IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

*- IIIIIM

|S0 '""

^" m
^ 1^

liM

|| Z2

i.8

1.25

U 11.6

/}.

'^1

■c^l

'^ ''">

<r^

%^ %" J^ '

Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, NY. 14SS0

(716) 872-'»503

CIHM/ICMH

Microfiche

Series.

CIHM/ICMH
Collection de
microfiches.

Canadian Institute for Historicai IVIicroreproductions

institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques

1980

Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes tachniques at bibliographiques

The institute has attempted to obtain the best
original copy available for filming. Features of this
copy which may be bibliographically unique,
which may alter any of the images in the
reproduction, or which may significantly change
the usual method of filming, are checked below.

□ Coloured covers/
Couverture de couleur

□ Covers damaged/
Couverture endommagde

□ Covers restored and/or laminated/
Couverture restaur6e et/ou pellicul6e

Cover title missing/

Le titre de couverture manque

□ Coloured maps/
Cartes g^ographiques en couleur

□ Coloured ink ii.e. other than blue or black)/
Encre de couleur (i.e. autre gue bleue ou noire)

□ Coloured plates and/or illustrations/
Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur

□ Bound with other material/
Reli^ avec d'autres documents

Tight binding may cause shadows r distortion
along interior margin/

La reliure serr^e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la
distortion le long de la marge int^rieure

Blank leaves added during restoration may
appear within the text. Whenever possible, these
have been omitted from filming/
II 86 peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutdes
lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte,
mais, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont
pas idt6 filmdes.

Additional comments:/
Commentaires suppl^mentaires:

L'lnstitut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire
qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details
de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du
point de vue bibliographlque, qui peuvent modifier
une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une
modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage
sont indiqu6s ci-dessous.

□ Coloured pages/
Pages de couleur

□ Pages damaged/
Pages endommag^es

I I Pages restored and/or laminated/

D
D

Pages restaurdes et/ou pellicul6es

Pages discoloured, stained or foxe(
Pages d^colordes, tachetdes ou piqudes

Pages detached/
Pages ddtach^es

I I Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/
I I Pages detached/

□ Showthrough/
Transparence

Quality of print varies/
Quality indgale de I'impress^ion

I I Includes supplementary material/

Comprend du matdriei supplementaire

Only edition available/
Seule Edition disponible

Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata
slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to
ensure the best possible image/
Les pages totalement ou partiellement
obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure,
etc., ont 6t6 filmdes d nouveau de fapon d
obtenir la meilleure image possible.

This item is filmed at the reduction ratfo checked below/

Ce document est filmd au taux de reduction indiqud ci-dessous.

10X 14X 18X 22X

26X

30X

12X

16X

20X

24X

28X

32X

itails
B du
lodifief
r une
Image

The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks
to the ^ «ro8ity of:

Library of the Public
Archives of Canada

The Images appearing here are the best quality
possible considering the condition and legibility
of the original copy and in Iteeping with the
filming contract specifications.

L'exemplaire fllm6 fut reprodult grflce d la
g6n6rosit6 de:

La bibliothdque des Archives
publlques du Canada

Les images sulvantes ont 6t6 reproduces avec le
plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et
de la natt9t6 de I'oxemplalre filmd, et en
conformity avec les conditions du contrat de
filmage.

Origina! copies In printed paper covers are filmed
beginning with the front cover and ending on
the last page with a printed or illustrated Impres-
sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All
other original copies are filmed beginning on the
first page with a printed or Illustrated impt^s-
sion, and ending on the last page with a printed
or Illustrated Impression.

Les exemplalres orlginaux dont la couverture en
papier est Imprimde sont fllm6s en commenpant
par le premier plat et en termlnant soit par la
derni^re page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'lllustratlon, solt par le second
plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplalres
orlginaux 3ont filmds en commenpant par la
' p.. r r'^'a page qui comporte une empreinte
d",;iy'(i?.'i-. n ou d'illustration et en termlnant par
la dernibrb page qui comporte une telle
empreinte.

The last recorded frame on each microfiche
shall contain the symbol ^^ (meaning "CON-
TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"),
whichever applies.

Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la
dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le
cas: le symbole —^' signifie "A SUIVRE", le
symbole V signifie "PIN".

Maps, plates, charts, etc. .nay be filmed at
different reduction ratios. Those too large to be
entirely included In one exposure are filmed
beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to
right and top to bottom, as many frames as
required. The following diagrams illustrate the
method:

Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre
filmds d des taux de reduction diff6rents.
Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre
reprodult en un seul clich6. il est filmd d partir
de Tangle sup6rleur gauche, de gauche d droite,
et de heut en bas, en prenant le nombre
d'Images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants
lllustrent la mdthode.

errata
I to

9 pelure,

on d

32X

REPORT

I ^

OV THB

Canadian Legislative Committee,

To the General Executive Board of the Knights of Labor :

On receipt of official notification of our appointment by the General Master
Workman, your committee met for organization in the city of Toronto on the tentb
of January last, when Brother Elliot was elected Chairman and Brother Benoit-
Secretary.

After discussing the course to be pursued during the approaching session of Par-
liament, it was agreed that it would be unnecessary for the whole committee to be at
Ottawa, and, therefore, in the interest of economy, the Chairman was instructed to
proceed to the Capital on the opening of Parliament and to remain there during the
continuance of the session, with the understanding that, should anything arise which
in his opinion rendered such action necessary, the full committee was to be called
to meet at Ottawa, or at any other piece which might be deemed advisable. The
committee was unanimous in the opinior that at present practical rather than theo-
retical results were desired, and to that end U was agreed to seek practical legislation
— a program which, as will be seen, we followed throughout.

When the business of the meeting had been concluded, by invitation of the Chair-
man of your committee, the Executive Board of the Dominion Trades and Labor
Congress waited upon us at our hotel and discussed with us various matters upon
which legislation was desired by their organization. Your committee offered their
services to the Board so far as might be in their power, and proposed to transact any
business for the Congress that they might desire in the matter of soliciting legislation
or interviewing the heads of the different departments on matters pertaining to the
interests of labor. The Board appeared to be satisfied as well as gratified at the
proposition and thanked us for the ofter. We then jointly discussed the program of
the Congress and h<iartily agreed with the several items it contained, inasmuch as
they were already embraced in the list of subjects drawn up by your committee.
The Board left us with the impression that our offer had been accepted, and that the
useless expenditure involved in the maintenance of two committees at the Capital
would be saved. At a later date, however, the Board saw fit to authorize their
President to look after their interests in the Parliamentary lobby, and at his request
we lent him all the aid in our power, exerting our influence to secure for him inter-
views with ministers of the Crown and to obtain such public documents as he desired.

