Evening star., 1911-08-20

the SettIement OF tne StIIhes II Is OeneSeo
that he brought pressure to bear with
the railway managers in reaching the de-
sired end.
The settlement Of the strike was reach
ed at q conference between David Floyd
George and the executives of the mems
societies. The labor leaders said tonight
that the men would return to work at
once.
Premier Asquith returned to London
this afternoon from the country, where
he had expected to stay over Sunday
and his secretary made constant trips
to the conference at the board Of trade
and the headquarters Of the railway mag
mates.
At the conclusion of the conference the
Position of the Railways.
acting on representations made to the
railway companies by the government
they today empowered G. II. Claughton,
director of the London Northwestern
railway. and Sir Guy Granet. general
manager of the Midland railway. to con-
fer on their behalf with representatives
selected by the joint executives OF the
trades unions and railway employees with
a view to discussing with them the sus-
gested terms OF settlement drafted by
the board OF trade.
ences Mr.. Claughton and Sir Guy Cranet.
on behalf of the companies, members OF
the house OF commons, James Henry
Thomas and Messrs. Bellamy, Williams.
Fox, Lowth and Charlton on behalf of
the men, and Mr.. Lloyd George. Sir II.
l.. Smith and G. K. Askwith on behalf
OF the board of trade. Ramsay Nc
Donald also was present during the con-
ference.
'Mr. Claughton stated that upon certain
representations by the government he and
Sir Guy tiranet had the authority of the
railway companies to meet the repre-
sentatives Of the mens with a view to
discussing terms OF an agreement.
The terms having been discussed and
agreed to Mr.. Claughton and Sir Guy
Granet stated that the recommendations
of the commission would be loyalty ac-
cepted by the companies, even though
they were adverse to the companies con-
tentions on any question of representa-
ton. and should the settlement be effect
ed. any traces of ill-feeling, which might
have arisen certainly would be effaced."
Terms of the Agreement.
The terms of the agreement follow:
The strike to be terminated forthwith
and the mems leaders to use their best
endeavors to induce the men to return to
work at once.
All the men involved in the present dis
pute, either Dy Str1ke, or LOCKOUT, III
cluding casuals. who present themselves
for work within a reasonable time, to be
reinstated by the companies at the ear
lest possible moment, and no one to be
subjected to proceedings for breach OF
contract or otherwise penalized.
Cancellation boards to be convened for
the purpose of settling forthwith all
questions at present In dispute as far as
they are within the scope of such boards.
provided notice Of such quetsdons be
rrfr ~~ok rn~x A~~,-
the date Of this agreement. II the Sec
tional boards fail to arrive at a settle
ment. the central board is to meet at
once. Any decisions arrived at are to
be retroactive as from the date Of this
agreement. 1t is agreed for the pur-
pose of this and the following clause that
rates of wages include remuneration
whether by time or piecework:
Steps are to be taken forthwith to ef
feet a settlement of questions now in dis
pute between companies and classes of
their employees not included within the
conciliation scheme of 1907 by means OF
conferences between representatives Of
compan anies and representatives Of en-
ployes who themselves are employed by
the same companies. and falling OF an
agreement by arbitration. they are to be
arranged mutually or BY the board of
trade. The above Is to be q temporary
pending a report of the COM
to the best means for, settling
disputes.
Both Men and Companies to Aid.
Both parties are to give every assist
ance to the special commission OF in
quiry, the immediate appointment of
which the government has announced.
Any questions which may arise as
to the Interpretation OF this agreement
are to be referred to the board of trade.
The agreement was signed by all
present at the conference. the special
commission will consist of five men,
bers, including representatives of the
employers and workmen in equal num-
bers and an impartial chairman. The
names OF the commission will be an
nounced next Tuesday and the COM
mission will proceed Immediately with
the inquiry.
Assurances have been given by both
parties to the agreement that they viii
accept the findings Of the commission,
and the government has assured the
railway companies that 1t will pro-
pose to parliament next session legis-
lation providing that increase in the
Cost of labor due to improvement OF
conditions Of the railways will be
valid justification for a reasonable in
crease In charges within the legal
maximum.