New-York tribune., 1903-03-31
WAGE QUESTION OPEN.
AL Other Nep-HdUen Difficulties
No1C Settled.
TsY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIsUNE.l


Heu.Haven Conn, March 3O-Further steps
were taken toward a peaceful outcome On the
New-Hxven road to-day, after three-hour con-
ference between the tranmen and President
Hall and the subcommittee Of the board OF d.
rectors, at which Valentine Fitzpatrick repre-
sentative OF the Treinmen's National Brother
hood, was present in the interests OF the men.
It was the first time in the history of labor
troubles on the Eew-Haven system that an out
side labor leader has appeared in any such con-
ference. Mr.. Fitzpatrick in answer to questions
put by the directors, gave his reasons why the
road should increase the pay Of the men.
One important result of to-day's developments
was the concession by the men Of eleven
hour working day, in place of the ten-hour DAY
demanded by them. The trainmen, however.
still insist the main point Of difference be-
tween them and the directors, the mileage rate
of two cents mile q minimum run Of ore
hundred miles. It is understood that this de-
nand comes to not far from $4,000 year
more than the greatest concession as 20 pay
that the railroad feels able to grant, ard de-
cisiou upon it was postponed again until to-
morrow. This phase OF the situation. amounting
after this afternoons conference almost TO
deadlock, is the most serious one now at issue.
It is noticeable thst President Hall. previous
to each new move IN the negotiations with the
trainmen, has communicated with the New
York directors. He was in session with them
last evening returning to this city this morn
ing Several officials Of the road not connected
with the investigation still believe that tie difh-
Guilty is still far from settled, the matter OF
pay is still TO be adjusted, and both sides are
widely at variance over the amount to be COM
promised upon. 4 final decision as to this,
upon which 20 much depends, is now expected
On Wednesday.
After the conference, Mr.. Fitzpatrick gave cut
the following statement:
The mems committee met President Hall. Vice
President Merrill and Directors Miller and
Tnayer- l was with the their ADVISER
We went thoroughly over the whole question or
wages, hours OF labor, and the rules pertaining
TO the roadmen and yardmen. On all the Ques-
tions except that Of wages we have about come
20 denn4te understanding. Our request Tor
increased compensation has not been denied.
and we have every reason to feel than when the
men consider the request, which they will do to-
morrow they will see that the wages requested by
the employees are equitable and we feel hopeful
that they will deal with them accordingly. SO
Tar as the wages Of the yardnen are con-
cerned. we think they practically settled. We
have agreed to meet the directors committee
| at 10 o'clock next Wednesday morning to re-
! ceEye their anal answer.
It In probable that the company will concede
to the men in the freight service ten hour day.
The men in the passenger service will be graded
| according TO mileage, and we think the COM
pany will concede e certain number OF hours
to constitute days work The conference
II
position to be fair was shown on both sides.
| The men at the Harlem River yards sent two
men here to hnd out what the delay wss about
| The company and we, too, are anxious to have
them know the exact situation. We wish to tell
them that all is being done in their interests
that can be done. and personally wish to re-
assure them that they will soon be working
| under better conditions than before. The
disparity between their wages for eight hours
| and the wages paid to men on the Jersey side
/ Of the river for few more hours has caused
them, discomfort but 1t will not be long before
they viii be satisfactorily readjusted to their
hours snd wages.
It seemed to me tsat the company'E request
| for another conference on Wednesday after
they have met tomorrow, was reasonable one,
| and 30 advised the committee.
With regard to the question OF rules and
regulations governing the work Of the men, I
| can safely say that that matter has been set
tied satisfactorily to the men.
The committee comedies to the company the
| right to haul as many cars TO a train as the
law permits, and to put many in the
crews to operate those trains the company
| nnds necessary. No date was set. because the
matter is not definitely settled when the in
creased wages shall begin. but we presume that
if the matter is settled this week, the increases
/ wriII 20 into effect with the next pay6ay,