brunt an impossibility.
Contracts binding employing corpo-
ration and employe would not be dis
similar TO the two-year agreements be-
tween the Interborough Rapid Transit
Company and its men.
Government Control Asked.
The plan would extend the pov er Of
government authority over public SER
vice bodies considerably. Indeed, the
government, through its agents, would
be a buffer between employers and en-
rtln frre
are provided for workers TO exact re-
dress of conditions which may be I'M
just. but by law would forefend any
interruption of service and consequent
public discomfort
Resolutions adopted by the directors
Of the Merchants Association put the
matter in these words:
That the tenure of service Of en-
ployes of public service corporations,
particularly of transportation corpora
tions, should be regulated by law in
such manner that each person who vol
UNFAIRLY elects to enter such employ
ment shall, as a condition of such en-
ployment, be legally obligated by con-
tract to continue therein for q specified
term, during which term he may not
lawfully quit that employment, nor the
corporation lawfully discharge him
from its service, except as provided by
such contract; and that such contract
should provide adequate penalties for
violation of its terms by either party"
If the proposal is approved by the
vote Of the National Chamber Of Com
merce, the New York body in it's res
olutions proposes 10 formulate through
committee of the chamber co0perat-
ing with public service corporations,
representatives. Of their employees and
others whose counsel would be Of SER
vice, a draft Of a legislative bill suit
able to effect the purpose stated: 70
cause such bill to be introduced in
Congress, and to prepare memorial
for presentation TO Congress and for
general public distribution in explana-
ton and support of the proposed leg
islation."
Mr.. Towne has outlined the course
state and national legislation should
take to accomplish the ends desired.
Here are some Of the points he makes:
Breach of contract, by either party,
punishable by fine, the amounts TO be
hxed by law. At the expiration Of the
workers contract he would receive back
the sum of his fines with per cent in
terest. Fines would be assessed BY
award, TO be constituted under law by
joint action Of the company and en-
ployes, and by the Public Service Com
mission on appeal.
Company could terminate contract
because Of misconduct on employees
part. or disability, or because of slack