(6)

CANADIAN LEGISLAIIVB COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

Immediately after the adjournment of the first meeting of thr> f^ommittee, the
Chairman — realizing that in order to obtain the passage of legislation of the nature
sought by us it is necessary io previously interview ministers of the Crown and
explain to them the purpose of the proposed measures that they may give them due
consideration prior to the busy Parliamentary season and arrive at a definite conclu-
sion upon them — wro*^© to Sir John A, Macdonald, and arranged an interview with
him at the Queen's Hotel, Toronto, on January 15. Accordingly, at the appointed
time, we called upon the right honorable gentleman and had a lengthened interview;
in the course of which we learned that he was in favor of some of the reforms asked
for, while to others he thought a little further consideration might be given. He
stated, however, that it was hardly likely the government would do much in the way
of introducing new labor legislation until the report of the Royal Labor Commission
had been presented and considered. This Commission had been employed at a cost
of about $80,000 to inquire into the relations existing between labor and capital in
the Dominion, and he believed they vrould present information of great value oa the
general questions on which legislation was desired. &ir John extended to the com-
mittee a coidial invitation to call upon him at any time we desired to do so, promising
a hearing and due consideration to all matters we might wish to present.

On January 29 we proceeded to Ottawa in order to be present at the opening, and
that no time might be lost in getting our work started. The first week we employed
in forming the acquaintance of ministers and members, and in receiving and present-
ing petitions from difterent Assemblies on divers subjects.

On assuming our duties in the Parliamentary lobby, your committee deemed it in
the interests of those whom we were serving that we should recognize existing facts
in our Parliamentary system rather than to set up for ourselves an ideal system, and,
having arrived at that conclusion, we set to work in the most practical way that sug-
gested itself to our minds. Partyism in Canada divides the statesmen ,nd politicians
into two separate and distinct camps, both of which are ever on the alert to make
capital for themselves by which they may strengthen their position with the
electorate. There is never any difficulty in getting an opposition to support a
measure in which a large number of people are interested, no matter by what name
the party may be known. For the reason that they are anxious to obtain the votes
of these people, and by that means improve their chances of getting hold of the reins
of government and all that that implies, they are deeply interested in gaining the
good-will of the promoters of the measure, and, having no governmental responsi-
bility resting upon them, there is nothing to prevent them from following the course
which their political interests dictate. The difficulty in Canada is always and almost
of necessity with the party in power. Upon them devolves the responsibility for the
enactment of laws and for the general well-being of the country, in so far as a Parlia-
mentary majority or an administration may be able to control it. They, therefore,
are slow to move. But if a majority of them can be induced to look favorably upon
a labor measure, it is certain to carry, as the opposition dare not oppose ft for fear of
lessening their chances at the following elections.

Under these circumstances, and the opposition having already placed themselves
on record as intending to vote for our measures, your committee thought it their
duty to devote their energies to the Government or Liberal-Conservative party. But
in doing so we studiously avoided doing anything that could give offense to the other
political organization; the jealousy existing between them being so great that, were

h\^U^

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE 8 REPORT.

it suspected by the government supporters that any one asking their assistance was
leagued with the opposition, his prospects of achieving anything very satisfactory
would be destroyed; and, on the other hand, did the opposition suspect that the
person sought to do them political injury, they would drop him equally as quick.
Knowi'ig that this jealousy exists, the members of your committee scrupulously
avo'ded attending any Liberal-Conservative caucuses in order that the grits might
no take umbrage. So, also, did we avoid making the Liberal caucus-room our
headquarters that the Tories might not be offended.

THE COMBINES BILL.

One of the first matters to which we devoted our attention was a measure known
as the "Combines Bill."

During the preceding session, Mr. N. C. Wallace, the member for the West Riding
of York, had moved for the appointment ot a special committee of Parliament to
inquire into the existence of alleged combinations in restraint of trade. Mr. Wallace
had had his attention directed to this matter by complaints coming from Toronto,
Hamilton, Ottawa and other 'arge cities regarding the operations of the coal rings in
these places. Complaints were also common with regard to unfair combinations
which were said to exist among the insurance companies and certain manufacturers
and wholesale dealers. The special committee was to prosecute an inquiry in order
to ascertain to what extent these coriblnations existed, and, also, to discover in what
manner and to what extent they a fecte(i the interests of the general public. Mr.
Wallace's motion prevailed and the committee was appointed, with that gentleman as
Chairman. The inquiry, which was thorough and exhaustive, clearly established
the existence of some of the combinations complai^ied of, notably among coal dealers,
insurance companies and wholesale dealers in sujrar, the last being known as the
"Wholesale Gr'^eers' Guilt'." When the committee concluded its investigations and
had reported to Parliament, Mr. Wallace introduced a measure to suppress combines.
It was then, however, too late in the session to expect the measure to become law,
and he announced that he would reintroduce it, or a measure to the same purpose,
when Parliament again met. Early in the late session Mr. Wr.llace accordingly
introduced an "Act for the Prevention and Suppression of Combinations formed in
Restraint of Trade." It need not be matter for surprise that such a measure should
provoke active opporsition on the part of interested parties, Mr. Wallace and Mr.
Guillet, who had actively and earnestly seconded his efforts, pressed the bill forward,
being not a little encouraged and assisted by the expressions of sympathy and
approval, forwarded through your committee, by various labor bodies. As an
instance of the heartiness of the approval given to the bill by the labor organizations
we give the following letter from D. A. 125, Toronto:

Toronto, February 11, 1L89.
R. R. Elliot, Esq., Chairman Canadian Legislative Committee, Knights of Labor:

DuAR Sir akd Brother :— At a meeting of D. A. 125, hela at Toronto on the 8tb inst., the following
resolution was passed, which explains itself:

Resolved, That this District Assembly approves the principle of the bill Introduced by Mr. N. O.
Wallace, M. P., for the suppression of trusts and combines, and hereby urges the Canadian Legisla-
tive Oommittue of our Order to use its best endeavors to secure the passage of the said bill, with such
amendments as may be necessary to improve its elllclency.

With best wishes I am yours fraternally,

K. GLOOKL.ING,
[SKAL ] Secretary-Treasurer D. A. US.

CANADIAN LEOIBLATIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

Hand-in-liand Assembly, No. 5743, of Toronto, wrote congratulating Mr. Wallace
upon the progress he had made in his purpose of suppressing combines. Secretary
Gilmour of L. A. 2305, Toronto, sent a resolution indorsing, among others, the Com-
bines Bill. Brother George Dower, Secretary of the Toronto Trades and Labor
Council, also sent a resolution of that body in support of the bill. Many others
were also received.

