The Topeka state journal., 1919-12-10
AGITATORS MAY
FACE fines and
Term IN PRISON
Provisions to Affect Employers
as Well as Workers.
Charter System to Give Judi
ciaI Recognition to Unions.
COURT MAY INJECT PROBE
Cases May Also Be Brought Be-
fore Tribunal by Taxpayers.
Violation Felony Punishable by
2 Years Prison, $1,000 Fine.

General provisions of Governor AL
lens Industrial court bil1-spot light
measure before the special legislative
session-became known today at the
state house. The bill will provide for
a special court of three members ap-
pointed by the governor who will set
tie disputes and differences between
employers and employees in all activi-
ties connected with the production and
distribution of food, clothing and fuel.
Wide ranges of commodities and
business activities are affected by
terms of the proposed law. No men
tion of strikes or lock-outs is made
in the wording of the bill. altho the
measure covers all cases where public
necessity is concerned with industrial
troubles. Drastic provisions are made
for aRitators and heads of labor or in
dustrial organizations who direct any
course which results in tie-up of pro-
duction or distribution of necessities
individuals who participate in any
manner with any move to impair pro-
duction or distribution would be sub
ject to punishment under the act.
Affect All Organizations.
General terms of the bill will prob
ably affect all organizations and in
dustries where fifty or more persons
are employed or are banded together
in any labor organization. Provision
is made for a charter system for labor
ORGANIZATIONS. By securing corporate
rights the labor organizations would
be given judicial recognition. The is
suance of a state charter to any organ
ization, however. would not relieve in
dividual responsibilities of members
and officers in case of strikes or lock-
outs.
Provision is made that in event of
any contemplated move to tie up or
retard production or distribution of
necessities. the court may act. The
bill provides that officers of organ
izations who agitate, urge or in any
manner recommend or order the clos
ing of essential industries may be pun
ished. Such acts by officers of organ
izations would constitute felony and
might include a two-year prison sent
ence with a $1,000 fine-either or
both. Individuals who refuse to work
and thus become a part of any organ
tied movement to shut off production
or distribution, would be guilty of
misdemeanor and might draw a fine
or not more than one year Jail SEN
tepce or both.
Show No Partially.
The bill applies to labor oreaniza-
tions and heads of industries alike. It
covers all classes of three essential
necessities.
broad to cover railroads and other
common carriers or their employees. It
also applies to public utilities, firms
and corporations enga ged in the trans
portation or distribution of necessities
Direct application as to production
Is defined by the bill. Industrial court
authority would extend to the punish
ment of persons engaged or employed
in manufacture or production of food
clothing and fuel essentials of all
classes. In short. the court might in
tervene in any strike or lockout in any
factory or plant manufacturing or dis
tributing any class of food or in the
preparation or finishing of such pro-
ductiOn. This term would extend the
courts power to packing and storage
plants. In fuel Interpretation of the
bill. authority to act is vested in the
court in coal mining or oil and gas
production and distribution.
Act On Own Motion.
Industrial court members might act
on their own motion in cases where
strikes or lockouts are threatened or
known to be contemplated Cases
might also be brought before the court
on petition of ten resident taxpayers.
Cases might be heard by the court
(ContiuueI on poee Six