New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-04
WILSON ACTS TO
HALT R. STRIKE
US. Cancellation Board to
Try to Settle the Diff
ferenCeS.
From Tho Tribune Bureau. J

Washington, Aug. 3.-President Will
son let it be known to-day that he
would not personally intervene to
avert the threatened strike Of 100000
railway men, which would tie up nearly
225 roads and bring practically the en-
tire industry Of the country to a stand
still. Instead, the matter will be left
in the hands of the United States
Board Of Mediation and Cancellation,
which, under direction OF the Presi-
dent, will attempt at once to settle the
differences between the railways and
their men.
After a conference with William l..
Chambers, Commissioner of the Con-
ciliation Board, the President an
nounced the appointment of G W. W.
Hanger, Assistant Commissioner, as
the third member OF the body. Judge
Martin A. Knapp is it's chairman. Both
the railways and the unions will be
asked to submit their differences to
the board.
The Presidents action followed an
appeal by Henry A. Wheeler, Of Chi
cago, in behalf Of the Chamber Of Com
merce OF the United States, urging
federal Intervention before the break
was reached and warning the Presi-
dent that unless such action was taken
the prospects for an smicable settle
ment were remote and general rail-
way tie-up inevitable.
Facts Laid Before Wilson.
Mr.. Wheeler's appeal was turned over
TO the Department of Labor, and the
facts in the situation were laid before
President Wilson. officials, however,
it is understood, do not believe the
crisis is as serious as it has been rep
resented before the public. They point
out that the members of the organizs-
tions of enginemen, fremen, conduc-
tors and trainmen have not voted 10
strike. but merely to approve the de-
mands already made by their leaders
to the railways. They admit, however,
that il is IN the power of the union
officials 10 call general strike if they
choose.
BY bringing INTO operation the Fed
eral Cancellation Board, it was ex-
planned to-day, it is hoped to prevent
the present deadlock from drifting into
an open break.
After the result OF the present vote
is announced on Tuesday, instead of
the men proceeding with walk-out, if
it is called, the plan is to have them
submit their differences to the media
ton board These are to be consid-
cred at a big public hearing in Wash
ington urged by the Chamber of Com
n,erce Of the United States. az which
will be represented not only the men
and the railroads, hut shippers and the
public as we'll. The hearing would be
similar to those Of the Interstate Com
mercc Commission, and it is hoped the
{,
while without legal standing, would be
accepted by both sides.
Prompt Action Necessary.
Unless this hearing is under way by
August 3 II is feared that the prospects
for an agreement between the opposing
sides will be slight As was pointed
out to-day. the last conference between
the heads Of the four labor organiza-
lions and the railway managers is
scheduled for that date in New York.
Backed by fresh authority from the
strike vote. the union officials are not
expected 10 recede from their position.
auG the railways have announced that
they will not. Thus. unless An outside
agency is brought in, there is little
81 .ance for an agreement.
More than forty industrial disputes
between employers ana workers have
been handled by the Cancellation board
since il was constituted under the New
lanGs act three years ago. In only ten
cases have its mediators failed TO eff
feet an agreement. Thus, though the
present situation is by far the most
difficult that the board has ever had 70
deal with, officials are hopeful.
The appointment of Mr. Hanger as
one Of the medators is felt 20 be par
ticularly fortunate. As assistant COM
missioner ne has handled many dis
putes that have been referred 70 the
Labor Department during the last two
years, and he is declared TO enjoy 10 a
veiy high degree the confidence of both
employers and labor men. His latest
achievement was the settlement OF the
threatened telegrsphers' strike on the
Nes York Central system.