Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-03-15

Washington, March 15.-Mediation
under the Erdman act has been re-
quested Of the controversy between
the railways in Chicago territory and
their flremen and enginemen. The
application for mediation was made
by the railroads. The request will be
granted.
All Phases Covered.
The application for mediation made
by the general managers committee is
comprehensive in scope. 1t includes
not merely the question of wages,
which is the crux Of the dispute, but
also the hours of labor and conditions
of employment. In fact, 1t covers ev-
cry phase of the difficulty that has aris.
en- between the roads and tfrefr- ena-
ployes.
Delay Announcement.
Chicago, March 15.-The date and
hour of calling the strike of f1remen on
western railroads was decided on by
and the committee adjourned until this
afternoon without announcing the time
when the strike would be called Pres
ident Carter Of the union said that in
his opinion the committee would order
a strike regardless of the mediation
proposal.
woufd Stop Temporarily.
Railroad officials declared mediation
under the Erdman act would stop, for
the present at least, the proposed walk
out. This afternoon the committee Of
union officials will assemble, and If a
telegram from Chairman Knapp is re-
ceived will give 1t their attention. If
no telegram is received, 1t Is the ex-
pressed determination of the union
committee to conclude its business and
decide whether to make public the date
OF calling the strike.
Hears from Knapp.
President Carter of the firemen's
organization stated this afternoon he
had received a telegram from Chair
man Knapp and Commissioner NeiIl
informing the union official the rail-
ways had asked for mediation
At 2:40 1t was announced from
the committee room the brotherhood
officials were voting on the question
of accepting or refusing the offer of
federal mediation.
Announced by Carter.
Chicago, March 15.-At midnight last
night w. S. Carter, president of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen
and Enginemen, announced that
strike Of 26,0o0 firemen on practically !
all the western railroads had been
called
The controversy which has been un- |
der discussion for more than six weeks !
involves AZ railroads operating west, |
northwest and southeast OF Chicago |
and embraces about 10000 miles of |
railroads.
It has previously been stated by both |
sides that II a strike was called 1t |
would tie up practically every freight |
and passenger train between Chicago !
and the Pacific coast.
Mr.. Carter said that the decision to |
strike had been reached at a meeting
Of 43 members of the western feder-
ated board of the brotherhood, each
member representing a western rail-
road.
Points In Dispute.
Points in dispute are:
Increase in wages demanded.
which the union officials say would
amount to 121h per cent, but which
the railroads assert would amount
to 221a per cent.
The right Of the union in ques-
tions, representation when a fire.
man has been promoted to engine
man or place over which another
claims jurisdiction.
Adjustment of seniority or the
promotion of new men over old
time employees.
Want to Arbitrate All Points.
The railroad managers committee, !;
composed of 10 of the general mana
sers of western railroads and headed