Abilene weekly reflector., 1922-11-23
LABOR COURT
Is DOOMED
TO Be ENDED
Democrats Have Many
Schemes toDestroy
the Tribunal =
By A. l.. Shultx

Topeka Nov. 22-The tussle which
Governor-elect Davis and the legls'
iature will stage in disposing OF tne
Industrial court tangle will probably
be one of the most interesting events
in Topeka this winter. Every dop-
ster has a different idea as to just
how 1t will be done. Probably the
new Democrat governor has few
ideas too, although he hasn't MADE
them public as yet. There are q
dozen things that might be done, but
neither the legislators nor the new
governor have a very definite idea as
to Just what will happen.
There isn't a serious probability
that the industrial court will retain
its present status. Neither Is there
considerable chance that the legisla-
ture will follow the suggestion OF
the Bourbon governor and kill the
court law entirely. Because OF the
,tangle it is likely that the labor court
question will form the basis Tor all
the general job and sorrow In fixing
new legislative lines and determining
the probable programs OF the two
houses.
Until the new legislature gets
under way it may be rather difficult
to determine. the probable line-ups.
All Of the Davis strength, though,
will be thrown behind program to
repeal the present law and create q
board of arbitration as a substitute.
Davis claims he will have the sup
mort of several Republican legisla-
tors in carrying out this plan.
Governor Allen and supporters OF
the court don't intend to quit the
fight until there is real Knockout.
Their first defense will be for the
court as it now exists. II they can't
hold that line, they will probably
Yield on the basis Of permitting the
supreme court to name the labor tri-
Sbunal judges. That would take con-
troll of the ceurt from under Davis.
If persons responsible for creation
Of the court cannot save It In any
other manner they viii consent to. q
reconsoli olidation with the public util-
titles, colnHission.
All Judges to Go
- There isn't ghost Of show to
retain the present industrial court
personnel. Judge Higgins term ex-
pires this winter. He is a Republi-
can and due to retire. Judge Craw-
ford holds a recess appointment.
The state senate refused to confirm
his appointment in 1921 and he was
later given a recess place by Gov
ernor Allen. Judge McDermott has
a little more than year to serve
providing the legislature does not
disturb the court and make neces-
sary entirely new selections.
All of the organized labor lobby
will favor utter annihilation OF the
court law. This sentiment is worthy
OF consideration in view Of the fact
that labor just at this time has the
attentive ear Of the new governor.
There is another feature. too. Some
of the new legislators are not sold
on the court plan. If the Democrat
dope book is correct some Of the new
Republicans--as well as few Of the
,old members-may give Davis some
help in putting patches on the labor
court act.
Should the legislature change the
law to provide for a board OF arbitra-
ton, the new governor would have
the selection Of an entire new tri-
,bunal. Should the law makers re-
consolidate the utilities commission
and the court, Governor Davis would
he able to carry out some OF his
board consolidation plan and at the
same time retain political control
over both the commission and the
court. There are two new places
available to the Democrats on the
utilities commission. Clyde M. Reed
has the only hold over certificate.
In event Governor Davis and the
legislature fail to agree the Democrat
executive has a big trump card In
reserve. If the legislature doesn't
follow his plans sufficiently to prac-
ticaIly destroy the present court,
Davis may then appoint men from
ranks of union labor who are bitter
iy opposed to every principle Of the