Norwich bulletin., 1913-07-15

VI AenlnE ton July l4-RepreSenLa = lives of the S0,O00 conductors and trainmen of Eastern railways. who have oted 10 strike for higher wages, and managing officers of the railroads agreed at. the White House today to subnit their differences to arDItra- Uon under the provisions of the New lancS-Ciayton act which President Wilson and congressional leaders promised to make law by tomorrow night In the meantime no strike will be declared. officials of the employees orotherhoods agreeing to an armistice until "Wednesday night
 Two Hour Conference at White House.
 This victory for arbitration over the strike was the result of a two hour conference at the White House between President Wilson and con- Eressional leaders, both republicans and democrats, the presidents and managers of the railroads and repre- sentatlves of the brotherhood of fraiumen and conductors. The agree ment not only averted, temporarily at least the strike which threatened to tie up railroad traffic generally in the east. but smOothed out differences Of opinion that had arisen in both houses as Co the composition of the board Of mediation and provided a perman- ent commission 10 deal with railroad disputes.
 
 The pathway was cleared for prompt action in both houses. Senator Kern telephoning from the White House to have the senate adjourn until to- morrow instead of Thursday as con tenplated. and Representative Clay ton announcing that he would move l0 take from the Speakers table his bill 10 which amendments in conform ity with the Newlands bill in the sen otc would be attached.
 The president later announced that he would sign a measure such as agreed upon and described the con- ference as simple and satisfactory"
 Situation Explained by Seth Low.
 sch Low, chairman of the National Civic Federation. who had been in ktrumentaI in bringing the railroad beads and labor leaders together, act cd as spokesman for both sides, re- laung to the president the details of the legislative situation that had arisen in the attempt 10 provide sub stitute for the Erdman act. The original board of arbitration provided under that act was independent of any government department, but one of its mcmbcrs-the commissioner of labor had since been included so that only s portion of his time could be given Co labor disputes.
 Two Bills Were Identical
 The bin introduced in the house by Representative Clayton, chairman of the judiciary committee originally was identical with that introduced in the senate by Senator Newlands but had been amended at the instance of Sec l rctary Wilson of the department of laaor. who wished the arbitration board to consist of nine members who were Co be under the 7isdiction of hts department Secretary Wilson WithdraV's obiec-
 ton.
 Al todays ccference, however, Secretary Wilson while still express InE his preference Tor the amended Clayton bill. announced that he would uut insist on it and agreement was immediately reached to put drought the Ncwlands' bill or which both Parties Co the controversy had pre- Niousiy expressed their approval with two minor provisions of the Clayton bill Incorporated Before tomorrow night both houses probably will have passed a perfected bill to be sent to the president for his signature. Beard of Mediation and Consolidation.
 The perfected bill will create the | nited States Board of Mediation and Consolidation 10 be composed of com missioner of mediation and concilia- tiOn approved by the president with fnc consent or the senate with salary or xl 500 and tenure of seven years, and not more than two other officials wf the government already appointed sy the president with the consent of the senate who shall be designated by him as the two other members of the sOard- There also would be an @esistant commissioner, with a salary of s5.000 authorized to act in the com MRM@sioners' absence For the settle Rsent of controversies as they might arise the measure would provide for boards of arbitration of six or three 10 be selected with the help of the board of mediation and conciliation wherever necessary The latter board would pass upon any disag agreements among the arbitrators. Awards made by the board would be executed by the federal courts, in which appeals could be filed
 Will Name Commission at Once.
 President Wilson expressed his qualification after the conference that an agreement had been rSached-/on disputed points He referred to the suggestions made as lust and req Sonabie" and saw no reason he said, why congress should not act upon them now 10 prevent a great incon- venience and perhaps a disastrous situation for the carrying business of the country
 The president said he would name the new commission as quickly as pos Eible and that the contending parties had assured him that they would await legislative action The merits of the controversy itself were not touched on at today's conference, the legislative side alone being canvass cd.
 Those Present at Conference. Aside from President Wilson those who took part in the conference were: Seth Low. president of the National Civic Federation. Judge Martin A. Knapp Of The commerce court: w. C. Brown, president of the New York Central; Samuel Res. president of the Pennsylvanla railroad: David Will lard. president of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. George W Stephens, president of the C. & O.: Frank rum bull chairman of the C. & O.. Di- rectors ". ". Atterbury. vice pres i dent Pennsylvania railroad: A. H. l Smith. vice president of the New York l Central. H F. Wills. leglslst tive rep ] reseutative Brotherhood of Locono- i five Engineers: Warren B. Stone. '