Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-04-24
COMMERCIAL CLUBS DISCUSS
THREATENED STRIKE


Adopts RESOLUTION Protesting,
GRAND ISLAND. Neb. April a-Pro-
testing against any strike Of railroad
euginemen and trainmen. the CONNER
cIal club OF this city held a special meet
ing for the purpose Of demanding that
the differences between the railroads and
the railroad unions be submitteE 70 arbi-
tration. The resolutions we're introduced
BY Mr.. Fred q. Ashton and we're nnani-
mously adopted.
The resolutions call attention 70 the fact
that a strike involving $4,000 strikers and
tying up every railroad In the country
would result IN a loss OF hundreds "
millions OF dollars TO the public Con-
siderable discussion on the subject pre-
coded the adoption of the resolutions. A
large representation Of the business men
I of the city WIS present, in addition 70
all but two Of the members Of the execu-
/ tive committee Of the Commercial club.
/ The resolutions as adopted were as fol-
lows;
Whereas. the Commercial club Of
Grand Island Is convinced that the ar
ferences now impending between the
railroads Of this country and certain OF
their employees II not speedily adjusted,
VIII result seriously and may bring about
an interruption OF railroad transporta~
ton, and
whereas. railroad strike. even Of
4 temporary duration, would be calamity
! far-rcaching in It's effect and bring q loss
10 the public far more serious than the
! loss 10 the railroad companies and their
employees and
Whereas, arbitrary action on either
side. without the question in dispute be-
ing submitted 10 careful and unbiased
! investigation would bring grave con-
dition. threatening the welfare Of the
public; be II therefore,
Resolved. That II Is tho sense Of the
Commercial club Of Grand Island, n the
parties 10 tho controversy do not reach
Ili carly agreement through direct ne
Rouations, that both parties 70 the con-
troyorsy should submit their differences
10 an impartial board Of arbitration for
the adjustment Of al causes Of differ
oneo between them, with due regard 10
the interests or the public"
Special interest Is attached TO the
threatened strike for the reason that the
railroad unions have given the railroads
until April % IN which to answer the de-
Y mands of the men.
/ sI00,OOO. 900 fncrcnse.
/ FREMONT, Eeb.. April 4-The threat
ened strlke Of 10000 englnemen and train.
men was one Of the chief topics of dis
/ cusslon AZ the banquet rendered by the
Ad club section Of the Commercial club
to some 200 OF the leading professional
and business men Of Fremont During
the discussion II was brought out that
\ the demands of the men will require
500. Oo0, 900 n year 10 pay the increased
wages. The speakers who discussed the
proposition also brought out the fact that
the railroads are IN no position to pay
this tremendous amount Of money, and
for that reason II any such Increase Is
granted II Will mean that freight rates
and passenger rates Will have 10 be In
creased IN order 10 make up the deficit.
II was also brought out that the men
who are threatening 10 strike are now
being paid an average Of Sl2@ a year.
while at The same time the great mar
jority Of railroad employees those out
side the labor organizations, are receiving
an average OF only 1854 per year.
/ Wages Absorb Forty-Five Per Cent
Of HniIrond Income.
Il NORTH PLATTE. Neb.. April 4.-At
specially called meeting Of the executive
committee Of the Commercial club the
members discussed the impending strike
Of 10000 enginemen and trainmen, which
i Is threatened for April %. The railroad
brotherhoods have given the railroads
until this date to reply TO their demands
for an increase In wages Of IS per cent
The Increase, " granted. It was pointed
1ut By The speakers at the meeting, would