New-York tribune., 1913-07-26
RAIL ARBITRATION NEAR
Presidents Mediation Board
Meets with Success.
so SAYS MIDNIGHT REPORT
Managers Withdraw Some OF
Demands When Conferences
Here Reach Crucial Stage.

The Board of Mediation and Concilia-
ton appointed by President Wilson and
the conference committee of managers OF
railroads and representatives of trainmen
and conductors conferred long and ardu-
ously yesterday and last night in an cf-
fort TO settle the differences between the
forty-three Eastern railroads and the
employees of the roads.
Shortly before midnight one Of those
who had been I'm attendance at these con-
ferences said indications we're favorable
for a settlement OF the troubles between
the men and the railroads BY arbitration.
IL this is accomplished the duties OF the
mediation board will have been success
fully completed. as the root Of the differ
ences between the roads and the con-
ductors and trainmen has been their ina
bility TO agree on arbitration.
II was said on reliable authority that
the alleged agreement TO consider arbi-
traton as a means Of settling the din
Guilty Wis made possible by the action Of
the railroad managers, who were said 10
have receded from their original attitude
toward the men and withdrawn several
OF their demands.
II is believed a compromise has been
effected whereby the managers concil-
lated the trainmen and conductors, who
have stood pat"
The first Of the conferences took place
in the morning, at the Hotel Manhattan.
between the Board of Mediation and Con-
cliation. the conference committee OF
the managers OF the railroads, and the
committee OF twelve, representing the
men.
The mediation board consists Of Will
lam Lea Chambers. chairman; Martin A.
Knapp. assistant chairman. and G.. W. W.
Hangar.
Another conference between the media
ton board and the railroad managers
took place at the Manhattan in the morn
ing, between 10 o'clock and 1880. None OF
those in attendance would disclose what
took place.
In the afternoon the board was in con-
ference with W. G.. Lee, president OF the
tralnmen's organization, and A. r. Gar
retson, president OF the conductors
meeting room for two hours
Again az o'clock last night the board
and the railroad managers met, fol-
lowed by another conference between the
medlators and Garretson and Lee. Lee
said he and Garretson would confer with
the board again this morning. Both men
appeared In good spirits. although they
were summoned from their beds 20 at
tend the conference.
The committee Of one hundred. repre-i
senting the men, held a conference In ths'
morning at the Broadway Central Hotel. /
with Garretson and Lee in attendance
II was said the majority Of the men were
impatient OF the long delay. and demand
ed definite action one way or the other
| by Sunday.
Mr.. Hangar yesterday said the sltua-
ton between the roads and the men had
reached the crucial stage" This Is
taken 70 refer 10 the withdrawal OF the
demands OF the railroads.
The last conference OF the night be-
tween the board OF mediation and con-
ciliation and the conference committee OF
managers began at uI6 o'clock and
lasted until half an hour after midnight.
Mr.. Hangar. who acted as spokesman for
the mediators. said the conferences would
continue to-day. beginning at o'clock In
the morning. when the mediation board
and the railroad managers would meet at
the Hotel Manhattan. AT II o'clock the
representatives OF the men will confer
with the board. Nothing definite was ac-
compllshed az the last meeting between
the mediators and committee OF man
ayers Mr.. Hangar said.