The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1916-08-24
ROADS TO YIELD
ON 8-HOUR DAY
String, However, Is, Attached to
Their Proposal.
ASK GUARANTEE AGAINST LOSS

Of Assurances for Higher Freight
Rates BE Granted-AIso Ask for Ma
tionaI Commission to Prevent Re-
vivai of Present Situation.
Washington, Aug. 23.-The subcom-
mittee of the railway executives ap-
pointed as board Of strategy to
frame reply to President Wilson's
demand for concessions to the men
that will prevent a general strike
have made report.
1t Is understood they have recon-
mended the granting Of the eight-hour
day, but with string tied to 1t.
The purpose Of the string, It is
said, is to make possible withdrawal
of the concession if the president does
not give satisfactory guarantees CT
much desired new legislation
The announcement of the ppelimi-
nary report of the committee of eight
members followed within few hours
President Wilson'S attitude on the
controversy was given unanimous ap-
prevail by his official family.
The subcommittee represents the
sixty railroad presidents who answer
ed the presidents call to come to
Washington It's members are closely
affiliated with many Of the greatest
financial institutions in the country.
The days proceedings, which were
continuous for ten hours, were fire.
cuently interrupted by conferences
over the long-distance telephone.
Report Made In Secret Session.
The executives as body Of the
whole received the report in secret
session. The belligerent element, rep
resented chiefly by the western rail
roads, are. said to have recognized the
futility of holding out against the
president much longer.
It was admitted the principal hope
now is to commit the president and
the government to definite assurances
providing two things:
First.--Legislatio which will pre-
vent recurrence of similar occur
ence before all the processes Of a ju-
dicial investigation have been ex-
hausted.
Second.-A practical guaranty that
the railroads will be compensated for
the money loss they claim they will
sustain by granting an eight-hour day.
1t Is understood the plan is to ask
H. %n 80
create two commissions-one to
investigate future wage differences;
the other to make a special study OF
the present dispute and determine the
amount of the increased expense the
new arrangement will cause.
Higher Freight Rates Expected.
On the report OF commission such
as the last named, relief would be ex-
pected from the interstate commerce
commission in permanently increased
freights.
The new report also suggests as an
alternative that the president agree to
release from eight-hour agreement, If
such is reached, the railroads on
which it can be shown that the short
day arrangement is impracticable.
If the suggestions contained in the
tentative plan are approved by the
executives, delegates will be appoint
ed to confer with the president today
and report back in order that the com,
promise proposal may be formally
made.
Wilson Not concIiatory.
This is the railroads side of the
controversy. Persons close to the
White House indicate that the presi-
dent is not in a frame of mind to
make concessions. The approval given
his proposals by the cabinet are said
to have strengthened his determine
ton to remain firm for the eight-hour
day plan without entangling qualifica-
tons The president has received as
surances from many quarters that the
public, which Monday he referred to
as the great American Jury, is on his
side OF the argument.
Rail Heads Appeal to Public.
The railroad executives have also
endeavored to arouse sympathy from
the public One result was flood OF
kilograms from agricultural and com
mercial organizations from all parts
Of the country, but chiefly from the
West. The majority OF these mes
sages protested against the eight-hour
day as proposed by the brotherhoods
and urged by President Wilson.