Image: Vintagetopia.com
A Little Background
Theodore (“Teddy” or “TR”) Roosevelt is known for many things – as a President, “trust buster,” environmental conservationist, outdoorsman, police commissioner and military leader but perhaps his greatest legacy is that which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, that of mediator.
TR the Mediator
Even before he worked for international peace, Roosevelt applied his skills as a mediator to a domestic crisis. Less than a year after Roosevelt became president in September of 1901, the nation was confronted with the Anthracite Coal Strike, otherwise known as the Coal Strike of 1902. On May 12, 1902, the anthracite miners in Scranton, Pennsylvania went on strike claiming dangerous work conditions, low pay and long hours. As the strike lingered into the autumn months, with winter approaching, Roosevelt felt the need to act. “A coal famine in the winter is an ugly thing and I fear we shall see terrible suffering and grave disaster.” On October 3, 1902, Roosevelt called a conference of representatives of the government, labor, and management. He suggested an agreement by which the union would end the strike on condition that Roosevelt would order a study regarding the workers’ pay and work conditions. Although the union refused this suggestion, Roosevelt continued to look for other solutions for the parties, and on October 23, 1902, a compromise was reached. This was the first time the government had intervened in a business dispute, but President Roosevelt believed that a looming crisis called for a new approach.
Image: Presidential History Geeks
International Mediator
Perhaps because of his success with the coal strike, President Roosevelt was called upon in 1905 to mediate an even larger international crisis. Russia and Japan had been engaged in a brutal war in the Pacific, which resulted in horrific casualties and economic losses for both countries. Furthermore, the war threatened the interests of other nations, including the United States, in trading with Japan and China. Japan called upon President Roosevelt to mediate the dispute, and both sides met with President Roosevelt in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Resolution seemed impossible because both sides had lost so much in the war that they felt the need to obtain a clear victory. Further, although Roosevelt suggested that Russia pay Japan for a disputed island, it became clear that Russia was in no financial position to make such a payment. Ultimately, President Roosevelt made both sides see that they needed to walk away from the war – although neither side could get what they wanted, continuing the war was the worst option of all. President Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Price for his successful negotiation of the Treaty of Portsmouth.
Today’s Application
President Roosevelt shows us that a skilled mediator is able to adapt when a proposed resolution falls through, and that results can be achieved when both sides realize that an agreement is preferable to continuing the dispute.
Much like President Roosevelt, our practice focuses on the big picture of getting your case resolved. To benefit our clients, we offer online scheduling to save time, stress and money.
Sam Ventola has a wide variety of experience in litigation, legal education, and mediation. When he is not resolving disputes, he enjoys volunteering in the Denver community and spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Jack.
Ventola Mediation serves the Denver Metro area including Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Castle Rock, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton and Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas and Jefferson Counties in Colorado.
Recent Comments