On receipt of these communications your committee deemed themselves more than
ever bound to do everything in their power to secure the enactment of the measure,
and we continued our labors in its behalf throughout the entire session, with the
result that very many members of the House were induced to support it who had
previously been prejudiced against it. After the principle of the bill had been
approved by the House, a motion was made to refer it to the Committee on Banking
and Commerce. It was thought by many that such a reference would be equivalent
to burking the measure — and there is little doubt that such was the intention — a
belief in which its promoter evidently shared, as he vigorously protested against it,
urging that as the bill was based on the report of the special committee, which had
heard all the evidence that could possibly be presented before the Committee on
Banking and Commerce, the proposed reference was unnecessary. In spite of Mr.
Wallace's protest, the motion to refer prevailed.

Your committee is desirous, wherever such a course is possible, in the faithful
discharge of our duty, to avoid imputing improper motives to members, but wo
cannot avoid saying here that it seemed only too evident that although a fear of the
consequences to their political future deterred them from voting against a measure so
evidently popular, yet a number of members would not have objected to allow the
burking of the measure in such a way as to protect their own popularity.

Although Mr. Wallace had good grounds to fear that the bill would either be
emasculated by the Banking and Commerce Committee or so delayed as to make its
passage before the clos'j of Parliament impossible, he did not relax his efforts, but
actively championed his measure before the committee.
• When referred to the Banking and Commerce Committee the bill read as follows:

AN ACT for the Prevention and Suppression of Combinations formed in Restraint

of Trade.

WuKREAS, It is expedient to declare the law relating to conspiracies and combinations formed in
restraint of trade, and to provide penalties for the violation of the same: Therefore Her Mujrjsty,
by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and the House of Commons of Canada, declares
and enacts as follows :

1. Every person who conspires, combines, e^rees or arranges with any other person, or with any
railway, steamship, steamboat or transportation company, unlawfully :

(a) To limit the facilities for transporting, producing, manufacturing, supplying, storing or deal-
ing in any article or commodity which may be a subject of trade and commerce ; or

(6) To restrain or Injure trade cr commerce <n relation to any such article or commodity; or

(c) To prevent, limit or lessen the manufacture or product'on of any such article or commodity, or
to enhance the price thereof; or

(d) To prevent or lessen competition in the production, manufacture, purchase, barter, sale, trans-
portation or supply of any such article or commodity, or in the price of insurance upon person or
property ;

Is guilty of ii misdemeanor, and liable, on conviction, to a penalty not exceeding $4,000 and not less
than $200, or «o Imprisonment for any term not exceeding two years ; and, If a corporation, is liable,
on conviction, to a penalty not exceeding $10,000 and not less than $1,000.

CAKADIAN LKGI8LATIVK COMMITTED 8 REPOHT.

Among the active opponents of the bill were the members of the GrocerH* Section
of the Toronto Board of Trade, practically the "VHiolesale Grocers' Guild. This body
engaged the services of B. B. Osier, Esq., one oi" the ablest lawyers in the Dominion,
to ajipear for them before the committee; and it is but just to this gentleman to say
that the interests of his clients were faithfully looked after, and that, but for the
watchfulness of the friends of the bill, iiicluding the Chairman of your committee
and Brother A. W. Wright, who happened to be in Ottawa at the time, it would
have been made much less unsatisfactory to the sugar ring.

When the bill was reported by the Committee on Banking and Commerce it was^
as its friends had feared, too late to allow of its passage before the close of the ses-
sion, if it were allowed to take its chance 'vith other bills introduced by private mem-
bers. Mr. Wallace, however, succeeded in obtaining the consent of the government
to have it placed on the order paper among government bills, thus insuring that it
must be dealt with before the close of the sessior,. Altliough consenting to give the
measure this favorable position did not make it a government measure, or in any way
commit them to its support, yet, in tlie nature of things, it materially strengthened
its prospects, as, to some extent at least, it impressed the government side of the
House witli the belief that tlie cabinet was at any rate not hostile to it.

The bill as it was reported by the Committee on Banking and Commerce had the
following three clauses added:

2. In any proseoutlon under this act, the person accused shall be a competent witness on his own
behalf.

3. Section 140 of the Criminal Procedure Act Is hereby amended by adding to the list of offenses
therein mentioned the offenses provided against in this act.

4. Where an indictment is found against any person for offenses provided against in this act, the
defendant or person accused shall have the option to be tried before the judge presiding at the court
at which such indictment is found, or the judge presiding at any subsequent sitting of such court, or
at any court where the Indictment comes on for trial, without the intervention of a j ury ; and in the
event of such option being exercised, the proceedings subsequent thereto shall be regulated in so
far as may be applicable by the Speedy Trials Act.

Sections 2 and 4 were added at the suggestion of Mr. Osier. Mr. Wallace, how-
ever, announced that, while he would accept them rather than .jeopardize the passage
of the measure, he would consider himself at liberty to endeavor, when opportunity
offered, to restore the bill to its original efficiency.

As an evidence of the watchfulness of the enemies of labor for opportunities to
injure labor organizations, it may be well to here refer to an incident that occurred
wliile the bill was before the Banking and Commerce Committee: Mr. Lister, tlie
member for West Lambton, a lawyer and a member of the committee, moved to
strike out the word "unlawfully" in the first section, arguing very artfully tljat it
was unnecessary, and that its presence might cause confusion and uncertainty in the
courts. Brother Wright, at our request, obtained permission to address the com-
mittee, and pointed out that the Trade Union Act gave to members of labor
organizations lawfully the right to combine for purposes which might be construed
as being in restraint of trade; but this measure, if amended as Mr. Lister desired,
would take from them this right, as then the fact that their act yas legal could not
be pleaded in their behalf. Mr. Lister endeavored to dispute this; but Sir John
Thompson, the Minister of Justice, indorsed Brother Wright's contention, and Mr.
Lister's amendment was defeated.

After the bill had been reported by the Banking and Commerce Committee, and

CANADIAN LKOISIiATIVE COMMITTEE H REPOIIT.

while it was in Committee of tlie Whole prior to its final reading, Mr. Wallace dis-
covered what liad hitherto escaped attention: that, owing to tlic wording of the
defining clause of the Trade Union Act, it would be possible for members of com-
bines, l)y colorably constituting themselves trade unions, to evade the operation of
the law. lie accordingly introduced another section, as fol'ows:

Tbe foregoing provlitona of tMg act shall not apply to the exercise of anjr handicraft, or to the per-
formance of any labor, but, subject to such exception, they shall be construed as If Section 22 of tbe
Trade Union Act had not been enacted.

