The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-08
BOARD PLAN is

IOr Office. But II anyone thinks
soviet may be set up, let them try it
in the territory between Ohio and the
Rockies. With all our crusade we
have found only 3,000-most of them
of foreign birth-who would over
throw our government. And in my
belief they conspired thru Ignorance.
Condemn labor organizations as
you will and you will find them work
ing out plan that all may have an
opportunity with a fair chance for
their weaker brothers. I never knew
them to go into politics except for the
good of all mankind and a free citi-
zenship-"
'AI Arbitration Vices"
This bill contains all the vice of
compulsory arbitration without any of
it's virtues" said Walsh in an attack
on the court bill. 1T Is a blow at
every home in this state and the hui
man rights of every producer"
Walsh asserted there was absolute
ly no good in any of the provisions of
the proposed new law. He asserted
the law was unconstitutional and en-
forced involuntary servitude. He read
from am opinion by former Justice
Charles F. Hughes to support an as
sertion that the act would mean vir-
tual slavery to organized labor inter-
-ests affected by the measure. Coer-
cion in it's highest sense was declared
to be contained in the bill.
"You can't contract or barter away
the human element-the sorrows and
joys of the human race-as you may
contract for labor. Your bill is state
socialism as we know It. You cannot
demand human endeavOr as you COM
mand material properties and capital"
Criticism was directed against Gov
ernor Aliens proposed enactment by
Walsh in his Interpretation of a pro-
vision providing for continuity of
employment based on season and mar
ket conditions. Walsh stated such
provision was grossly unfavorable to
labor without assurance of regular
employment.
Pleads Collective Bargaining.
ct do not believe there would be a
strike on an industrial dispute in this
country" said Walsh, eff the rights
of each other were recognized-the
right to make collective bargaining
thru their chosen agents. II it is de-
sirable to have labor unions and col
lective bargaining, do not pass this
bill. If you do you build an iron bar
across your state and tell labor to stay
out.
LET us see what interests are pro-
tected under the bill. Let US see IL
their representatives are here. This
general drive is not against unions but
against the producers of the United
States. 1t is in line with a national
0T1Ve That mas dltIdCttd 6SlSIdl al
tention to Kansas. Under your bill
two or three members of '.our board
may add to or take away $4,000, 900
of profits of the packing companies
in this state.
These men on the board not only
have the power they claim Lenine and
TrotZky assert with a gun, but they
are given that power by law. This bill
for a board is worse than a court bill.
It is too much power for any one
board. 1t is removed from election
by the voters and is selected by one
beyond any I have in six years been
called upon to analyze.
Suspend Work for Labor.
Legislative bodies suspended adop-
ton or final decision on any of the
provisions of the proposed labor court
bill until the labor leaders had been
given a hearing. w. L. Higgins au-
thor OF the bill, may also appear for
a general discussion and explanation
of the measure, before the house and
senate attempt adoption of any of the
provisions.
Scores of labor representatives, en-
ployers, public officials and attorneys
went to the state house today to hear
Iabor's side of the dispute. Walsh was
easily the top line attraction. Many
women were in attendance for the
session that promised SO many spec
tacular and interesting features.
Due to the fact that nationwide in
terest is conferred in the Kansas fight
over the labor court enactment, color
is given the special session thru the
far-reaching effects of the proposed
new law. Both labor and capital real
ize that adoption of the bill with its
anti-strike provisions means sweeping
legislation of national if not interna-
tional. effect. Should the bill go thru
the legislature in substantially the
form 1t was presented and be upheld
by the courts, there is a new problem
ahead for labor organizations which
assert their rights thru the medium of
the strike.
State Industrial Pioneer.
It is because Kansas is about to pio-
neer the way in industrial legislation
that the eyes of labor have been with
drawn from developments in Cleve-
land and indianapolis and the, steel
strike and railroad problem forgotten.
Passage of the bill urged as the domi-
nant measure before the special ses-
sion, means labor must find some re-
lief other than the strike to back its
demands thru collective bargaining.
Hundreds of copies OF the bill have
been sent to all sections of the cour-
try. There is scarcely a member of
the legislature who has not supplied
numerous demands for copies.
Lawyers are carefully watching the
proceedings To-Day IN an OIIOEI TO DC
alert to all possible loop-ho1es and new
conditions thru passage and enforce
ment of the act. There is an almost
general demand among the lawyers
that the measure be amended to pro-
vide for a board or commission with
administrative powers. rather than a
court clothed with judicial powers
The board plan admittedly gives to the
state greater opportunity to enforce
police powers.
To Ask Second Hearing.
, 1t Is probable that in addition to
the hearing today labor interests will
ask a second inning some time next
week. Many leaders in labor union
circles prefer to delay a statement of
their case until they have heard and
are prepared to meet arguments ad-
vanced by friends of the bill. Should
a second hearing be granted, It is
probable that this argument will also
be advanced at joint session Of the
two houses.
labor representatives appearing be-