The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-05
INDUSTRIAL PEACE
TRIBUNAL is URGED
Underwood Backs Cummins
Plan to Fix Relations of Wage
Farmers and Payers.
CRISIS IN LABOR SHOWN
Workers Should Share in the
Management and Opera
ton, Says Borah.
Special Despatch 10 The sux.


WAsHrNGroN, Sept. 4.-Senator Under
wood (Ala.), speaking to-day in the
preliminary general discussion of the
Cummlns railroad bill. made the asser-
ton the time had arrived in the world
when contests between capital and labor
must come to be adjusted by tribunal
IL ultimate Industrial peace is to be
attained. Senator Underwood supported
the provisions OF the Cummins measure
whereunder permanent wage committee
of the employers and employees is pro-
posed to be created. It would be clothed
with necessary powers to adjust and
readjust the relations of the wage Garner
with the wage payer, responsible to the
Interstate Commerce Commission and
the new transportation board and to
1t all deputies regarding wages, work.
ing conditions and hours of labor should
be referred automatically.
THE great difficulty which confronts
the country in the settlement of its
labor disputes is the fact that up to
the present time we have found no sound
basis on which to rest the settlement"
said Senator Underwood.
Mr.. Underwood's speech, at one point
was interrupted by Senator Borai.
(Idaho). who interposed the statement
that .he question at issue was not one
Of wages at all and that any tribunal
the principal aim of which is to fix
wages would fall short of meeting the
conditions which now confront the
whole nation.
The question: said Senator Borah.
cannot be settled until industry has
been put on a new basis and labor not
only beer allowed to share in the fruits
OF industry but also in the management,
operation and control of labor
Williams Opposes Borah.
At the conclusion OF Senator Under
woods speech Senator Williams Miss
took issue with Mr.. Borah's claim that
the workers could not be satisfied with
the new advantages granted under the
Cummins plan.
Senator Underwood reviewed the
whole course in history OF the relations
subslsting between employers and en-
ployed, analyzing the outgrowth of UNI
versal recognition of labor rights &c
their present position In the economics
of society He said:
I'VE have at least reached an era Sc
far as the protection of property is con-
cerned where there Is no property right
that is not recognized and where the
courts provide a remedy to protect every
such right.
Yet in this age of advanced civiliza-
ton we hesitate to project with the
law the right-the principal right--of
mantle right of free man to earn a
living wage. without this right labor
must always occupy a servile position
or must maintain the right itself by
force.
THE labor battle of the past involves
a narrow field. To-day II is threatening
to become nationwide in its scope. and
a controversy that had limited effect OF,
those not actually involved in the past
to-day seriously threatens the happiness
and prosperity OF all the people of the
nation"
Senator Underwood expressed d;strust
of collective bargaining as a means to
the end of permanent adjustment of Ia
Dor disagreements
Indorstng the view of the labor leader
Senator Underwood continued:
THE problem that is now before the
Senate for consideration is one not only
involving the general rights OF labor but
also the industrial peace of the ma
ton"
The function of Congress to frame
laws 10 regulate employment, rates Of
wages and labor conditions was as con-
stitutlonal al its powers over rates and
fares, Mr.. Underwood held.
The avoidance by The trainers Of tn,
Cummins bill OF the question of com
pulsory arbitration was applauded by
Mr. Underwood. who said on this point
ITO enact a law for compulsory arbi
ttration at this time appears to be boil
Impractical and undesirable. The indus
trial equation is as far from solution to
day as 1t was in the beginning. Wa
not Mr.. Garretson right when he said
| Modern method should be directed t
preventing the disease, not primarily /
! curing the patient
The solution presented by the pending
| bill Senator Underwood declared he he
| lieved to be the right one. The need 70
a tribunal qualified and likewise author
ICED to effect this was evident. he said
"A board OF arbitration TO be appoint
ed by the employers and employees o
the railroad companies OF the Unite
| States will only look to the matters 4
| dispute between the contending parties.
he continued, land will not have in min
the ultimate rights Of the people. TIL
|