South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-09-26
National Board With Broad
est Possible Powers May
be Outcome of Pres
ident'S Request.
OFFICIALS AND LABOR
MEN WORK ON PLANS
Both Will Have Say in Any
observation-disclosures Will
Net Give Up Right
to Strike.
InternationaI News Service :

International News Service:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26.-Crea-
ton of a national board of media
ton and Cancellation, with broadcast
possible powers. but just short Of the
right to enforce compulsory arbitra-
ton may be the outcome of Pres I
Wilson inviting suggestions of the
best way to reconcile capital and
lahOG
The presidents appeal for sug-
gestions is likely to meet with a
ready response. Labor leaders here
and the few senators and represent
atives still in Washington are study
ing the situation very carefully
They agree with the statement of the
president that the greatest menace
apparent" 10 the continued prosper
ity Of the country is the increasing
unrest in the labor world.
Organized labor leaders, however.
are chary of endorsing any plan that
might tie their hands in enforcing
their demands through a strike. All
who would talk ar all insisted today
that the strike is laborS greatest
weapon, and that they are opposed
TO any action that would in any way
abridge it. Most Of them believe
that a federal mediation board
board would be a first step toward
compulsory arbitration.
some Method Needed.
1t is known, however, that Pres't
Wilson and his advisers are con-
vinced that some method of media
ton must he decided on by congress
in the immediate future. Just how
il is 10 be brought about viii have
to be worked out through a moditi-
cation of all plans that up TO the
present time have been suggested.
Ii is known that the president had
hoped that the former federal COM
mission on Industrial relations would
have found the way out. but congress
fatty ignored its recommendations
saving they were too radical" How
ever, much of the data compiled
now is available for a new federal
body if one is named. The presi-
dent. il is expected, will dwell at
length on this subject in his mes
SAGE to congress when il reconvenes
next December.
From the labor leaders now in
Washington the following express
sions on the subject we're obtained
today:
Samuel Gompers. president of the
American Federation of Labor:
PRIEST Wilson's plan 10 evolve a
general solution that will effectually
prevent great labor disputes in the
future will of course, have the CO.
operation Of organized labor. Labor
leaders will take advantage of his
invitation 10 submit suggestions TO
this end. This is a problem which
calls for deep study and at this
time I am unable 20 outline my
views on this question. 1 shall give
the matter careful attention, how
ever. and shall comply with the
presidents request where possible.
The presidents idea is worthy of
commentator and cooperation"
James O'Connell. president Of the
Metar Trades department. American
Federation of Labor. and former
member OF the federal commission
on industrial relations:
Certainly in this enlightened age
We should be able 10 fulfill Pres't
Wilson's plan TO develop a general
scheme which viii eliminate future
clashes / etweeh labor and capital.
1t is a big problem, but we should
be able 10 work out a real solution.
am opposed TO any plan which
contemplates compelling the work
ing men 20 submit his claims or
grievances 10 any tribunal. But I
believe that the situation can be met
by organization. Ii We can reach
point where well organized labcring
men, banded together for their own
advancement. can sit down with rep
resentatives OF their employers on
terms OF equality. I feel confident
that every possible difference be-
tween the two sides can be salts
factorily adjusted. / do not believe
much can be done By legal enact
ment"