As thus amended, the act passed its third reading and was sent to the Senate,

At this stage a number of prominent members of labor organizations in Toronto
took alarm, under the belief that, as it stood, the act would deprive labor bodies of
the rights given them by the Trade Union Act and make tliem liable to the penalties
of Mr. Wallace's bill. Your committee was in communication with Mr. Wallace on
the subject and was assured by him that these fears were entirely groiindless, and
that the section which had been quoted as cause for alarm fully protected labor
organizations from the danger anticipated. He stated that before offering the section
in committee he had submitted it to both the Law Clerk of the House of Commons,
Dr. Wilson, and to the Minister of Justice, Sir John Tliompson, and that he had the
opinion of both these gentlemen — the highest legal authority in the Dominion — tli.it
the section, while it would accomplish the object aimed at (the suppression of rings
and combines), would in no way jeopardize the position of labor bodies or deprive
them of any of the protection which had been given them by the Trade Union Act,
Your committee also consulted several leading barristers who were not members of the
Commons, and they all ..greed in the opinion of Dr. Wilson and Sir John Tliompson,

Whether it was because tlie attention of the Senate had been directed by the agita,-
tion in Toronto to Mr. AVallace's effort to place labor combinations in a more favor-
able position than trjide combinations your committee cannot say; but, at all events,
the Senate struck out the words which Mr. Wallace had placed in the section for the
purpose of making it clear that the .act did not apply to labor organizjitions. It is but
fair to say that Hon. Mr. Abbott, the leader of the Senate, gave as the reason for striking
out the words that they were unnecessary for the purpose intended, and that labor
organizations would still liave the protection of the act passed for their benefit. The
Chairman of your committee also communicated with the Premier on the subject, and
was informed by tliat riglit honorable gentleman that as the act only applied to
"unlawful" combinations, and Labor combin.ations being lawful by act of Parlia-
ment, our rights could not be interfered with by the new act.

Mr. Wallace preferred to accept the amendment of the Senate rather than suffer
the bill to lie over for another year, which was his only alternative, and the bill
accordingly became law.

Although in the face of the assurance of the highest legal authority in Canada and
of the st.atement of the government leader of the Senate, a gentleman of undoubted
standing as a jurist, your committee could not doubt that the bill, as finally passed, did
not prejudicially affect organized labor, yet they could not be blind to the danger of
magistrates and other subordinate tribunals interpreting the law in the very way in
which the Minister of Justice and other higli legal authorities said it should not be
interpreted. Especially did they feel that there was reason to fear this at the hands
of subordinate tribunals, with only an imperfect knowledge of the law and a limited
experience in its interpretation, as a case had just occurred in which the County

CANADIAN LEQISLATIVE COMMITTEE'S KEPORT.

Judge of the County of "Wentworth had construed the Conspiracy Law In such a way
as to astonish some ol' tlie best legal authorities in the country. Of course, there
would be the remedy of an expensive appeal, but your committee felt it to be their
duty to use every ettbrt to obtain an autlioritative assurance from the Minister of
Justice. Accordingly we waited upon the minister and stated that we were desirous
of not only obtaining from him an authoritative opinion as to the scope of the law,
but permission to use his opinion. We then stated the case as follows:

1. It is held by some that the act of last sessi<m, 52 Victoria, Chapter 41, intituled
"An Act for the Prevention and Suppression of Combinations formed in Restraint of
Trade," will have tlie eifect of destroying the protection given to trade unions of
workmen l)y the Trade Union Act.

2. Even if this be not the case, there is danger that subordinate tribunals before
whom workingmen may be arraigned may place such interpretation upon it.

In answer to the first Sir .lohn said such was not his opinion; that the act was not
intended to apply and .lid not apply to labor organizations.

In answer to the second he said tliat in such case lie would consider it the duty of
his department to intervene in the proceedings if necessary, in order to have a deci-
sion of tlie highest legal authority on the true interpretation of the act and to prevent
tlie real intention of Parliament from being frustrated.

Tlie eft'ect of this is, first, tiiat we have an authoritative statement of the highest
legal autliority in the Dominion in our favor should uii attempt be made to invoke
the Combines Bill against a labor organization or against any of its members; and,
second, that, if tlirougli ignorance or prejudice any court shall misinterpret tlie law
to the prejudice of members of a labor body, all the cost of the necessary appeals will
be bor'^e by tlie government.

Tl'E TRADE UNION ACT.

Your committee would recommend that tlie next Canadian Legislative Committee
should endeavor to have such amendments made to the Trade Union Act as will
clearly define the right of workingmen, not only individually, but in their collective
capacity as members of an organized Ijody, to refuse to work for or wjtb any persons,
as it was tlie indefiniteness of tlie law in this respect that led to the remarkable
charge of the Judge of the County Court of the County of Wentworth previously
referred to, and as a consequence to tlie finding of the jury against the accused.
During the session we drew tiie attention of the Premier and Sir John Thompson to
the case and discussed tlie matter full/ with them. We also obtained a certified
copy of the evidence taken during the trial and a copy of the judge's charge, and
placed them in the hands of the Minister of Justice that he might become fully con-
versant with all the details of the case. Although the accused had been found guilty
their sentences had not been pronounced, and it was, therefore, useless to ask for an
interference in the case at that stage; but we made all necessary arrangements in
order to apply for executive clemency in the event of anything more than a merely
nominal punishment being inflicted. Fortunately, for a reason which we are not in
a position to explain, the sentence imposed was much lighter than we had reason to
anticipate from the remarks of the trial judge. So nominal was it, indeed, tliat«it
was entirely unnecessary to ask interference. In this connection it is our simple duty
to tender our hearty thanks to Messrs. Adam Brown and Alexander McKay, the
members representing the city of Hamilton, not alone for their sympathy, but for
their active and energetic assistance throughout in this matter. They were ever

CANADIAN LKQI8LATIVE COMMITTKR's IIEPOIIT.

rendy, and at tiinoH at much inconvenience to tliemHelves, to do anything that was
asked of them, and wo were aided much by tlieir wise counfiel.

As a result of our frequent interviews with the Premier and tlio Minister of Justice,
we beiievo they were botli impressed wltli tlio justice of an amendment such us we
have alluded to, and that tliey are pn^jiared to facilitate Us passage.

A bill having this object in view was introduced toward the close of tho session
by Dr. Wilson of Elgin, but, owing to the looseness with whioli it was drawn and
the fact that its introduction was delayed by its promoter till such a time that it
could not possibly pass during that session, it was not seriously entertained.

AN IMMIGRATION HII.L.

