The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-08-31
SET LABOR DAY
Foa RAIL STRIKE
Trainmen Put Time Limit on
Negotiations.
JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS-
President Wilson In Conference With
Party Leaders Considers LesIsIa-
tion Necessary to Meet the Railroad
Situation.

TaTty IeaueTs SonsioeFS Le8isfd-
tion Necessary to Meet the Railroad
Situation.
Washington, Aug 29.-LAbor day,
Sept. 4, has been set for the strike of
the railroad trainmen by the brother
hood leaders, unless the controversy
between the men and the railroads II
not settled before that date.
II became known that the tentative
orders for a strike on Labor day were
carried home by the members OF the
committee of $40, who left Washing
ton. The brotherhood leaders have
decided that the controversy must be
ended one way or the other by Labor
day, and they have fixed on that date
with a view to having 100000 or
more workers in all lines Of labor
march in great demonstrations In
favor Of the strikers cause.
In the meantime plans have been
perfected for a joint session Of the
two branches Of congress to be ad-
dressed by President Wilson. The
plan for a joint session Of congress
were considered at a meeting between
President Wilson and the members Of
the Democratic steering committee at
the senate ONCE building.
In his conference with the members
of the senate Democratic legislative
steering committee, President Wilson
not only asked advice regarding the
desirability Of his laying the whole
railroad situation before congress In
a personal address, but discussed with
them problems of legislation to pre-
vent a nationwide strike, or-in the
event of q strike, to keep the roads In
operation for national necessities He
disclosed to the committee the essen
tial points in the negotiations he has
conducteA for two weeks with rail.
road presidents and managers and the
representatives of the brotherhoods
The senators present IN the confer
ence were Kern Of Indiana: Martin
Virginia; Chamberlain, Oregon; Owen
Oklahoma; O'Gorman, New York;
Thomas. Colorado; Reed. Missouri;
James, Kentucky, and Williams, Miss
issippi. The conference continued for
two hours and a half.
Legislation Planned.
That plans have been undertaken
to frame general bill which would
apply to the various phases of legis-
lation necessary TO meet the railroad
situation, and we're under considers
ton in the conference between Presi-
dent Wilson and the senate steering
committee, was admitted by Senator
Newlands.
I'VE reached no conclusion" said
Senator Newlands. except as to the
general scope of legislation that will
be required. The purpose is to take
as a basis for this legislation the bill
to enlarge the interstate commerce
commission. To meet the emergency
we are considering also legislation fix
ing an eight-hour work day for rail
road employees: an increase in revenue
by the railroads to meet greater ex
pense of operation due to adoption oi
the eight-hour day and amendment tc
the existing arbitration laws.
I'VE are considering applying to
the arbitration law, the Canadian
principle which would prohibit a
strike or lockout pending negotia
tions and for a period of sixty days
| following a decision in any contro
versy.
with reference TO the eighthouI
day. there is being discussed the ad
visibility OF making legislation pro
yiding for II effective at a time far
enough in the future to permit the
railroads 10 adjust their affairs. just
how all these things will be worked
out finally we can not say"
In addition to this proposed con
structive legislation the president and
his advisors also have under consider
alton the problem of legislation. in
event of a strike. TO keep the rail-
roads in operation.
"The problem involved In legisla'
tion TO insure operation OF the ran
roads in case OF a strike" said Sena
tor Newlands, "is how far congress
shall go to authorizing the federal
government through the president to
act. This legislation will give the
president authority to draft trains
and trainmen TO operate them under
federal control. The question is
shall the president be authorized to
draft trains merely for military ne
cessity and the transportation Of the
mails or shall we go farther, and pro
vide for their operation for general
commercial transportation. This is
grave question that has not been de
termined."
Opinion Is divided in congress on
nearly all OF the proposed enactments
some progressive Republican leaders
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