New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-27
BrOtI1erI1OOd'S Chief
Asks Road Man
ayers to Yield.
UNIONS STAND
BY DEMANDS
O. II. Kahn Points TO 81
Lines in Hands of Re-
CeiVerS as Answer.

Railroad workers throughout ,he
country are declared by their union Of
fcials 10 have taken an almost unani-
nous stand not only for the cight-hour
working day. but against mediation
through Intervention Of a Federal arbi-
tration body. The general sentiment
that they were unfairly treated in the
awards OF the Federal board last May
is responsible for this determination to
oppose action from Washington.
Although this attitude materially re-
duccs the chances of an amicable set
tlement of the opposing claims Of en-
ployes and the roads, Warren s. Stone,
grand chief Of the brotherhood Of Lo-
comotivc Engineers, yesterday an
nounced that he was determined to fol-
low his custom Of bending every energy
against strike. While he says there
is no possibility Of compromising the
eight-hour question. he hopes that by
convincing the railroads Of the deter
mined stand Of the men he will bring
about a backdown on the part Of the
manager.
Railroad officials meanwhile are pre-
pairing for their scheduled publicity
campaign facts and figures tending to
prove that IL will not only be ruinous
TO them. but for the public as well. l.
they are compelled to accede to the de-
mands Of the men. An article By Otto
II. Kahn in the February number Of
THE Worlds Work" believed to set
forth the views Of the road officials, calls
attention 20 the fact that no less than
eighty-two railroads already are in the
hands Of receivers and that fewer miles
Of new track were built in 1915 than
in any year since the Civil War.
Unions Standing Together.
Probably the most encouraging feat
ure Of the present situation. from the
viewpoint Of the railroad employees Is
the fact that not only is every one OF
the brothcrhoods Of trainmen agreed
on the present course Of action. but
that the vote now being taken indicates
that the 100000 men involved are prac-
tically unanimous in demanding con-
ccssions by the roads or general
strike
"All factional disputes nave been for
gotten and all internal dissensions have
been laid aside. at least for the present
in order 10 present solid front for
the eight-hour day" said Mr. Stone yes
terday. THE leaders and the rank and
file never were more determined or bet
ter prepared to obtain victory IN
forcing their demands
4 hint Of the widespread plans Of the
brotherhoods Of trainmen to meet the
present situation was found yesterday
in the news that educational organi-
zations have been at work in New Eng
land and the Middle West for months
distributing the propaganda Of the
men.
One Of yesterdays DEVELOPMENTS that
sprnrised the leaders Of the tralnmen
was the statement that metal trades
workers may sioze upon this oppor-
,pnitv 10 demand an eight-hour day
and. aided by the propaganda of the
railroad men, might strike with their
allied workers. President James O'Con-
mel Of the Metal Trades Department of
.be American Federation Of Labor has
been in conference wlth leaders of the
unions throughout the country who al
resdv have announced their plan 70
Gcht for an eight-hour day IN all the
shipyards.
Troubles of the Railroads.
IN his defence Of the railroads Nr.
Kahn calls attention to the fact that
tho are compelled 10 listen 20 the de-
rands not only OF the Interstate Com
morce Commission but OF forty-three
state commissions as well, OF sta,e
legislatures and every law-maAins Dody
that is sufficiently Interested TO pass
restricting measure. a..
A. result Of this situation MI
Continued on page I. column :