A draft of a bill was received by us from Sub- 1). A. 3, Montreal, which provided for
the levying of a fee of i!t5 per head on every immigrant to this country, tlie funds deriv-
able from tins source to be applied to the ndief of persons wlio liad come to Canada
and who had fallen into needy and destitute circumstances. We placed the bill in
the hands of Brother licpine, member from Montreal East, who, as one of the repre-
sentatives of that city, and one who had been elected as the especial representative
of labor, was entitled to have charge of it. On considering it we found that it was a
copy of a bill which had been introduced into the Congress of the United States, and,
having been drafted to suit the institutions of tliat country, it was unsuited in several
respects to those of Canada. As an instance of this we may point out that the bill
imposed upon the Finance Department the duty of administering it. Instead of the
Department of Agriculture, as required by the governmental arrangements in this
country. Brother Lepine took charge of tiie bill, promising to see tho officers of
Sub-D. A. 2 tho following day and to explain to them the nature of the changes required
and obtain their consent to them. Some six weeks later we were very much surprised
to learn from the General Secretary-Treasurer that Sub-D. A. 2 had complained to him
that they had heard nothing concerning their bill since .sending it to us. Wo imme-
diately called upon Brother Lepine and found tliat he had never eitlier consulted with
them or written them on the subject of the bill, and we at once sent an explanation
to Brother Lauer, Secretary of the District, since which time we have heard no
further complaint touching the matter.

THE SAFETY OF SHIPS BILL.

At the earliest opportunity your committee interviewed the Minister of Marine and
risheries concerning the introduction of a bill providing for greater protection for
and the safety of ships. We asked him to present to Parliament a bill making the
sending of unseaworthy ships to sea a criminal oilense, and providing for the inspec-
tion of hulls and rigging and the placing of a load line on all vessels. The honorable
gentleman informed your committee that he had been making inquiries into the
matter of a plimsoU line. The system in vogue in Great Britain, which had been
recommended the previous year, could not be made to work satisfactorily in this
country owing to the large number of ports and the large expenditure which it would
involve. In each of the ports there there is an inspector and a board of three, whose
diRy it is to inspect each vessel and ascertain its capacity and condition, after which
they place a mark on her hull to denote the depth to which she may be loaded.
Should the owners feel aggrieved and appeal against the decision and secure a change,
they are entitled to damages ^or any delay or detention of their vessels pending the
settlement of their appeal. To carry out such a system in Canada would entail an

(■ANAD>\N LKOISLATIVE COMMITTKK's REPORT.

was

outlay of upward of half a million dollai-H aniiuully for ordinary oxpt nHeH,- not to
Hpfuk of thu damagoH to which wo hav» alluded. Thi> ininiHtc'r lioHitated to adopt ho
i>x|K'nRivc a HyNtem and pointed out that ItH greatexpuUHe would alwayH he a weal< point
and .suhjcct to attack from ItHeneniieH. We reconiniended that iuMpuctorH he ap])ointt!d
for the Upper LakoH — tho voKselHof the niaritiniu ProvinceH hcing already imtvided with
the British load line — to whom would he allotted dihttrictH, and within tiiose diHtrieta
they Hhould inspect the IiuIIh and rigging of sailing vessels and place u line on their
hulls in such a position as to allow of two and one-half inches of free-hoard for every
foot of draft. Wo pointed out that this wouhl he an easy solution of the prohlcm
and a simi»U) plan to carry out. The minister expressed his i>leasure at the sugjjes-
tion, and, after consideration, said ho helieved his department already had power to
provide such machinery, hut in the pressure of Parliamentary huBiness to which they
were then compelled to devote their attention it would be impossible to investigate
the matter fully at tliat time. lie prondsed that <luring the recess the government
would have tho matter carefully considered, with a view to deciding whether to ask
Parliament either for additional legislation or an appropriation in order to i^arry out
a scheme on the lines suggested. We asked the minister in that case to introduce a
bill making it a criminal ott'ense to send unseaworthy or insutticiently-manned or
overloaded, insufficiently or improperly-loaded vessels to sea. To this the minister
consented, and the following bill was introduced:

Her Majesty, by and with tho advice and conient of the Senate and House orOommons of Canada,
enacts as follows:

1. This act may be cited as the "Shipping and OarKoes Amendment Act, IS^U."

2. In this act the expression "uraln" includes eorn, wheat, rye, barley, yeas and all other grain
except oats; and the expression " grain cargo "means a cargo of which the portion consisting of
grain Is more than one-third of the registered tonnage of the ship carrying it; and such third shall
be computed, where the grain is reckoned in measures of capacity, at the rate of loo cubic feet for
each ton of registered tonnage ; and where the grain is reckoned in measures of weight, at the
rate of 2 tons weight for each ton of registered tonnage.

UN8KAW0RTHV BHIFS.

3. Section 6 of Ohapter 77 of the Revised Statutes of Oanada Is hereby repealed and the following
substituted therefor:

"6. Every owner, managing owner, agent or other person who sei^ds or attempts to send or Is a
party to sending a ship, registered In Oanada, to sea or on a voyage on any of the Inland waters of
Canada, or on a voyage from any port or place on the Inland waters of Oanada to any port or place
on the inland waters of the United States, or on a voyage from any port or place on the Inland waters
of the United States to any port or place on the inland waters of Oanada, in such unseaworthy state
that the life of any person is likely to be endangered thereby, or by reason of overloading or under-
loading or improper loading, or by reason of being insufficiently manned or from any other cause, Is
guilty of a misdemeanor, unless he proves that he used all reasonable means to Insure Iter being
sent to sea or on such voyage In a seaworthy state, or that her going to sea or on such voyage in such
unseaworthy state was, under the circumstances, reasonable and justifiable ; and for the purpose of
giving such proof, the owner, managing owner, agent or other person may give evidence In the same
manner as any other witness :

"2. Every master of a ship registered in Oanada, who kntwlngly takes the same to sea, or on a
voyage on any of the inland waters of Canada, or on a voyage from any port or place on the Inland
wateis of Canada to any port or place on the inland waters of the United States, or on a voyage
from any port or place In the United States to any port or place on the inland waters of Canada, in
such unseaworthy state that the life of any person Is likely to be endangered thereby, or by reason
of overloading or underloading or Improper loading, or by reason of being insuflloiently manned or
from any other cause, is guilty of a misdemeanor, unless he proves that her going to sea or on such
voyage in such unseaworthy state was, under the circumstances, reasonable and justifiable ; and for
the purpose of giving such proof, he may give evidence In the same manner as any other witness :

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE 8 REPOKT.

" 3. No prosecution under this seotlon shall be instituted except by or with the consent of the
minister:
*' 4. A misdemeanor undc : ?.hiB section shall not be punishable upon summary conviction."

DKOK LOADS.

