Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-09-01

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The senate interstate commerce com
mlttee ysp2rted q similar bill, which,
however, contains an important pro-
vision empowering the interstate COM
merce commission to fix schedules OF
wages on interstate railways. 1t pro-
vides that the eight-hour day shall be-
come effective Jan. l. 1917. that the
present pay for the 1O-hour day shall
apply to the shorter day; that over
time shall be paid pro rata; but adds
that within not less than six and not
more than IL months after its passage
the interstate commerce commission
shall assume jurisdiction of the ques-
tion of hours and wages and that they
shall be subject to petition for change
from either the employers, the en-
ployes, and the public.
The possibility for a hitch seemed
70 be in this added provision which is
being studied by the brotherhood lead
ers.
The committee eliminated the pro-
posal that on the report of the eight
hour day commission the interstate
commerce commission shall consider
an increase of freight rates 10 meet
such additional expenditures b. the
railroads affected as may have been
rendered necessary by the adoption Of
the eight-hour day."
Neither of the two pending bills con-
tains the Canadian commission plan,
which the labor leaders opposed, and
neither contains the government oper-
alton provision. President Wilson Is
willing to let those features wait un-
til after enough Legislation to avert the
strike has been enacted.
President Wilson told cabinet MEM
bers at today's meeting there was eY-
cry prospect that legislation would be
passed by both houses of congress be-
fore tomorrow night
There were Indications this after
noon that the labor leaders would fight
the proposal to empower the interstate
commerce commission to govern wages
as the senate bill proposes, but would
probably accept IL IL they saw con-
'gress was determined 10 include II in
the bill
At O'Clock Senator Newlands intro
duced the revised senate bill and II
was formally referred TO the interstate
commerce committee. Senator New
lands said that the committee would
report finally within a short time and
that he would seek 10 hold the senate
in session until the whole subject was
disposed or, even III II should extend
the session far into the night.
Senator Newlands called special at
tention to a provision of the bill add
ed after the original draft had been
submitted. which would declare any
person who wilfully delays. obstructs
or binders operation OF trains guilty
OF a misdemeanor. TO be punished by
fine not exceeding $4,000 and impri
sonment not exceeding one year or
both.
Senator Newlands made n favorable
report from the committee at 2:30
o'clock and unanimous consent was
granted by the senate for immediate
consideration. Senator Newlands
opened the discussion.
Senator Reed declared IL the provis-
ion TO give authority 10 the interstate
commerce commission 20 fix wages and
hours OF services were not abandoned
the bill could not be passed IN time
10 avert the strike. To pass the pro-
vision. he said. would. instead OF stop
ping the strike, absolutely force II.
Bills Same In Both Houses.
Measures which will result I'm re-
scinding OF orders for railroad
strike next Monday may be passed by
the house and senate under special
rule today and within "a hours may