Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1907-03-30
Proposition to Submit Railroad
Controversy to Arbitration
COIdIy Received by Brother
hood Representatives.
MANAGERS ADMIT THE
SITUATION is GRAVE
Not Looking for Trouble, Of
fiCialS Declare They Have.
Made Their Final Offer 70
ReCaICitrant Employees.
lBy Morning JOurna, Special Leased wIre.I

by Morning JOurna; Special Leased Wlre.I
Chicago, March 2S.-The contro-
VerSy over a wage scale between the
general managers of the western rail-
roads and their employees in the train
service cannot be arbitrated. The only
way IN which a strike can be averted
is for the officials of the roads to
make terms with the men. This is the
ultimatum issued by the representa-.
tives of the two unions involved in
the difficulty after a meeting tonigh.
to consider the action OF the railroads
in asking the federal government to
try To bring about a settlement hy
mediation along the lines provided by
the Erdman act.
The arbitration move of the gem
eral managers was considered at cons
siderable length by the union repre-
sentatives, but the proposition was
finally rejected and resolution
PASSED refusing to arbtrate the wage
scale OF the question of hours.
The general managers admitted for
the first time that the situation Is
grave. The crisis was intensified by
the fact that no compromise has been
effected with the representatives. OF
the $1,000 locomotive tiremen who
are here negotiating for higher wages
and an eight-hour day. Another con-
ference was held today between the
general managers association and Il
committee representing the firemen.
but nothing in the way Of a settlement
was accomplished
Secretary Slasson Thompson of the
General Managers association said to-
night
1--WE are waiting to see what the
| government will do. We do not expect
to hear directly in answer to our re-
quest that the whole difficulty should
be arbitrated along he lines suggested
| by the Erdman act, but we believe
when the labor leaders involved re-
ceive word from Washington that the
| government has been asked to take u
| hand in the matter, that they vii!
look at the matter in a different light
and will be willing to submit the ques.
ton to arbitration. We are not look
| ing for trouble, but 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 will be for everyone con-
cerned."
When informed tonight that Chalro
man Knapp of the interstate COM
merce commission and Charles +.
Neill commissioner of labor. were
coming to Chicago to endeavor to ef-
feet settlement of the trouble, r. II.
| Morrissey, grand master of the Broth
erhood of Railway Trainmen, said;
"The committee representing the
men will hear and consider sugges-
tions from governmental sources. still,
action will not be delayed unreasOn-
ably waiting their Intervention. We
are not unmindful of the publics
rights In the matter. and We are not
going to do anything hastily. one
thing is certain however and that IN
! the men will not accept the last props
| osition of the general managers. II
the government officials can prevail
upon the railway officials to grant our
demands everything will be amicably
| adjusted. but unless this is done, |
don't see what can prevent strike" y"