,, 4. Sub-section 1 of Section 7 of the said act Is hereby amended by striliing out the words " port in
Canada to any port in Europe," in the third line thereof, and inserting the words " port or place In
Canada to any port or place out of Canada, not being a port or place in the United States, Newfound-
land, St. Pierre, Miquzios, the West Indies or South America," in lieu thereof:

2. Sub-section 3 of the said Section 7 is hereby amended by inserting the words "or South
America " after the words " West Indies " In the fourth line of tht said sub-section.

GRAIN CARGOES.

5. No grain cargo shall be carried on board any ship registered in Canada, unless such grain cargo

Is contained In bags, sacks or barrels, or properly secured from shifting by boards or otherwise :

2. If shifting boards have not been used, or other proper precautions to prevent a grain cargo from
shifting have not been taken, in the case of any ship registered In Canada and laden with a grain
cargo, the master of the ship, and any agent of the owner who was charged with the luading of the
ship or the sending her to sea, shall each be liable to a penalty not exceeding $1,000, and the owner or
managing owner of the ship shall also be liable to the same penalty unless he shows that he took all
reasonable means to enforce the observance of this section and that he was not privy to the breach
thereof.

6. When any ship registered in Canada arrives at her port of discharge in Canada with a grain
cargo, any Customs officer may proceed on board and, when practicable, examine into the manner in
which the cargo was stowed ; and every person in charge of such ship, at the time of the examination,
shall render such officer all reasonable assistance; and every person who impedes or obstructs such
officer, or attempts to prevent or refuses to permit his making such examination, or who being in
charge of the vessel refuses to render such officer reasonable assistance In making such examination,
shall for each offense incur a penalty not exceeding $200.

7. Penalties under either ol» the two sections next piecedlng may be recovered upon summary con-
viction.

8. In every coui,.,:jt of service, express or Implied, between the owner of a ship and the master or
any seaman thereof, and in every Instrument of apprenticeship whereby any person Is bound to serve
as an apprentice on board any ship, there shall be Implied, notwithstanding any agreement to the
contrary, an obligation on the owner of the ship that the owner of the ship and the master, and
every agent charged with the loading of the ship, or the preparing thereof for sea, or the sending
thereof to sea, shall use all reasonable means to insure the seaworthiness of the ship for the voyage
at the tlma when the voyage commences, and to kdep her in a seaworthy condition for the voyage
during the same; provided, that nothing In this section shall subject the owner of a ship to any
liability by reason of the ship being sent to sea In an unseaworthy state, where, owing to special

. circumstances, the so sending thereof to sea Is reasonable and Justlliable.

9. Nothing in this act contained shtill be deemed to modify or affect in any way the provisions of
the Acts of Canada, 34 Victoria, Chapter 33, Intituled "An Act to Provide for the Appointment of a
Port Warden for the Harbor of Quebec ;" 36 Victoria, Chapter 11, intituled "An Act to Amend the
Acts relating to the Port Wardens at Montreal and Quebec ;" and 45 Victoria, Chapter 45, intituled
"An Act to Amend and Consolidate the Acts relating to the Office of Port Warden for the Harbor of
Montreal :"' or of Chapter 85 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, Intituled "An Act respecting Port
Wardens;" but the provisions hereinbefore contained shall, as respects the ports to which the said
acts respectively app!;, be construed as enacted in addition to and not in derogation of the said acts.

10. The foregoing provisions of this act shall come into force on the first day of January, 1890.

The bill was violently opposed by the ship-owners in all parts of the country, and
many deputations waited upon the minister to argue against its provisions; and, in
relation to these, your committee frequently called upon the honorable gentlemen to
discuss the opposing arguments. The bill was strongly opposed in Parliament also
by such members as were ship-owners, or represented owners rather than their con-
stituents. Notwithstanding this opposition, however, the government stooa deter-
minedly by the bill and forced it through the House, in spite of all efforts to the
contrary by our opponents.

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE 8 REPORT.

t Of the

South

AUTOMATIC GUARDS FOR ELEVATORS.

Mr. Madill, member for North Ontario, introduced a bill to co»npel all persons
using elevators or hoists to cause to be placed on them, on each flat, an automatic
guard, with a view to the prevention of accidents; and providing that neglect should
be punishable by a fine not exceeding $100 nor less than $10, The bill was referred
to a special committee for consideration; and when the committee met, your com-
mittee was present and urged the enactment of the law asked for, pointing out the
numerous fatalities which had occurred through accidents which would have been
prevented had proper guards been placed on the elevators. Hon. David Mills, a
member of the committee to whom the bill had been referred, claimed that the bill
was ultra vire$ of the Dominion Parliament, it being a matter entirely within the
purview of the Provincial Legislatures. Sir John Thompson expressed a similar
opinion, and the bill was therefore dropped.

A BILL TO PROTECT THE WAGES OF RAILWAY CONTRACTORS' EMPLOYES.

On February 20, Mr. Purcell; member for Glengarry, introduced a bill in which
was contained provisions that any railway company may stipulate, in its contracts
with contractors, that the contractor shall pay his employes monthly, weekly or
daily, according to the v^rms of agreement made with them. The company making
such stipulation shall from time to time ascertain whether the empUyes are receiving
their wages as agreed, and. hi case they find that default has been made, they shall
withhold final settlement with the contractors until such time as the arrears of wages
have been paid; and if the company make a final settlement with the contractors, it
shall become liable for any arrears of wages remaining unpaid to the employes.

There was a strong contention by many members that the Dominion Parliament
has no jurisdiction in the matter, as it was claimed that the bill dealt with contracts
and civil rights; and it was, therefore, impossible to get many members to favor the
passage of the bill. There was also the objection that contracts were frequently let
and sub-let a number of times, and it was difficult to draft a l)ill that would enable
the railway companies to follow the sub-lettings and give them the desired control
over parties who were not responsible to them and over whom they had no jurisdic-
tion. On the other hand, it frequently happens that the contractor is a wealthy man
and the company is practically worthless beyond the ownership of the charter; and,
in sucli a case, a law that enabled them on mere complaint . that wages had not been
paid to refuse settlement might easily serve as a cover to enable an impecunious com-
pany to retain improperly and use money which rightfully belonged to othcsrs. These
were some of the objections which were raised to the bill — objections which were not
provided against by its framer and promoter — and as a consequence the bill did not
get beyond a second reading. The subject is one which requires to be thoroughly
thought out, in order that all these objections, as well as others, may be provided
against. 'We, therefore, commend it to the consideration of the next Canadian Leg-
islative Committee.

Meanwhile your committee interviewed the government and requested them to
place such restrictions in any government contracts which they may award in the
fdture as will protect employes from being defrauded by the contractors. They
seemed to look with favor upon the request, and we believe that it will be acted upon.

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

EXAMINATION OF STATIONARY ENGINEERS.

