Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-04-02
Concessions By Both Sides May
Avert a Big Railway
Strike
FEELING is LESS BITTER
Federal Commissioners Anticipate
Agreement Within a Short Time, Al
tho Situation is Still DeIicate-on'y
One Disturbing Factor, the Looomo-
two Firemen.

Chicago. April Peace stock went
up several points yesterday in the rail-
road strike situation. After another
day Of conferences, with the United
tors, railroad officials at night ex-
pressed the belief that a settlement is
near at hand.
The optimism that prevailed was said
to be due to the fact that the repre-
sentatives of the men had agreed 10
make several important concessions. In
order TO meet their employees half way
the roads were said to be contemplating
more generous wage offer than any
yet made. The prospect was that the
roads would give the full II per cent
wage advance asked to at least one
class of train employees, probably to flag
men. In return, the men were said to
be prepared to waive their demands for
nine hour day.
For the first time since Commission
ers Knapp and Neill have been endeav-
oring to arrange a settlement, the two
parties to the controversy were brought
together under the same roof. The rail
managers did not meet the men, but
remained in session in an adjoining
room at the Auditorium Annex while
the federal officials conferred with the
employees Alternately, meetings were
held with either side. The arrangement
was regarded as favorable for peace.
Only one disturbing factor appeared
in the developments. This was new
aggressive attitude assumed by the To-
connective firemen.
The firemen assured Chiefs Garrett
son and Morrissey of the trainmen and
conductors of their intention to sup
port them in their demands. If nee
essary, they declared they would go
TO the extent Of breaking off negotia-
tons in which they are agreed with
the general managers.
The effect of this tender of assistance
was to stiffen the train service men in
their determination to win more con-
'cessions from the railroads, but it did
not interfere seriously with the prog
ress Of the peace conferences.
The firemen met the rail managers
in the morning. and did not give any
intination of hostile move. They are
seeking practically the same wage adj
vances and conditions rs the other
employees. Under their constitution,
radical action cannot be taken by the
fremen until strike voice has been
polled among the $4,000 members.
That the whole situation is still del
icate was shown by the continued re-
fusal of the government emissaries to
embarrass their movements by talking.
Labor Commissioner NELL. when asked
for statement as to the progress OF
the conferences. replied:
T wish 1 might comply with the
request. because I realize how deeply
! the public is interested in this mat
ter. but to say anything at this time
would only endanger the chances of
effecting a settlement. I will say only
that we are working ON the problem
and hope for success
Mr.. Neill said further meetings with
both the railroad officials and the men
will be held today. He would not
prophesy that joint conference was
an immediate possibility. 1t is said
the commissioners prefer to keep the
two sides separated Until they feel
they have removed every stumbling
block in the way of peace. When this
is accomplished it is said Joint meet
inc, will be arranged speedily.