New-York tribune., 1910-01-22
REFUSE DEMANDS
Erie and Lackauanna Roads
Turn Doscn Request.

The Erie and the Lacixausnna railroads
announced yesterday that the demands Of
the trainmen and conductors for increases
in wages were not conceded after they had
been visited by committees OF the men to
hear definite answers At the same time
the committees were informed that the ON
cials of the respective roads willing
to have conferences with the representa-
tives of their employees on the subject OF
the demands. II was stated that COM
inittee of the trainnen and conductors OF
the Central Railroad OF New Jersey re-
ceived a similar reply.
The Erie men saw Vice-Prssident Stuart
of the railroad who told them that IL would
be out of the question to grant the demanas'
as the advances asked for range from 10 10
so per cent, and other demands were not
such as the company could agree 10. though
IL was willing TO meet representatives or its
employees in conference.
The committee OF the Lackawanna train
men and conductors received the reply de-
clining to grant the demands in Scranton
after It had seen the general superintendent
there The committee was told that the
present conditions and the affairs or the
company did not warrant favorable consid-
Grafton Of the demands
In a statement given out yesterday even
ing In this city enrbodying the answer TO
the demands it is pointed out that the aver
age increase asked is 21 per cent The
schedule of wages demanded is said in the
answer to be "aIarmingly revolutionary.
In the company's reply to the men IL -
stated that. during the last ten years the
company has met its employees at different
times and from time to time made such
establishments as seemed fair, considering
services rendered. working conditions ana
cost of living,
''The schedule of wages and working con-
ditions." it says constitutes an slarminsiy
revolutionary document calling for increas-
es of greater extent than are warranted by
any existing circumstances, and ignoring
entirely the greatly improved conditions
under which our employees are working at
the present time"
1t goes into the demands at length, say
ing that they ignore local conditions The
officers OF the company have the charge OF
serving the interests of the public, and will
not divide the responsibility with the men,
vet the demands propose regulation of mat
ters which can only be done by the railroad
officials.
The Erie committee met yesterday after
noon at the Broadway Central Hotel after
receiving its reply. Chairman Hubbard. of
t0e Etc tTdlilillelis lhSiStcu tAdt tAc N0
mands had not been absolutely turned down
by the company. There would be no strike,
he was certain.
The committee of the New York Central
trainmen had another conference yesterday
with General Superintendent Bradield OF
the Central at the Grand Central Depot.
Mr.. Bradfield said the conference was only
formal.
Cleveland. Jan. 21.-President w. @. Lee,
of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen.
and Grand Chief A. B. Garretson. of the
Order of Railway Conductors. will meet in
the East Monday TO enter formally upon
the negotiations which will determine the
outcome OF the present dispute between
the railroads and their employees
President Lee announced tonight be-
fore going to Chicago that he has already
picked out one railroad on which test of
Neither he nor Grand Chief Garretson.
however. has intimated to the employees
committee which road this is.
1t is known to the employees committees
that the railroads are prepared to grant
some advance in wages
Philadelphia, Jan. a1.-It is stated here
that no demand for an increase in wages
has been made by the trainmen and con-
ductors on the Pennsylvania and Reading
railroads. The Lehigh Valley Railroad has
taken up the question of wages with its
men and adjustments have been made on
several of the divisions.