The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-09-02

your directors passed a most dignif1ed
and well-considered resolution. which
was sent to the President of tho United
States. declaring that the differences
between the railroads and the brother
hoods which affected the welfare OF
the whole community. should be set
tied by arbitration. Since your action
the situation has assumed the form
of a national crisis.
The issue, briefly stated. Is that the
railroad brotherhoods have demanded
an eight-hour day with ten hours pay,
and the right to work overtime as
long as they please, with time and a
half for such overtime. 1t Is not as
many suppose a shorter work day for
the prom otion of health of body and
mind but simply a means of increas-
ing their daily wage by at least rs
per cent over the present rate.
The railroads opposed the demand.
but were willing to submit 1t and all
other matter In dispute to the arbitra-
ton of a special commission, to be ap-
pointed by the President OF the
United States, or the Interstate Com
merce Commission. The brotherhoods
positively refused arbitration in any
form and, pending efforts to find some
solution of the trouble. issued cali for
strike, effective O'Clock A. NJ,
Monday, September a. at the same
time sending out minute instructions
as to how the strike should be con-
Quoted.
The public whom this company
serves the industrial llfe OF the COM
munity in which you reside, the busi-
ness interests with which you are
identified. are. wholly or in part, d.
rectly or indirectly. threatened with
transportation paralysis.
n this cf
able number Of employees engaged in
the occupations covered in part by the
brotherhoods, have expressed them
selves as being DESTROYS of remaining
at work in their several vocations. IF
all employees were given clearly to
understand that such action upon
their part would meet with the ap-
probation and support OF the public.
and Of the community in which they
would unqueetionably remain at work.
Your moral influence at this time
will be Of incalculable benefit and as
sistance, and, as a believer in fair
| play and square deaf, you may rem
der distinct and vital service to
these sorely beset men. by counselling
with them as friends and neighhors.
to remain on duty and exert their in
! fluence toward having the matters In
controversy arhifrated.
! This company stands squarely upon
such a platform. It cannot hope for
| the support OF the public II n has not
! Justice and fair dealing on its side.
1t does not ask for that which 1t is
not also willing to concede.
Taking cognizance of this situation
in which. as the third party in inter
est. you have now become involved
are you willing. in the line Of public
interest. to take counsel with such OF
your citizens whose influence in
moulding public sentiment is recog.
nized, and endeavor to secure, official
ly or as individuals, an expression OF
opinion which may serve to help the
situation7
If you disagree with, and dIsapprove
Of. the action OF the railroad manage
ments oin steadfastly insisting on ar
bitration AS the only proper means OF
settling this and similar disputes, we
should know 1t. n you feel that your
influence and support should be giver
to that body OF loyal employees who
wish to remain at work and fulfil
their duty and obligation to the pub.
lie. they will surely appreciate such
an expression, which shall be pleased
to convey to them.
Yours truly,
VIM. H. WHITE.
President