New-York tribune., 1910-01-01
Err AT CAPITAL
Il WAITING GAME.
President Has Not Taken Up
Railroad GrieUances

Washington, Dec. Sit is waiting
game tonight in the negotiations for
mediation of the switchmens strike on the
railroads entering st. Paul.
All day long the government mediation
board, consisting of Chairman Knapp OF
the Interstate Commerce Commission and
Charles P. Neill, Commissioner of Labor,
together with President H. B. Perham of
the Order of Railway Telegraphers, head
OF the railway branch of the American
Federation of Labor wrested with the
problem of what to do in behalf of the
interests affected by the strike, but with
out definite action Meantime Mr. Perham
has made no appointment with President
Taft who. 1t is stated at the White House,
has not taken up the matter in any way.
The conference with the mediation board
was solicited by Mr. Perham, following
the railroads refusal to make vacancies
for the strikers. but other matters. includ-
ing the general conditions affecting the
men, were considered.
will any settlement be acceptable to
the switchmen that does not provide alb
solutely for the reinstatement of the strk-
ers?' was asked Of Mr.. Perham.
mo settlement will be accepted that is
not mutually acceptable to both Sides"
blandy replied the mediator diplomat.
DO you feel any more hopeful of a salts
factory settlement tonight, after your con-
ference than when you first reached Wash
ington?''
I'VE are always hopeful" he parried;
we're always optimists''
But as to the outIook?' he was asked.
Il can't say. If I say one thing it might
depress one side; if I say another it might
have the opposite effect
Mr.. Perham said that there would be ID
conference tomorrow, unless something
extraordinary Develops that he did not
expect to confer again until Monday, and
that he did not expect in the interval to
enter into any telegraphic negotiations
Mr.. Perham submitted a lot of docu-
mentary evidence to-day bearing on the
dispute between the railroads and the
switchmen. The whole strike situation, the
working hours, rates of pay, reinstatement
and host Of other phases of the strike
conditions were canvassed.
Mr.. Perham pointed out that his effort
was to seek some way of reaching a salts
factory settlement: that he wanted q Re-
sumption of negotiations between the rail-
roads and the men. The railroads say they
have the situation we'll in hand the
strikers hold the contrary. The switchmen
want all of the strikers reinstated without
prejudice; the railroads, which have en-
ployed strike breakers refuse to make va
cances for the strikers.
ST. Paul, Dec 31.-So far as outward ap-
pearances go, the switchmen's strike is
dead. At strike headquarters the union
officials are awaiting the result of the con-
ference at Washington between President
Perham of the railway telegraphers and
members Of the Interstate Commerce Com
mission.
1t was officially announced at strike
headquarters that a strike vote has been
in progress for several days throughout the
entire Northwest among the eleven railway
unions represented in the American Fed
Grafton of Labor.
Chicago Dec 31.-No increase in paw will
be granted the swtchmen in the Chicago
district unless 1t should come through a
board of arbitration. The railro .l man
ayers in substance refused to-day every de-
mand the Union made. The answer was not
regarded as final. and further conferences
will be held, but it said in the end the
entire question will be submitted to arbi-
tration.
The demand of the men for time and a
half for overtime and Sundays was an
swered by the statement that in she move
n,ent of passengers and freight the roads
received no extra compensation for holi-
days and Sundays. 1t was also pointed out
that the roads had not attempted to reduce
wages during the recent depression. from
which the roads were just recovering.
There is said to be possibility of a
strike, as the switchmen will accept arbi-
rration when direct negotiations fail