New-York tribune., 1919-12-29


under oath, to require the production
Of books and papers pertinent to the
inquiry, and their assistance In all
proper ways to enable the boards to
ascertain tho facts in reference to the
causes of the dispute and tho basis Of
fair adjustment. Provision shall be
made by law for the protection Of wit
nesses and to prevent the misuse Of
any information so obtained.
Cali members Of the tribunal and
boards heretofore described, including
the chairman and vice chairman, shall
be entitled to vote.
"The President shall have the power
Of removal Of the members Of the tribu-
nal and boards.
"In the presentation of evidence to
the tribunals and tho boards each side
shall have the right to present its po-
sition through representatives Of its
own choosing.
Representative Choice Sought.
"The Secretary Of Commerce and the
Secretary of Labor in making nomina-
tions for the National Industrial Tribu-
nal and in preparing and revising the
regional panels of employers and en-
ployees shall from time to time de-
velop suitable systems to insure their
selections being truly representative.
l,
the regional boards of adjustment and
the umpires shall in each of their de
examinations specify the minimum pc
riod during which such determinations
shall be effective and binding In case
of emergency regional adjustment
board or the National Industrial Trib-
unal may, after hearing both sides,
alter its determination by abridging
or extending the period specified
"13. Special Provisions.-The terms
of Office of members Of the National
Industrial Tribunal shall be six years;
at the outset three members, including
one from each group, shall be appointed
tor term of two years, three mem
bers for term of four years, and
three members for term Of six years;
thereafter three members, ono from
each group, shall retire at the end of
each period of two years. Members
shall be eligible for reappointment.
The regional panels provided for in
section shall be revised annually by
the secretaries of Commerce and Of
Labor respectively, in conference with
the employers and employees, respcc-
lively, of each region.
No Effect on Existing Machinery.
IA. Relation of Boards to Existing
Machinery for Cancellation and Ad-
Justment.-The establishment Of the
National Industrial Tribunal and the
Regional boards described shall not
affect existing machinery of concila-
tion, adjustment and arbitration es-
tabllshcd under the Federal govern
mcnt, under the governments of the
several states and territories or sub
divisions thereof, or under mutual
agreements of employers and en-
p!oyees.
Any industrial agreement made be-
tween employers and employees may.
by consent of tho parties, be filed with
the National Industrial Tribunal. Such
'ilng shall constitute agreement hy
the parties that in the event of dis
pute they will maintain the status cx-
Istlng at the time the dispute originated
until final determination, and that
any dispute not adjusted by means Of
the machinery provided through the
agreement shall pass on appeal to the
National Industrial Tribunal for de-
termination, as in the case of dis
pute submltted on appeal from re-
glonal board
III. Objects of Plan.-The main OBJ
Jects of the above plan are to secure
national coordination and to stimulate
the formation Of bodies for local adj
Justment. The requirement of una
nlmIty of agreement has by experience
IN the United States proved rema rkably
successful and should assure such con-
ildence that neither side can rightfully
refuse to submit to Adjustment A
precedent condition of such submission
IS that the interruption of production
shall be delayed. The frank meeting
Of the parties in controversy together
with other men skilled in questions at
issue always gives promise of settle
ment. On the other hand, refusal to
submit to the board not only inaugu-
rates legal inquiry but also prcju-
dlces the obstinate party or parties in
public opinion. Moreover, the fact that
membership on the Board of Inquiry is
IS available to either party to the con
ilict singly would tend further TO