The Washington times., 1916-08-18
R. R. PRESIDENTS
GO TO WHITE HOUSE
Maqnates See Wilson, Who Is
Expected to Make Final Plea
to Avert Strike.
Continued from First Page,

(Continued from First Page)
to the brotherhood mon yesterday,
simply means that Mr.. Wilson has put
up to the railroads the aiternative OF
den Of $4,000. 900 in operating ex-
penses, or OF assuming the RESPONSE
bility for strike.
See Blow at Arbitration.
BY refusing to espouse the plea OF the
railroads that all the issues involved be
by arbitration. the railroads
assert, the President has given TO the
principle Of arbitration q blow from
which II cannot recover. The fact that
he proposes that al collateral issues
be subjected to investigation and uiti-
mate report by a commission to be
created by Congress the roads regard
as practically worthless.
They anticipate that once the ra,l-
basic day at the rate OF wages now
paid for ten hours work. nothing that
the commission might ever report as TO
the improperly Of the shorter day ever
would make the employees consent to
give up the eight hour basis.
, On the other hand members OF the
brotherhoods contend that by giving UP
the demand for time and half over
time pay, and leaving that to be In
vestigated by the proposed commission.
the employees would be making an i'm
portant concession.
"Just Going to Talk"
The session of the railroad presi.
dents with the managers broke uT
at 1245 and the executives went te
luncheon and then awaited the starr
for the White House. Frank Trumbull
chairman of the executives confer.
While the heads Of the roads ar,
win hold their regular daily meet
ing. beginning at Q o'clock.
explained, "but there is plenty t
One Of the railway presidents sait
there was no change In the situation
brought about by the meeting thiI
morning. II was largely taken VI
with q review OF the NEGOTIATIONS u
far for the benef,t Of the western ex
The conferees also discussed tn,
points their spokesman would max
before the President.
Going Home Tomorrow.
presidents will remain In Washing
WI dIt6T lutH WAS III
opinion OF several officials today
1t was pointed out must be formal!
announced by the managers. wit
make up the national conference o
the railways, which was empowered
to deal with the shrsatsnsS n ,trins
will be settled late this afternoon
| when the executives and MANAGERS z,
In conference upon their return fron
the White House, This conference
One official. said 1t was most un
likely" that the conduct OF the rail-
ways end OF the dispute would b
taken from the MANAGERS.
| course. by the men who gave 1t. bu
the moral effect OF such a proceedin!
| upon the men. who deal directly Wit
| the managers. OF course. makes
most unlikely that this would b
DONE" he said.
Wilson Up Early.
| President Wilson was up at an earl
hour and In his study preparing the az
peal he will make to the railroad pres
dents in conjunction with the propos
ton he will offer for settlement.
lie called of the regular CABIN.
meeting to give his full attention
this.
| presidents and managers are stoppin
there was an atmosphere OF seriousnes
| throughout the morning. Elisha lie,
spoke.man for the & managers. ,,o%,d went a.
nothing about the situation.
~ have not had breakfast yet. Pleas
| don't talk to me until l have" IL n
full text Of an interview with him.
Talk Of compulsory arbitration as
last means OF heading on a strike wa
l "a t, GnnUrpaQ
President fails to bring about a .,, Sc,
tlement. some Administering
men included-belieSe Congress shoul
measure that could be made ettectiy
before the brotherhoods had time
strike. The latter usually give a wee
ten aays .rSiEston nS,se ana could N
vided bv law. II the President rattle
The Gathering of railway presiden
ea 'e Never me for sns parpose Sa p of M
0yWp fsd the fs pfny Ss Il ss 81
employees was preparing to .yo
on the Presidents plan. the railw,
presidents were ct the Willard Hot
comforting with their managers to x
the latest word on the negotiations b
fore going to the White House.
Seeks Prompt Answer.
The President is expected to urge
prompt decision on his propositi'
! In order. as he told the men ye
terday, that the people OF the cou
try for whom he Is speaking In I
present difficulty. may know the Z,
details and results of the conferenc
which have been going on behil
closed doors since Monday.
The people, the President told {
men yesterday, are impatient for
decision.
Should the employees accept {
proposition and the railroad presider
: decline. there still Is one more appe
, possible. 1t Is strongly indicated {
President will, as a last resort, dema
r OF big financial interests controllil
some OF the great railroad system
: that his proposal be accepted in I
a interests OF industrial peace, pro
perity. and safety to the nation.
I I'D ID ID CAMCEI G All