Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-29

CHICAGO, March 2.-The controversy
over a wage scale between the general man
ayers OF the western railroads and their
employees In the train service cannot be
arbitrated The only way in which
strike can be averted is for the officials
OF the roads to make terms with the men.
. This is the ultimatum issued by the repre-
sentatives OF the two unions involved I'm
the difficulty after a meeting tonight to
consider the action of the railroads In ask
ing the federal government to try to bring
about q settlement by mediation, along the
lines provided by the Erdmann act. The
arbitration move Of the general managers
was considered at considerable length by
the union representatives. but the PROPOSE
tlon was finally rejected and a resolution
passed refusing to arbitrate the wage scale
question
Firemen Also Make Demands.
The general managers tonight admitted
for the first time that the situation was
grave. The crisis was intensified by the
fact that no compromise had been effected
with the representatives of the 1900 loco
motive hremen, who are here negotiating
for higher wages and an eight-hour day.
Another conference was held today between
the General Managers association and
committee representing the hremen.. but
nothing in the way Of a settlement was ac-
complished.
Secretary slason Thompson Of the General
Managers association said tonight:
ment will do. We do not expect to hear al
rectly in answer to our request that the
whole difnculty should be arbitrated along
the lines suggested In the Erdmann act
but we believe when the labor leaders in
vOlved receive word from Washington that
the government has been asked 20 take a
hand in the mattaF that they Will look at
the matter in different light and Will be
willing to submit the, question to arbitra1
we have made all the concessions we can
afford under the present conditions and the
sooner the men become reconciled to this
the better It wNl be for everyone con-
cerned.
Knapp and Nein COMING.
WASHINGTON, March q. = Chairman
Martin A. Knapp OF the Interstate Com
haerce commission and Charles P. Neill,
oomInissioner OF labor, will leave here to-
morrow noon for Chicago. where they will
hold a conference with representatives OF
conductors and trainmen and officials Of
weaterh railroads entering Chicago In re-
gard to the dispute over the question of
wages which threatens TO result in dis
astrous strike unless a satisfactory adjust
ment Is effected.
Chairman Knapp said tonight that the
visit Of himself and Mr.. NELL will be in
the direction OF mediation and Cancellation.
The request for these efforts at mediation
and conciliation came from the railroads.
''It therefore becomes our duty under the
law" said Chairman Knapp, ito put our
selves In communication with the parties
and endeavor to bring about a settlement.
II we fail in that effort then IL is our duty
TO endeavor TO induce the parties to enter
into an arbitration"
Statement by Mr.. MOrrissey.
When informed tonight that Chairman
Knapp OF the Interstate Commerce com
mission and Charles P. Neill. Commissioners
OF labor, were coming to Chicago to en-
deayor to effect settlement Of the trouble,
p. II. Morrissey. grand master of the
Brotherhood OF Railway Tralnmen, said
The committee representing the men win
hear and consider suggestions from gov
ernmental sources, still, action VIII not be
delayed unreasonably awaiting their inter
vention. We are not unmindful OF the pub
lies right in the matter and we are not
going to do anything hastily. One thing IS
certain, however, and that Is the men VIII
not accept the last proposition OF the gem
erai managers. II the government officials
can prevail upon the railway ofhciais TO
uaRrant our demands everything Will be
I Amlcably adjusted, but unless this Is done
" don't see what can prevent strike