In some countries, particularly New Zealand and Australia, arbitration of labor disputes is a government matter. There the state steps in when troubles arise, and compels the employer and his employees to submit their differences for settlement to the proper public officials. Under these conditions strikes seldom occur. Nothing so strict has been attempted in the United States. Here both employer and employees are inclined to resent any interference on the part of the government in what they call their "private affairs." Some of the states have adopted partial measures by providing permanent arbitration boards to serve if mutually agreeable to both the employer and his striking workmen. No board, however, has power to compel either party to the dispute to submit its differences. In other words, it can usually do little more than passively look on unless called in by both sides. Whether or not we shall ever go as far as New Zealand or Australia has gone in the matter of compelling the arbitration of labor troubles is a mooted question. Just now the employers regard this extremity much more favorably than do employees; and naturally so, for the last few years has seen a remarkable growth in the strength and solidarity of organized labor.