It is the duty of all courts to encourage the settlement of controversies pending before them by a reference thereof to arbitrators chosen by the parties or their attorneys and, on motion of the parties, must make such order and continue the case for award.
History: (Code 1852, §2709; Code 1867, §3148; Code 1876, §3536; Code 1886, §3221; Code 1896, §508; Code 1907, §2908; Code 1923, §6156; Code 1940, T. 7, §829.)