The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1916-09-28
RAILROADS YIELD
E|GHT-HOUR DAY
Subcommittee of Executives
Makes Report.
STRING ATTACHED TO OFFER
Companies Demand President Guar.
antee Them Against Losses Also
Ask Commission to Prevent
Revival of Controversy

washington Aug 23.--The subcom-
mittee of the railway executives ap-
pointed as board of strategy to frame
"A reply to President Wilson's demand
for concessions to the men that will
prevent a general strike have made
report.
1t Is understood they have recon-
mended the granting of the eight-hour
day, but with Il string tied to 1t.
The purpose of the string, 1t is said,
IS to make possible a withdrawal OF
the concession If the president does
not give satisfactory guarantees Of
much desired new legislation.
The announcement of the prelimin-
| airy report of the committee of eight
members followed within a few hours
after cabinet meeting Mt which Pres
| ident Wilson's attitude on the contro-
versy was given unanimous approval
by his official family.
The subcommittee represents the 60
railroad presidents who answered the
| presidents call to come to Washington.
It's members are closely affiliated with
many of the greatest financial inStitu-
tons In the country. The days pro-
ceedings. which were continuous for
ten hours. were frequently interrupted
!. conferences over the long distance
telephone.
Made IN Secret Session.
The executives as body of the
j whole received the report in secret ses-
sion. The belligerent element, repre-
scented chiefly by The western railroads,
are said To have recognized the futi,ty
OF holding out against the president
much longer
1t was admitted the principal hope
now is to commit the president and
the government 10 definite assurances
providing two things
/. Legislation which will prevent
recurrence Of a similar occurrence be-
! fore all the processes of Il judicial in
vestigation have been exhausted
?. a practical guaranty that the rail-
roads will he compensated for the
money loss they claim they will sus-
tain by granting an eight-hour day.
II is understood the plan Is to ask
the president To urge congress to ere
ute two eommisslonS-one To inyesti-
gate future wage differences; .he
other To make a special study of the
present dispute and determine the
amount Of the increased expense the
new arrangement will cause.
Higher Rates Expected.
On the report of n commission such
rs the last named, relief would be ex-
pectcd from the Interstate commerce
commission In permanently increased
freiEhts.
The new report also suggests ms an
alternative TINT the president agree to
rclease from an eight-hour agreement,
# such is reached the railroads on
which il can be shown that the short
day arrangement is inpructcAble
II the suggestions contained in the
tentative plan are approved by the tx
ecutives delegates Will be appointed
Ia confer with the president and re-
port back in order that the compro-
mise proposal may he formally made
Public BGcks Wilson.
This is the :airoads' side of the
controversy Persons close to the
White House Indicate that the presI.
dent is not In frame of mind to
make concessions. The approval
given his proposals hy the cabinet are
said 10 have strengthened his deter
mnation 10 remain firm for the eight
hour day plan without entangling
qualifications The president has re-
ceIved assurances from many quar-
ters that the public which he re-
ferred to as the great American jury.
Is ON his side of the argument.
Protest Against Plan
The raIlroaG executives have also
endenyorcd to arouse sympathy from
/ the public. Oue result WIS tood
Of kilograms from agricultural and
commercial organizations sr0m an
1 parts of the country bur chiefly from
the West The minority . these mes
Sages protested against the eight.hour
day Ms proposed by the hrotherhnods
ana urged by President Wilson.
The subcommittee witch has under.
taken ~ unravel The tnnglc nv which
/ n disastrous strike cun he ayerted
originally consisted only Of Hate Hol.
ton ot the burlington. chairman.
/ ta'rfaN Harrison OF The Southern r.
). LaNttt of the Union Pacife. A. Il.
So'h of the New Work. Central and /
/ pamv Willard Of the Baltimore 4
oho After the arrival OF more OK.