Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-08-30
REFUSE TO SURRENDER
WITHOUT FULL HEARING
Telling Why Wilson's Suggcs-
lions Are Rejected.
LEAD FOR ARBITRATION
DO Not Assent to Assertion That
"Eight-Eiour Day Has Sanction of
Judgment OF Society i'm Its Favor"
Act as Trustees for Public.

Act as Trustees for Public.
WASHINGTON, n. c.. August 90
This statement to the public was
issued by the committee OF railway
presidents to-day following their con-
ference with President Wilson on the
strike situations:
we are unable after the most
earnest consideration To agree with the
proposal of tho President of the United
States. which is that we accept with
out arbitration the substitution OF an
eight hour day for the present tcn-hour
day in all of tho existing practices and
agreements This is the main point
in controversy. and We cannot sur
render it without an opportunity to he
heard in tho form OF fair arbitration.
I'VE do not assent to the statement
that the ciEht-haur day now un-
doubtcdly has the sanction OF the judg-
ment Of society i'm its favor Wo be-
licvc that society has not yet recorded
its Judgment upon the subject
LENGTH OF IA.Y CONTROLi.T:D
HY VARIABLE CONDITIONS
we are not in this controversy how
ever. dealing with the conditions re-
lating TO the cight-hour day in the in
w
the cieht-hour day in business and
manufacturing interests and in the
rnilrond train service day has been
fully explained. The railroad day is
n basis for computing pay and over
time. the length OF daily service being
controlled by variable conditions.
The demands involved in this con-
trovcrsy have not been presented, in
our Judgment. for the purpose of fixing
definite daily period OF labor nor 4
reduction in the existing hours OF labor
or change in methods OF operation. but
for the real purpose Of accomplishing
an increase in wages of approx ina tcly
SlOO00O,o00 per annum, or 30 per cent.
for the men in railroad freight train
and yard service represented by tho
labor organizations in this matter.
After careful examination Of the
facts and patient and continuous con-
sultation with the conference commit
tee OF managers and among ourselves.
we have reached a clear understanding
of the magnitude of the questions and
oc the serious consequences TO the rail-
roads aud To the public involved In n
decision of them
CANNOT SURRENDER
WITHOUT HEARING
as trustees lpr the puolc served
by our lines and for the great mass OF
the less powerful employees mot less
than so per cent of the whole number)
interested in the railroad wage fund
as trustees also for the millions of
people that have invested their savings
and capital in the bonds and stocks Of
these properties. and who through the
savings banks. trust companies und in
e fgr-
estcd to the extent Of millions OF
dollars. in the integrity and solvency
OF The railroads OF the country we
cannot IN conscience surrender without
II nearing, the principle involved nor
uhdertake to transfer the enormous
cost that VIII result To the transporta-
ton of the commerce OF the country.
The eight hour day without punitiv,
overtime involves an annual increase
approNtmatin in the aggregate $50
uc'ooo ana an Increase of more than o0
per cent in the pay of the men, already
'hc mostly highly paid In the trans
northtion service. The ultimate cost IN
'hr railroads of an admission i'm this
matter OF the principle under contcn-
non cannot now be estimated Tho
erect upon the industry and transpor-
tatlon Of The country. now already
under sever" test under the tide of
business now moving. anS at a time
when more instead of less effort il
edulrcd for the public welfare. would
he harmful beyond calculation.
EFrtCT UPON INDUSTRIES
BE:YOND AppI,AISEMENr
The widespread effect upou the in
"uStricS Of the country as a whole il
hcNond measure or appraiScmcut at
this time. AMI We agree with the in
sIstent and widespread public concern
over the gravity OF the situation and
the consequences OF a surrender bv the
railroads in this cmcrgcncy
In like manner We are deeply i'm
pressed with the sense OF our rcsponsi-
bilitN 10 rnaintaiu aud keen omen the
arteries OF transportation which carry
the life blood of the commerce of the
country aud OF the conscqucnrcs that
VIII follow from even temporary in
corruption of service over the railroads.
but the issues presented have been
raised above and beyond the social and
monetary questions involved. and the
responsibility for the consequences that
may arise viii rest upon those that
provoke IL.
The questions involved arc. In .our
respectful Judgment. emincutIy suitable
Continued on Third Page.)