Evening journal., 1919-12-30
ALL
Under LAWS,
GARY'S idea
Sees Little Hope Against
Public Imposition in Vol
untary Arbitration
SAYS EMPLOYERS WILL
LISTEN TO WORKERS

NEW YORK. Dec. 30 UNITED Press)-
comprehensive laws, rather than volun-
tary arbitration, are necessary TO abso-
lutely protect everyone against imposi-
ton on the part OF employers and EN-
ployes" Judge Ebert II. Gary, chair
man OF the United States Steel CorpOr-
ton, declared In a statement today.
Judge Gary plainly intlmated he was
not entirely in accord with the recon-
mendatlons made yesterday by Presi-
dent Wilson's industrial conference for
settlement Of disputes between employ
ers and employe. He was a member OF
the previous group that attempted to
make recommendations for solution OF
the industrial problem. He referred 90
the present labor troubles as disputes
between labor and union leaders and
managers Of business. He declared "the
public must know" that unions have
decreased production, added 10 costs
and raised the expense OF living"
Il venture the assertion that II the
public Is disposed 10 absolutely protect
ENtIN NNlt ukhAMNN AlAIWNANAWA WA AAAN
part OF employers and workers 70 should
not depend upon voluntary arbitration.
but should establish and administer
laws which win have complete jurisdic-
tlon over both groups Of citizens" he
said.
The public could then rely upon the
continuance. without interruption OF
the enforcement Of law and order, so
that every individual or interest shall
be protected In freedom OF action or
non-action. so long as there Is no Oppo-
sitlon 10 the statutes In force.
"The employers I'd the body Of the
employees clearly recognize that Il IS
for the pecuniary interest OF both to
maintain peaceful and friendly rela-
tlons; and every honest minded person
admits this will rehou.d TO the benefit
and comfort OF the general public.
AT this particular time / think Il es-
sential that the general public be given
the opportunity to clearly understand
the exact labor situation. In the United
States Il Is not so bad as II Is made TO
appear by some OF the public speakers
and writer's. particularly those who are
not, by experience or otherwise, quail
fed TO testify or TO express opinions.
There have been, IN places, disorder,
riot and injury 10 person and property.
These strikes did not represent antag-
onism between employers and employees
so called. In most. II not all instances,
they were precipitated by union labor
leaders acting on their own Initiative.
The differences. disputes and contests
have been between labor union leaders
and the managers Of business.
in few II any cases has there been
any serious trouble between the man
ayers Of Industry and the employees
generally or any reasonable claims on
the part OF the majority Of the en-
plOyes for higher wages or more IA
v0rable living conditions which were
not promptly and mutually adjusted.
In fact, for a long time the employees
in this country have been receiving lar
ger compensation and better working
and living conditions than ever before.
The large majority OF the employees OF
this country, probably not less than 50
per cent, are not members OF labor
unions and are satisfied with their
working condition.
III any have good reason for com
plant, the employers, when informed
must and will furnish a prompt and
adequate remedy. / do not wish at
this time 10 discuss the merits or de-
merits OF labor unions. The public
generally must know that in pro-
portion 10 their influence they have
decreased production, added 10 costs
and raised the expense OF living"
Judge Gary, In his only direct refer
ence 10 the industrial commissions
suggestions for a tribunal TO arbitrate
disputes and twelve regional boards to
investigate labor differences said:
81 have little TO say at present con-
cernlng the plan for settlement OF la
Dor disputes reported by President
Wilson's conference. / shall endeavor
TO take tine TO go over II carefully be-
fore reaching a final conclusion. 10 Is
TO be hoped that whatever organization
shall be agreed upon, It will be made
up Of competent disinterested and un-
preiudlced men who will secure the
confidence Of the entire public; and
that serious industrial disputes may be
avoided as the result"