Arizona republican., 1916-08-24
RAILWAY HEADS
 SCENT RUIN IN EIGHT HOUR DAY
[RepubIlcan A. ?. Leased wirel


 WASHINGTON. Aug. 29. In an- other effort to aid the presidents of the country's railroads to find some way in which to accept an eight-hou day for their trainmen and avert the threatened strike. President Wilson to- night conferred for an hour and half with Presidents Hale Holden of the Burlington, Daniel Willard of the Bal timore X Ohio. and R. $. Lovett of the Union Pacific
 Neither White House officials nor the presidents would discuss the con ference. IL was said on high author ity, however. that the three executives went to the White House To receive an answer to the suggestion they made to Mr. Wilson last night that he give them more specific information as to how the railroads may get the addi tional revenue necessary to take care of the greater payrolls that will come with the eght-hour day.
 Earlier in the day President Wilson discussed the railroad situation at length with Senator NeWlands and Representative Atkinson. chairmen of the two committees of congress in charge of legislation affecting inter- state commerce, Their visit was the consequence of that of the railroad men last night The two chairmen are said to have agreed that the presi- dents position in the present situation is right. and to have said that every effort could be expected in congress to put through any legislation which might help solve the present diff culty and provide for the future.
 one Of the means for recoupment suggested by the president to the rail- roads in his public outline of his posi- | tion was through an increase in freight rates IL was pointed out to- night that the president cannot di- reetly ask the interstate commerce commission To grant increases to the railroads Congress. however might l pass a resolution directing the com | mission. in view Of what it considers an unprecedented situation. to grant higher rates.
 Congress also might pass a resolu- ! ton directing the commission to in- vestigate all matters involved in the | controversy and the whole subject oi the relations Of railroads and their 1 employees One result expected from l todays conference is an early effort 10 pass the bill introduced several months ago 10 increase the commis sions membership from seven 10 nine | IL became evident tonight that most of the railroad executives have come to believe that there can be only one way of preventing a strike. and that IS by accepting the eight-ohur day plan. The chief effort in their own conference today was to find some scheme by which an eighthour day may be put in operation on all rail- roads at the least added expense.
 Many suggestions along this line | huA fs- ha no one of them has proved feasible when submitted to the acid test ot operating officials
 At the conclusion of their confer ence tonight with the presidents and managers. Hale Holden. president oi the Burlington. and a member of thu committee of eight. gave out the fol lofing statement
 "The railroad executives who haV' met al the request of President Vii
 son are proceeding as rapidly al practicable with their work. lt mus
 be understood, however. the problem
 with which these men are wrestlni Is the most important and gigantic ever presented to any body of men fl the industrial history of the country
 They cannot, therefore consistent iy with their duty to their security holders. their employees or the pub . lie, reach a final conclusion regard ling what action they should talk , without much discussion, study an ed in by practically 100 men sudden l ly called together from all parts 0 P the United States, require time. i If our deliberations seem to pro , ceed slowly. 1t Is due to the fact