The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-30
OHUHNA UHaAV
Chairman Knapp and Commits
siOner Nelll on Ground
Conference Opens in Chicago
This Morning.
PEACEABLE SOLUTION.
That Is What Is Desired Says
Government Official.
Railroad Men Say They VIII
Make No Concessions.
No Agreement Is Expected for
Several Days.
PEACEABLE SOLUTION,

Chicago. March 30.-Nothing tam
giole resulted from the first meeting
of Chairman Knapp of the interstate
commerce commission and Commits
Asioner of Labor Neill with the parties
}to the railway wage dispute. Later
meetings will be held today, but it is
not believed that any agreement or
settlement will be reached for several
days.
Both On the Ground.
Chairman Knapp of the interstate
commerce commission and Charles P.
Nein. United States labor commits
sioner. arrived here today from Wash
iagton to proffer their good offices in
settling the wage dispute between the
western railroads and the members of
men and of the Order of Railway Con-
men and of the order of railway con-
iuctors.
The meeting which opened late in
the morning, did not begin under
highly favorable auspices The repre-
sentatives of the men. Grand Chief
MOrrissey. of the train men, and Chief
Conductor GarTretsOn, of the conduc
tors. were positive in their assertions
before the conference commenced that
the men would not abate anything of
their demands. They declared that it
was not in their power 10 accept less
than the men had asked for the reas-
on that the mem bership of both or
GaniZations had voted on the propo-
sitions to be considered in the meeting
and the vote was overwhelmingly in
favor of a strike unless the demands
of the men were granted.
C p. Brown, chairman of the board
of managers of the railways was
Equally explicit in his assertions that
the railways could not go. further than
they have already gone and that it was
not possible for them to make greater
concessions than had already been Of
fered.
Want No Strike.
Before entering the meeting, Chair
man Knapp said:
Il can not say just now what will be
done. My understanding is that both
SIDES are anxious to avoid a strike and
s4eh a disposition is promise that ev-
cry thing Will come out happily OF
course, I can tell more about the sit
ration when we have once heard the
tatements from both sides. We shall
ertainly do all in our power, while
citing with strict justice Tor all con-
erned. to bring about peaceable ad-
ustment of the diffculty.'
Both Sides Heard.
Following the conference with the
leneral managers, Chairman Knapp
fatenents made in behalf of the
Finmen and conductors. At the
bse of the latter meeting, Chairman
napp said:
There is absolutely nothing that I
an say at this time Both sides have
utlined their position and that is
bout all that could be expected at the
rst meeting. We are to meet the
'ainmen and conductors later to-
3y-"
When asked if he came to Chicago
the request of President Roosevelt
hartman Knapp said he had not, de-
laring that he had neither seen nor
communicated with the president in
egard to the matter. The trip, he
aid. was imposed on him by the
luties of his office and he came on that
account.
Neither the general managers nor
the representatives of the two organi-
cations of employees would make a
statement at the conclusion of their
meeting with Chairman Knapp and
Commissioner Neill. 1t is positively
known. however, that in today's con-
ference no concessions were made on
either side.