The Washington herald., 1916-08-22
ROADS WEAKENING IN
FIGHT on 8-HOUR PLAN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.
to agree. The country cannot live II
the means Of keeping alive its vitality
are interferred with.
II will not allow passion to come into
my thoughts in this solemn matter. We
are both acting as trustees of great in
terests. I am willing to allow the matter
to go to the great American jury and let
them assess the responsibility. The re-
sponsioiltty of failure will not rest with
me.
The lives and fortunes of 10000, 900
men, women and cnildren-many of
whom may die-depend on what may be
done in this room. I appeal to you
as one American citizen to another to
avert this disaster"
An additional summary of tho Presi-
dents statement as given out at the
White House follows:
This talk was more intimate and had
reference more to the disastrous effect
OF a strike when every ounce of American
energy. and initiative would have to be
modified to meet the extraordinary
situation that will Immediately emerge
out OF the European war.
THE President said the war had
taught this country that 1t could no
lsOldbcu anu
He said by reason of its position in
the affairs of the world we must be
ready to play our role as one of the
dominant influences in the world af-
fairs.
He also said that the accommoda-
tion and adjustment of these Interests
in harmony was a necessary part OF
national defense-for our great nation
al resources could not be made avail
able or modified in this emergency
unless the railroads are made service
any plan of national defense"
DO Not Fear Strike.
Persons qualified to speak for the
executives are more confident there
will be no strike. The impression pre-
vailed tonight that ultimately the ex-
ecutives and managers will give in to
President Wilson, securing at the same
time any concessions they may from
the White House. The atmosphere is
changed.
The railroad executives Will meet at II
o'clock this morning and remain in ses-
sion continuously, except for meals and
sleep, until they have prepared their re-
ply to President Wilson
1t was indicated last night that while
counter proposal to President Wilson
might not be made, 1t is desired to in
duce the President to modify his plan
for settling the controversy.
One of the leading railroad presidents
said late last night: What we shall
propose probably will require legislative
notice. We desire protection from posi-
BILE demands in the future and against
arbitrary settlement such as President
Wilson proposes"
The railroad executives. It was inGi-
Gated, will have made up their minds
upon the course they will pursue by
this afternoon. There was said to be
considerable differences OF opinion
among the railroad heads, some urging
that it would be useless to enter upon
a contest with the President. as It was
in his power to prejudice their cause
with the people and possibly to COM
pei them in the end to yield.
Less than fly railroad executives out
Of the hundred who it was thought
would be called to Washington by Pres
ident Wilson attended the White House
conference yesterday. The conference
began promptly at ESQ o'clock and
lasted thirty minutes.
"a He'll of Game"
The dean Of the railroad presidents,
E. P. Ripley, of the Sante Fe. II years
of age, exclaimed, as he was asked for
a statement: "Aint this hell Of a
game"
Louis w. Hill. Of the Great Northern.
who recently declared he would not yield
to President Wilson's demand that the
roads concede the eIght-hour day, declined
to talk. but he said he had not changed
his views since he left the West.
It was evident that the Western rail-
road heads were more defiant than those
already here. They are in favor Of op-
posing President Wilson's program.
There is a growing impression that rail-
road executives will consider that they
have made the most of the situation If
they can obtain some definite guarantee
that they will be indemniied against loss
If they accept the Presidents proposal.
Seek Legislation.
In addition, the railroads desire Presi-
dent Wilson to promise them that in the
interest of the principle Of arbitration.
he will use his influence to induce Con-
gress to pass legislation making another
crisis like the present impossible.
Two plans are under consideration.
The first embraces only compulsory arbi-
tration but provides for secret strike bal
lots The latter plan is much in favor,
It was said, and would be based upon
the MacKenzie-King legislation in Can
ada.