New Britain herald., 1916-08-19
WILSON STRONG IN
 SUPPORT OF: LABOR
(Continued From First Page).

observe ana InOrOuSnlF aCQua1nt themselves with the results, with a view to reporting to congress at the earliest possible time the facts dis closed by their inquiries, but without recommendation of any kind; and that it should the be entirely open to either or both parties to present con- troversies to give notice of a termin- atiOn of the present agreements with view to instituttng inquiry into sug- gested readjustments to pay or prac- tice.
 "This seems to be a thoroughly practical and entirely fair program, and I think that the public has the right to expect it's acceptance"
 Presidents Not Moved.
 After an hours conference with President Wilson the thirty-three rail- road presidents left the White House without giving any indication that they had abandoned their stand for arbitra- ton, but with assurances that the ne- gOtiatiOns were not ended.
 The railroad executives gave no f. nal answer to the presidents propos- als but will deliberate on them today and see President Wilson again prob ably Monday.
 feSpOnSlDllIty For Stf1i<e.
 Tn his address to the officials, Pres ident Wilson said: "If a strike comes tho public will know where the re- sponsibility rests. It will not be upon me-"
 The railroad presidents indicated that they would make a statement soon.
 All said that the question was not closed and that the negotiations would be continued.
 President Holden of the Burlington, spokesman for the officials, said no time had been set for them to see President Wilson again but that it was necessary to confer with the commit tee of managers which has the author ity to accept or reject plans.
 Several of the executives indicated over President Will sons statement but showed particular interest in his mention of the possibil- ty of the interstate commerce com mission considering an increase in freight rates.
 In his talk to the executives today President Wilson told them they were 'aclng a condition, not a principle. He lsked why they should demand arbi- ration when there was no law for arbitration and he knew t to be impossible to get a arbitration law through ] congress. The employees, he recalled, l lad consistently refused arbitration | nd be believed it was impossible to 1 ain 1t in the present controversy.
 The president informed the officials | hat they were discussing an impracti- 1 al thing in the present crisis when hey mentioned arbitration, for em- ,loyes would not accept arbitration md he had no way of forcing them to accept 1t.
 Spokesman For Nation.
 President Wilson declared he was he spokesman for. 100, 900, 900 people, every one of whom had a deep inter- est in the present situation. His only object, he said, was to avoid a strike, with it's consequent disaster to the na- tion.
 AS President Wilson spoke to the officials he paced up and down before them in the blue room. Several times he emphasized points with a clenched fist. He spoke solemnly and often paused and faced them as he asked that they accept his plan.
 "I have been asked to sit as a judge" said the president in substance. 1T cannot do that. I simply can suggest a plan-a way in which I believe this question can be settled fairly to all sides"
 President Wilson urged again that the railroads accept the plan, adopt the eight hour day at least tempor- o11 ho to fully investigate the facts. He pointed out that the railroads brought forward one set of statements and the employees another and it was for him to tell which was correct.
 In conclusion President Wilson said he believed his plan was the only equitable way of settling the controv- ersv and that under 1t, both sides would be treated fairly.
 The railroad officials were equally solemn and MT. Holden told the pres ident they realized the seriousness of the situation.
 'We must face the naked truth in this crisis" said the president. we must not discuss impractical things. We must get down to a basis on which this situation can be solved"
 MT. Holden gave the president es- inmates of the cost of the eight hour day to the railroads.
 President Wilson in reply urged that they consider his plan before giving any final answer. That was agreed to by the railroad executives.
 After the conference President Will son telegraphed to a number of presi- dents of western roads inviting them to come to Washington.
 President Wilson sent the follow ing telegram to fourteen presidents of western railroads: 'Discussion of the matters involved in the threatened railway strike is still continuing. It is highly important that l should per- sOnally confer with you or some one authorized to represent you at the earliest possible moment. Hope you can arrange matters so as to be able