Arizona republican., 1919-02-02

these states employers and workmen no longer find it necessary to fight one another in the courts; no longer does a large fraction of the injured workman's compensation pass into the pockets of others. Payment for in- juries goes to the injured, just like a continuance of a portion of wages. For six years the State of California has enjoyed the benefits of an insurance Act which is perhaps the most satis- factory to both capital and labor of any in the United States. It is law which has not only made compensation defi- nite, speedy and certain. but has done much to prevent personal injuries. Exercising it's power to regulate meth ods of work and require safety ap- pliances, the California Accident Com mission has rendered it's chief service in the direction of accident prevention. most changes have been voluntarily installed after joint conferences be- tween employers and workers.
 Must Arizona continue to be de- prived of such benefits? Surely the adoption of any fair law which would remove at least one strike breeding condition and promote better feeling and justice ought to be favored by both of the warning factions of capital and labor in this state. Unfortunately, a large portion of the workmen are apt to view a proposal of such legislation with suspicion and be misled by their fears. Such has been the history of legislation in other states. But the experience of California should go far to reassure all factions that law can
 be framed which will be just and satis- factory to both capital and labor. It is earnestly hoped that in some manner both factions can cooperate at the present time and secure some ac- ton in the legislature now in session. If the present legislature fails to act, no desirable measure relating to this subject can become effective until 1923, and thus four years will have to pass l before relief can be had. Such delay
 would be necessary because the state constitution must be amended before any law of this kind can become opera tive, and no amendment of the con- stitution can be adopted until the fall
 of 1920. Yet, it does not follow that
 nothing can be done at present. An Act can now be passed containing a proviso that it shall go Into effect in the event of the people amending the constitution at the general election in 1920.
 If no such Act is now passed, and if the labor unions do not know what is to be adopted as substitute, they will probobly oppose a repeal of any con- stitutional provisions.
 Is the time too short? It is true that such legislation would be far-reaching
 and shonld be passed only after care ful investigation, but it is believed that
 it would not be difficult or dangerous to pass an Act containing the main provisions of the California law modi- fled to suit the conditions of Arizona Then, if such an Act contained any
 serious defects. such defects could be
 remeded by the legislature of 1921, at the very time the law would be des- | ignated to go into effect. Must Arz- i ona fall still farther to the rear of the
 great procession of the best governed
 states, which are moving towards in dustrial peace? Such will be the re-
 suit if We overlook our present oppor- 1 tunity.