The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-06-11
Amicable Agreement Reach ed Just Before Noon
 Yesterday
CONCESSIONS WERE
 MADE BY EACH SIDE
9erms of Agreement Not Made Pub- lie for Fear of Misunderstand ing-Both Sides Are
 Satisfied

Washington, June 10.--A general strike of 24OO Southern railway firemen was averted today by the success of media ton proceedings which have been In progress for two weeks.
 Just before noon today the medlators' under the Erdman act, Judge Martin A. Knapp of the commerce court and Dr. Charles P Neill, commissioner of labor brought the parties to the controversy to amlcable agreement. The terms ot the agreement were reduced to writing and signed by Southern officials and the fire mems committed The terms agreed upon were perfectly satisfactory to both sides. A desire to maintain friendly relations between the railway system and the fire men at all times was manifested, and In the end concessions were made by each side.
 The representatives of the fremen left this afternoon for the south after a conference with General Manager Cop man at which the working details of the agreement were determined upon. When the members of the committee reach their divisions they will explain to the - probably will announce them to the pub lie.
 The consideration of public interest played an important part in effecting a settlement Because of some of the del icate questions involved it was said no further statement would be given out. The negro question, 1t is understood, figured largely in the controversy. Fear that any statement In regard to this question might be misunderstood is be- lieved to have led to the determination to say nothing.
 Long Controversy
 The controversy has been long one. When it seemed the firemen were on the verge of strike they consented to me- diation. Even for some time after the mediators took up the case, about two weeks ago, the stubbornness with which the firemen stood by their demands made the case look hopeless To the last min ute the firemen declared they would not consider anything but 20 per cent in- crease in their wages.
 Immediately after the firemen's de- mands had been disposed of officials of the railway held a conference with rep resentatives of the 2400 engineers of the road who are asking for wage increases of approximately 25 per cent. It is not expected that a settlement will be reached for several days. The engineers are maz- ing no strike threats and while they hope to have their petition granted, it Is un- derstood that they do not contemplate an effort to force compliance.
 Delegations representing the conductors and trainment are here waiting to pre- sent claims that will be considered as soon as the railway settles with the engi- neers.
 Knoxville, Tenn, June 10-Southern railway fremen have been in conference with Southern railway officials intermit- tententy for over a month. The firemen desired amendments to rules and an in- crease of % per cent In their wages, which was at first refused by President ". w. Finley, who issued a statement which was posted in offices of the South ern system about three weeks ago. This statement set out reasons for the refusal of the Southern officials to grant the firemen's demand. strike was then threatened by the Brotherhood of Rail- way Bremen and its representatives were again called into conference with South ern officials. The demands were finally submitted to arbitration under the Erd- man act. The present committee heard the arguments of the men and officials, the results being the settlement today.