The Washington times., 1920-06-01
bRYANAGA|NST
STRIKE CURB
Proposes "Truce" In Labor Dis
putes While Tribunal OF
Three investigates.
TELLS PLAN TO SENATORS
Will Present Policy Before DEM
ocratic Convention.
Criticises Church.
TELLS PLAN TO SENATORS

The league of nations plan for the
prevention of war should be applied
to the prevention Of labor troubles.
William Jennings Bryan today told
the Senate Committee on Education
and Labor.
Bryan advocated investigation and
the direction of public opinion to
labor troubles. without any power Of
preventing strike.
Opposes Compulsion.
Compulsory arbitration Is incn,-
sistent with the ideas of our coun-
try" Bryan said He advocated com
rulsory iEvcstfa rtion, with both
parties to the controversy suspending
action pending the investigation
Bryan announced he will bring
such q plan before the Democratic
convention in San Francisco and urge
it's inclusion in the party platform.
The peace plan provides for a
tribunal with membership composed
of a representative by each side and
q disinterested party selected by both
to represent the public. As in the
case Of the peace tribunal in the
League Of Nations. 1t would have no
power to arbitrate or to enforce its
opinions. Its function simply being to
Inv vcstigats and lay facts before the
public: no strikes or lookouts during
the period of Investigation, but at
the end OF the Investigation etthsr
side to be at liberty to act Ffnde-
pendently. The period of invsstiga-
ton, Mr.. Bryan said. should be limit
ed, according to the circumstances.
Would Declare Truce.
During the period each side would
declare a truce" he said. AS it is
now, the only thing that Is antici-
pated in an Industrial dispute is a
strike or a lockout: antagonism is
stimulated before action is taken and
public opinion excited by propaganda
There would be no power to enforce
the opinions OF the tribunal / have
suggested except the public opinion.
1t would act either on the request of
either party to a dispute or on its own
initiative. Its value would lie in
directing public opinion to the facts
in the cast of each side before 1T was
influenced by propaganda.
He declared compulsory arbitration
Inconsistent with the ideas of the
country"
II have no confidence in a tribunal
to establish arbitration" he said.
"You cannot compel an employer to
operate his business at a loss and
you cannot compel an employe to ac-
cept conditions of employment which
he regards as unbearable."
He said the Christian church should
be the harmonizing influence between
capital and labor.
Disappointed In Church.
T am disappointed it has failed to
act" he said. II speak as a member c
of the church."
isn't the present Industrial situ-
alton a challenge to the church -
asked Senator Kenyon. chairman Of
the committee.
eyes," answered Bryan. The creed
of Christ could solve the problem. 1t
taken charge OF the problem"
isn't 1t true" asked Kenyon, that
few men who toll or slave for liv-
ing belong to a churchr'
mo, I wouldn't say that" answered
Bryan. TT depends on the churches
In the Industrial centers."
Kenyon asked whether he had read
the Industrial program submitted by
the council Of bishops Of the Catholic
church.
sIt's very good said Kenyon. "and
you will md 1t worth your while to
read"