Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1910-03-12

hc manager and with them returned
to the Rennert where another confer
ence was held. AT this conference
the company's side was presented to
the m~ediators. This conference lasted
until 4 o'clock. Mr.. Willard and the
other Baltimore and Ohio officials
then left. but Judge Knapp and Mr.,
Neill remained in consultation for a
short time.
After the consultation, when asked
directly II the controversy would be
settled by mediation, Mr.. Neill, said
I'VE are neither prophets nor sons of
prophets. The situation is too unset.
tied to make any statement at this
time. Another conference will be held
tomorrow, probably at II o'clock"
Both gentlemen appeared in a pleas
ing frame of mind, as though some
good had been accomplished.
After leaving the Rennert, Judge
Knapp and Mr.. Nell went to the New
Howard House, where they were join
ed by Mr.. Garrettson and Mr.. Lee.
After a short conversation the four
gentlemen went TO the hall at $50
West Baltimore street, where the com
mittee of 70, representing the labor
organizations were waiting. The gov.
eminent mediators remained with the
committee in secret session for 10 or
20 minutes. When they came out
they refused 10 further discuss the
matter saying at the present stage
nothing could be said. They left on
the ) o'clock train from Camden sta
tion for Washington.
Mr.. Garrettson and Mr.. Lee were
equally reticent about the situation.
They absolutely refused to answer any
question put to them. Mr.. Garrettson
in explanation of their silence said:
The matter Is entirely in the hands
of Judge Knapp and Mr.. Neill. We
are taking a rest, and will let them
give out all information which they
think proper. Whatever they may say
will need no confirmation from us.
Therefore, we have nothing TO add,
nor will we while the gentlemen from
Washington are in the saddle"
Favorable Outlook.
The outlook for a peaceful termina-
ton of the questions at issue is more
favorable than at any time since the
counter-proposal of the Baltimore
and Ohio was rejected by the con
ductors and trainmen. The feeling,
though not expressed in words, seems
to be that each side will yield some
what, and peace will be restored. AS
was stated yesterday, the officials of
the Baltimore and Ohio are not averse
to granting some of the demands of
their employees, though they state they
cannot agree to all of these. On the
other hand, the leaders of the two la
Dor organizations have stated repeat
eddy that there was no compromise
which they could make. But the fact
that they have not called out the men
and that they are agreeing to furter
conferences leads to the belief that
any new proposal which the company
may make will at least be considered
If the present mediation fails it is
not likely that Mr.. Garrettson and Mr..
Lee will consent TO arbitration. They
have frequently stated that they were
opposed to arbitration. OF course, un.
der the terms of the Erdman act If
mediation fails the Commissioner OF
Labor and the chairman of the Inter
state Commerce Commission will en-
deavor to have an arbitral commission
appointed. They have no power 10 APP
point such a commission. but can only
suggest, and the question of arbitra-
ton will rest with the parties TO the
controversy. The Baltimore and Ohio
will agree to arbitrate.
Discord In 3. & o. S. w.
The matter was somewhat compli-
Gated yesterday from the Baltimore
and Ohio standpoint by a telegram
announcing that all negotiations be-
tween the Baltimore and Ohio South
western and it's conductors and train
men had been broken off. The con-
ferees on the part of the railroad re-
fused to concede the demands of the
employees. President Willard, who is
also president of the Southwestern,
would not comment upon the tele-
gram.
The demands of the Baltimore and
Ohio Southwestern conductors and
trainmen were similar t o those made
npon the officials of the Baltimore
and Ohio proper. and in fact, similar
to those which have been submitted
by conductors and trainmen to near
ly every railroad in the East. AS was
the form of procedure here. it is ex-
pected that the representatives of the
trainmen and conductors conducting
the negotiations in Cincinnati, the
headquarters OF the Southwestern,
will all for a poll of the members OF
their organizations on the strike ques-
ton.
Ra1fimnra Md March mo dpeiS-