On February 5, Mr. H. H. Cook, niembe:- for East Simcoe, introduced a measure
providing for the examination and licensing of stationary engineers. This is a law
that is much desired by tlie engineers of the Dominion and has been strongly urged
by them, but, as it was not within the jurisdiction of the Federal Parliamijnt, it was
not pressed. Your committee would urge the various labor bodies in the several
Provinces to ask the necessary legislation in this direction from their respective
Legislatures.

ASSISTED PASSAGES.

The question of assisted passages to emigrants from Great Britain has during the
past eighteen months agitated the minds of some persons and bodies, in spite of the
fact that the government had promised to discontinue the assistance complained of
on April 87, 1887. It was claimed by some that the government did not keep its
promise, bui; continued to aid a certain undesirable class of persons to come to
Canada. With a view to learning the facts, your committee made a thorough
examination into the records and found that assistance to immigrants was stopped on
the above date and has not since been renewed.

THE ROYAL i.ABOH COMMISSION REPORT.

At a late stage of the session the report of the Royal Labor Commission was pre-
sented to Parliament, delay having been occasioned by a disagreement between the
representatives of organi.'ed labor and the other members on some minor matters,
necessitating majority anu minority reports. BoLli contain matter of the greatest
value to those interested in the labor movement, as well as to statesmen who may be
called upon to legislate from time to time for the improvement of the condition of
the toiling masses. Recognizing the importance of having this report in the hands
of every body of organized labor that the members might possess themselves of the
information therein contained, your committee made application to Hon. M. Bowell,
Minister of Customs and Acting Secretary of State, for a copy to be sent to each
Assembly and each trade union affiliated with the Trades and Labor Congress, which
request was cheerfully granted and the reports sent out by the departmental officials.
The addresses of the trade unions were kindly funiished by Brother George Dower,
Secretary of the Congress.

TUE seamen's AGREEMENT ACT.

The attention of your committee was directed to the Seamen's Agreement Act, in
which is contained no provision whatever for an appeal or the issuance of a writ of
certiorari after the conviction of a seaman by a justice of the peace. We considered
the matter carefully, and came to the conclusion that the right to obtain a writ of
certiorari would serve the purpose aimed at much better tlian an appeal, for obvious
reasons. .We then interviewed the Minister of Justice and pointed out the injustice
of placing the liberty of the subject absolutely and without redress in the hands of a
justice of tho peace — an official frequently appointed for reasons altogether aside from
any knowledge of the law or experience in the administration of justice which he
might possess, and to whose mind a comi)laint is oftentimes tantamount to proof of
guilt. We instanced the case of one brother who was arraigned, refused time to
procure counsel and convicted on the most flimsy evidence imaginable. The minister
recognized the force of our representations, and promised, though the session was

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE 8 REPORT.

then well advanced, to submit the matter to his colleagues and endeavor to have the
act amended so as to meet with our wishes and allow of the issuance of a writ of cer-
tiorari that the whole of the proceedings before a justice of the peace may be carried
before a Superior Court Judge and by him reviewed and justice meted out. At a
later period the minister sent for your committee and informed them that he found
himself unable during the session to comply with our wishes througli lack of time.
He said, however, that so satisfied was he that the desired amendment should be
made that it would be among the first matters which he would submit to his col-
leagues during recess for legislation at the next session. Convictions under this act
had been rare, and the minister having satisfied us that no one would be allowed to
suffer during the interim we consented to the delay. Since that time we have inter-
viewed the Premier and Minister of Marine and Fisheries, and have been assured that
both look favorably upon the proposed amendment.

FOREIGN CONTRACT LABOR.

The importation of foreign workmen under contract has engaged the attention of
your committee, and we have urged upon the government the enactment of a law
similar to the one now in force in the United States. While we are inclined to the
opinion as the result of our interviews that it may be possible, perhaps at the next
session, to obtain the enactment of a law forbidding the importation of foreign work-
men under contract, yet such a law in Canada would be much less eflftcient as a
protection to labor than it is in the United States, for the reason that, this being a
portion of the British Empire, the law would not apply to contracts made in other
parts of the Queen's Dominions. Even with this disadvantage your committee is of
opinion that a Dominion law proliibiting, under a sufficiently severe penalty, the im-
portation of alien workmen under a contract would be of great benefit to Canadian
labor. The law of Ontario does not go far enough to be of any appreciable benefit,
inasmuch as it imposes no penalty, but merely makes the carrying out of his contract
optional on the part of the imported workman, while making it binding upon the
employer. It is more than doubtful if any such law passed by one of the Provincial
Legislatures could be anything more than illusory, for, of course, one Province can-
not legislate to affect or fcbid the making of contracts in another, and so aliens
intended to work in Ontario, for instance, could be brought under contract to Quebtic
or some otl. ;r Province by A, and then a contract could be made between them anc. B
to work in Ontario. All these things being considered, your committee is of opinion
that only a Dominion act could afford any real benefit, and we would recommend
that our successors be instructed to continue our work in this direction.

PRISON LABOR.

Although the contract system has been discontinued in Dominion penitentiaries,
yet, until a settled j'olicy has been adopted for the future employment of convicts, it
appears to your committee that free labor in Canada will never be rid of the danger
of having to compete in the market with the product of prison labor. We have,
therefore, urged upon the government, and especially upon the Minister of Justice,
whose department has direct control of the matter, that a definite line of policy
should be adopted, which, while it would not injure the health of prisoners, would
have a tendency to have a moral and reformatory effect upon them, and make it more
possible, when their terms expired, for them to become useful members of society,
yet which would prevent the product of their labor coming into competition with the

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

product of free labor. The Minister of Justice and his colleagues spoken to on the
subject freely admitted the correctness of the position taken by your committee, and
said they would be but too happy to avail themselves of any assistance which the
Knights of Labor might be able to afford them in finding a solution to a question at
once so important and so difficult.

The Order has not as yet done more tlmu enter its protest against the vicious
system of renting out convicts to contractors, regardless of the consequences either to
the convicts themselves or to the free labor that suffers fVom the unfair competition
thus induced. Your committee would, therefore, urge that at the coming session of
the General Asaembly steps should be taken to define the Order's position and policy
on this question in order that future Legislative Committees may be able to speak as
to the views and desires of the whole Order.

THE PROTECTION OF FEMALE EMPLOYES.

