Semi-weekly herald. [volume] (Durango, Colo.) 1907-1917, 1916-01-03
1890 ACCIDENTS IN COLO.
IN THE PAST YEA.

IN The PAST EAi.
DENVER, Colo, Dec. 30.-Few peo-
pie realize the vast beneficent chang
es that have been brought about in
the relations of capital and labor by
the state compensation insurance law
and by the industrial commission
established by the late Republican
legislature. 1t will be remembered
that they are distinctively Republi-
can measures and were forced thru
the legislature by Governor Carlson
and Speaker Stewart over both the
secret and open OPPOSITION of the Dem
ocracy. These two measures have
been in active operation since Aug
ust l.
Previous to that time an injured
man knew it would be useless to sue
his employer unless he could prove
that the accident was due to the en-
ployer's negligence, and that his own
carelessness was not a contributary
cause. Even when the workman had
1 good case it was to the advantage
If the employer to deny all respon-
iibility until court had decided that
lamages were due. AS result, the
victim of an accident had to depend
upon his own savings TO support him
self ana provide for medical treat
ment while he was disabled and was
obliged frequently to wait years be-
fore receiving indemnity. And when
it was at last received, more than
likely he had to split it with the law
yer who took his case.
All this is now changed. Since
August l, the employer has been re-
luired to provide medical attention
to an employee injured at his work,
and to give all necessary care, includ-
ing hospital services for thirty days
following the injury. In addition to
this the injured man has compen-
sation paid at regular intervals. COM
mencing with the fourth week of his
disability and continuing as long as
he is disabled. Should death result
from the accident the workman's wild
ow and children receive monthly
pension for six years, amounting in
all to $1,000.
From August l, to November 80, of
this year, 1920 accidents were report
ed to the commission and in every
case, it is believed the law has been
strictly observed, in nearly every case
without the question having been rails
ed of who was to blame
OF these 1920 accidents, forty-five
have resulted in death in most of the
cases the compensation is all the de-
pendent ones have had left to them.
The industrial commission act also
makes the commission permanent
committee Of arbitration for disputes
with regard to wages or hours of lab
or. Either party must give thirty
days notice of a strike, lockout or
any change affecting wages or hours.
During this thirty days the commits
sion has time to make an investiga-
ton and passions have time to cool.
A dozen disputes have SO far been
brought to the attention of the COM
mission and with one exception they
have been settled amicably and salts
factorily to all concerned.
A demand for higher wages on the
part or several thousand Denver &
Rio Grande employees is now before
them. The commission is not sure
whether it has Jurisdiction here, OF
account of the interstate character
of the road, but if it is decided the;
have, they will leave no stone un
turned to prevent strike.
The question Of who shall be chos
en- delegate to the Republican ma
tional convention is beginning to ex
( cite a good deal of attention. Amon'
: those who have been mentioned n
! possible candidates are Governo
: Carlson, P. B. Stewart, DR.. Worl
n Fred Roof. Irving Howbert, Buckle
Wells, 4. A.. Reed, John F. Vivian