The Washington times., 1913-07-14
RAILROADS READY
T0cONS|DER TERMS
General Body Willing to Accept
Arbitration Plans as Pro-
posed by NeWIands.
CONTINUED from First Page.)


of the Brotherhood of Railroad Train
men; Seth Low, president of the Ma
tional Civic Federation, Ralph M.
Eeaseley, and Marcus Marks, chairmen
Of of the arbitration and legislation
committee of the federation.
Messrs Low, Marks, and Easley are
not expected to take, part in the confer
ence with the President Senator New
retary of Labor Wilson were at the
White House awaiting the railroad men
when these cam up the avenue.
President Wilson this morning talked
Of the meeting and the strike to news
paper men. He expressed displeasure
that the difference between the Clayton
and Newlands bills had been made an
acute factor in this situation and init
mated some one had been trying 10
create controversy over this matter OF
amending the Erdman act The prime
matter. the President stated, was to get
board of arbitration created and to
get it considering the present situation.
Newland Critics. Plan.
Senator Newlands made a statement
at the same time attacking the plan Of
the President and the Secretary of La
Dor to have the board named by Mr.
Wilson. as Secretary of Labor. Senator
Newlands said:
IT believe a strike is very near,
said Senator Newlands, today, 'and
that only prompt action by the Fed
eral Government in providing the ma
chinery for settlement of the present
dispute described in the bill just
passed by the Senate, will prevent it.
'sThe me mbers of the railroad brother
hoods are not men OF rash judgment.
but understand that they have decided
TO strike Unless certain terms are arbi-,
trated. The railroads have declined to
arbitrate under the present Erdman
act. The only alternative to strike
now is a change in the law. i hope TO
see an agreement In that direction
reached at today's conference.
i strongly approve the proposal OF
the railroads and their employees that
the board of mediation be made indie
pendent of the Department of Labor.
This board is likely to develoy into an
Industrial court. which should be free
Of departmental control"
Union Men Come First.
It is generally believed this after
noon In Washington that the New
Hands bill will be approved this after
noon The House meets tomorrow,
and 1t may be law by early afternoon.
II enacted by the House, the President
will lose no time in signing it.
The labor union men were the first to
arrive here today. Messrs. Garretson
and Lee are at the Dewey and Stone
and Carter are quartered at the Ra-
leigh. President Brown was the first
railroad president to arrive. Messrs.
Rea and Willard did not get here until
a few minutes before p. m.
The whole party rendezvoused at the
New Willard AMI walked thence TO the
White House, where the President, the
Secretary of Labor, Senator Newlanus'
and Congressman. Clayton were await
ing them In the executive offices.
Secretary Wilson and Congressman
Clayton intimated before the conference
began that they could not very well
insist on their measure as against the
Newlands bill. To do so would bring
on them the responsibility for the call
irg of the strike, which would be cali
ed, IL is known, in hurry.