Although your committee is glad to believe that so far in Canada the evil does n^t
exist to any appreciable extent, yet by reports from other countries, and through
their knowledge of tlie conditions which sometimes exist in workshops and factories
where women and girls are employed, they are convinced that it would be the part of
wisdom at the present time to throw around fem^-le employes special legal protection
against seduction by employers, superintendents and foremen, who, by reason of their
power over them, may be in a position to unduly coerce them. We have, therefore,
urged upon the Premier and the Minister of Justice the desirability of enacting legis-
lation making it a criminal off"ense, punishable by severe penalties, for any employer,
superintendent, overseer, foreman or other person exercising authority over a female
employe to have illicit intercourse with such female employe, either with, or without
consent. The views of your committee seemed to meet with the approval of both
gentlemen, who expressed themselves as favorable to such a measure, provided proper
precautions were taken against the act being used for purposes of blackmail. We
would, therefore, recommend that it be an instruction to our successors to press for
legislation in the direction indicated.

CHILD LABOR.

During their term of oflice your committee has studied carefully the question of the
employment of children in factories and shops, and we are strongly of the opinion that
more work should be done in this connection by the labor bodies of the Dominion.
Laws relating to this subject being ultra vires of the Dominion Parliament, ettbrts
should be made to induce the Legislatures of the several Provinces to pass stringent
laws with a view to curing the evils which exist. The Ontario Act, though a step in
the right direction, does not go sufficiently far, and we would suggest that eft'orts be
made to have the minimum age placed at fourteen instead of twelve years. The act,
we believe, is working well, and its provisions, on the whole, are being carried out
faithfully, especially in Central Ontario, which is under the supervision of Brother
James R. Brown. Complaints have been made in some districts, but none, so far as
we are aware, in Brother Brown's. ,

TAXATION.

Your committee is of the opinion that labor organizations should throw their influ-
ence in favor of having the incidence of taxation fall more heavily upon land and less
- '■.n improvements. This is, of cour.se, a provincial matter, not coming within the
lew of the Dominion Parliament, and it is to the Local Legislatures that we

CANADIAN LE0I8LATIVB COMMITTEE 8 REPORT.

must look for legislation. A great deal«of work remains to be done herein, and, this
being a practical question, it is obviously one to which labor bodies may legitimately
devote their best energies.

employers' LIABILITY.

In the report of the Royal Labor Commission is a paper recommending a system
of insurance for employes injured by machinery. Your committee, while admitting
that there is much to be said in favor of the plan outlined so elaborately, is of the
opinion that a system might be adopted by and within our Order which would be
more satisfactory, in that it could be more successfully worked, and would be less
liable to vexatious and oftentimes uncertain legislation.

AN ANNUITY SYSTEM.

A member of the j^abor Commission, Brother Jules Helbronner, contributes an
interesting paper to the report of that body, in which he outlines an annuity system
and makes several other valuable suggestions which we commend to the consideration
of Knights of Labor everywhere. He says: "Though encouragement to working
people to deposit their surplus earnings in the Postoffice and Government Savings
Banks has been jiroductive of incalculable good, it is believed that still greater good
would be accomplished were Parliament to create an annuity system, under which
working people ahd others might make provision for old age by periodical or occa-
sional payments of small sums. Such a system has been found practicable in France,
and there is no reasonable doubt that it would be quite as practicable here. It would
remove from many the fear of dependence upon relatives or upon charity in their
declining years, and it could be managed without expense to the government."
While it would be useless to hope for the adoption in the near future of a system
such as that suggested bv Brother Helbronner, yet it might be well were the whole
subject thoroughly considered by the Order, so that we might educate ourselves on
the subject with a view to future legislation.

BOARD OV ARBITRATION AND BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.

Among the subjects the importance of which were pressed upon the government by
your committee were those of the appointment of a Board of Arbitration to mediate
in strikes and the establishment of a Bureau of Labor Statistics. These were dis-
cussed at great length with the Premier, the Minister of Justice and others, and a
plan was presented which we have reason to think will receive favorable consideration
and result in legislation on the subjects at the next session of Parliament.

THE RECOVERY OP DEBTS.

Your committee would call attention to the anomaly which exists in Ontario gov-
erning the recovery of debts. It seems very unreasonable, not to say unjust, that a
man may be sent to prison because he owes and fails to pay a small sum, while he
who owes a large amount may go scot-free. We believe that the laws covering these
matters should be made uniform. If it is right that the poor man should be im-
prisoned, it is manifestly unjust that the rich man should be differently treated.
Conversely, if he who is indebted for a large sum is entitled to freedom, how much
more should liberty belong to the man who owes an amount equal to but a hundredth
part of his neighbor's liability. Here again the Provincial Legislature should be
appealed to and the laws adjusted and placed upon a more eqfiitable basis.

CANADIAN LKOIBLATIVE COMHITTBB'B REPORT.

A CONSISTENT, MEMBER.

Previous to the last general elections our brethreu in Oshawa, Ont., acting in con-
junction with the other labor organization, submitted to the candidates in the con-
stituency of South Ontario a series of pledges which they asked them to subscribe to,
among which was one binding the candidates, if elected, to support on all occasions
a proposition looking to the adoption of manhood suffrage throughout the Dominion.
Both pledged themselves, and both became equally entitled to the support of the
workingmen of the town. Not until the last session, however, did an opportunity
arise for putting to the test the good faith of the successful aspirant. The govern-
ment brought down several amendments to the Franchise Act, and, while the House
was '"onsidering one of the sections, a motion of want of confidence in the shape of a
prop isition for manhood suffrage was introduced by a member of the opposition, which
the government had declared itself unable to accept at present on account of the deter-
mined opposition to it of one of the Provinces. As a party man, elected to support
the government, it was Mr. Smith's duty to his party to vote against the motion of
want of confidence; but, remembering his pledge to the workingmen of Oshawa, he
withstood the powerful pressure of the party whips and members of the government
and voted according to his promise and against the government. We deem it our
simple duty to thus record Mr. Smith's faithfulness to the labor bodies of his con-
stituency, particularly in view of the fact that under such circumstances there are
very few party men who remember their pledges to workingmen, and when we find
one we think his act shovild not go unnoticc:'.

THANKS.

In conclusion, your committee begs to place on record their gratitude to Messrs.
John Ferguson of Welland, Alex. McKay and Adam Brown of Hamilton, N. C.
Wallace of West York, Wm. Smith of South Ontario, Frank Madill of North
Ontario, George Taylor of South Leeds, U. Wilson of Lennox, James Stevenson of
Peterboro, Dr. Wilson of Elgin, James Trow of South Perth, J. J. Curran of Mon-
treal Centre, R. R. Cockburn, John Small and F. C. Dennison of Toronto, and
Thomas Bain of Wentworth — all members of Parliament — for services rendered and
courtesies extended, which served to lighten our labors and render them efficient.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

ROBERT R. ELLIOT, Chairman,

W. R. JAMES,

O. D, BENOIT, Secretary,

Canadian Legislative Committee,