Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-08-30

Senators Kern, Simmons and Smoot. es-
corted the President into the chamber
He was greeted with uproaf1ous cneefe
as he entered
His entrance was the signal for pro
longed applause, led by democratic states
men, which swelled up into good OLD
southern yell that reverDerateo tnrOu8h
the chamber.
As he stepped to the rostrum tho ex.
ecutive shook hands with the Speaker and
Vice President Marshall. Turning to face
the gathered assemblage OF senator's ana
representatives, Mr.. Wilson bowed slight
~. drew from his pocket a package OF
typewriter sheets about three to five
inches in size and began to read In a con-
versational tone.
There was tense silence in tho cham
Der as he began and then applause
from the democratic side when the
President declared he had sought to
aid in adjusting the difficulties mot
as an arbitrator. but merely as
terest of justice, indeed. and as a
friend of both parties, but not as a
judge, only as representative OF one
hundred million of men, women and
children who would pay the price,"
Advocates Eight-Hour Day.
Applause came from various parts
of the chamber when tho President
declared that 1t seemed to him that
the whole spirit of the time and pre-
ponderant evidence of recent economic
experience spoke for the efght-hour
day.
More applause greeted the Presidents
declaration that he regarded 1t as
practical certainty" that the rail-
roads would be ultimately obliged to
accept the eight-hour day by the con-
certed action Of organized labor. backed
by the favorable judgment of society.
When he recommended the establish
ment of an eight-hour day as the elgal
basis alike of work and wages in the
employment of railroad workers there
was slight applause from the dem
ocratic side.
Approval came from both sides at
the suggestion of legislation to prevent
strikes or lockouts pending investiga-
ton. and also when the President
asked for power. in the event OF a
strike, ito take control of such portions
and such rolling stock Of the railways
of the country as may be regarded
necessary for military use and to
operate them for military purposes.
The entire assemblage arose when
the President concluded, after speaking
twenty three minutes. There were sew
eral rousing cheers as he left the cham :
Der.
Strikes Responsive Chord.
The Presidents closing suggestion,
that arbitral awards should be made
judgments by record Of court of law in
order that their Interpretation and en-
forcement may lie. not with party OF
the arbitration, but with an impartial
and authoritative tribunal" appeared to
strike a responsive chord.
Throughout the address the express
sions of approval came mainly from the
democratic side, republicans sitting and
listening in silence.
The House corridors filled with eager
throngs an hour before the Presidents
arrival news of his forthcoming ad-
dress having spread quickly over the
city All entrances to the galleries
were fenced of and guarded, admission
being by special ticket only.
Senators and representatives who re-
ceived their tickets only few hours
before the appointed time were be-
sieged by hundreds of persons anxious
to hear the Presidents message.
Railroad presidents and managers
and officials of the brotherhoods had
anticipated the rush and had made ar
engagements with congressman several
days ago for tickets.