New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-09-26
DEFEND RAILROAD RATES.
Employees Say Companies Need
Much LARGER Incomes.
BIG CONFERENCE HELD HERE
Delegates, Representing Com
bined Membership of $50, 900,
Adopt Political Plan.

,.,,,-.a-e6 II, f,irf herarce If the proposals
or sire railroads TO increase freight rates
81 q meeting ir the Amsterdam Opera
House Yesterday afternoon of representa-
-,ves Of organizations Of railway employees
with 81 aggregate membership Of %5e.eoo-
The increased facilities, safeguards and
the like demanded by the public and the
erurioves. Il was said, made it imperative
What the revenue of the transportation
companies he greater. and TIE meeting
adopted p resolution instructinE the chief
executive officers Of The various orsamza-
aions TO appear before the Interstate Com
,nerce Commission and support The posi-
zion Of the railroads at ire present rate
hearings in Chicago.
Il WAS also decided al the meeting 10
take a concerted hand IN state and national
1soiitics.
Warren s stone. Of Cleveland. grand
chief Of the Brotherhood OF Locomotive En-
e4neers. spoke Of the political plan for bet
fering the condition Of organized labor. and
declared II would he better method Of
adjusting difficulties of union railway men
ahsn had been done in strikes.
Il is purposed 10 ask candidates. state
and national. particularly state legislators
and Congressman. 2 series Of eight aues-
lions. including whether he is for or against
universal safety appliances for the protec-
-ion OF both railway employees and the bet
Ter protection of the public; employers la
hiitv where the law does not now exist
railway pensions for old employees, hours
Of labor and other matters OF detail affect
sng railways employees and the general
public This political guide is 10 be draft
ed and sent TO all executive officers of
subordinate unions and locals by W. G.
Lee. OF Cleveland. grand chief of the Broth
erhOod Of Railway Trainmen. and A. p.
Gsrretson. Of Cedar Rapids. Iowa. presi-
uent OF the Order OF Railway Conductors
There were 1900 members and delegates
ri the meeting. They represented men of
the four great divisions OF railroad en-
.ioyes in the East. as follows: Brotherhood
or Railroad Trainmen. 10000 members:
brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers,
$4,000: brotherhood Of Locomotive Fire
men and Enginemen, 10000. and the Order
81 Railway Conductors, $4,000.
The resolution adopted concerning in
creased rates was as follows:
Resolved, That this representative meet
ing Of the Railway Brotherhood requests
Interstate Commerce Commission during
the pending rate hearing and on behalf Of
the railway employees represented by these
organizations state ouI case and support
the proposal TO res sonably increase the eX-
ssting rates; and 'se il further
Resolved. That they invite representatives
Of all classes of railway labor 10 join them
sn carrying out the spirit Of this resolu-
1son-
Another resolution called for square
deal" and touched on the political side and
abe rroposed increased rates in part as fol-
lows;
Whereas, the train service organizations
IS represented at this meeting. with a
combined membership approximately Of
10000. propose 10 continue 10 insist from
their employers higher wages, more 1aNor-
able working conditions, shorter hours and
adequate compensation for their member
chip injured or killed in the service, they
ere not unmindful Of the fact that in order
TO secure these benefits the employers must
DE accorded sufficient earning power TO
meet these demands
x5ependent on the railroad interests Of this
country for livelihood ask for nothing snort
xof q square deal from the hands Of the stale
.snd government law giving bodies, be II
Resolved, That We shah exert our COL
sectiye and individual efforts against those
who are unfairly antagOniSic To the inter
sssts from which we derive cur liVelihoods
The earnings or railroads mast he Sufl-
scIent TO paw all charges and expenses, Wit n
, substantial and assured margin Of profit,
IN order that conditions may continue 10
improve. that the safety and convenience
of the public may be conserved ana pro-
-ecfad end that necessary extensions may
ne made 10 keep pace with the growth OF
our common country We TURNER rScosIli ii
roads Of the United States Il dependent on
the prosperity OF the employing company
and that The investor has the right 10 pro
lection and consideration as wei as the
employee
Under the enlarged powers It now pos
sesses the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion IL more than ever responsible for rail-
road conditions throughout the country.
and the future welfare Of those employed
in railroad service depends so largely or
the wisdom with which the commission eX-
ercises its power that we earnestly request
the Interstate Commerce Commission 70
consider tho proposed Increases in the
transportation rates Of our employers an q
broad minded manner and from the point
Of view Of their general know ledge OF rail-
road conditions a they exist. that teChni-
CalitieS and impractical theories may not
he allowed 10 override we'll known facts
and that such disposition he made If the
r1sfter IS viii foster and encourage the
rank and file and the maintenance Of
standards best calculated 10 enhance the
Development of The properties.
Nr Carretson ssi6 the railroads of the
country cannot continue 20 serve The pun
lie with the facilities they are now giving,
eouir -srs ss now called for and provide
Quick transportation without getting in
creased rates.
Mr. Lse ssid
Railroad e-nrloves sre - continue 20
demand good wages. improved safety ap-
rlianoes. liability laws general comPensa-
4fcr laws and such other legislation as IS
necessary - protect them in their employ
-nert These things are all necessary for
The Frotectfcn ~ tire men. and they r-ean
increased cost Of operation"