New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-20
New Alliance Pledges
100000 to Back
BrOtherhOOdS
UNION LEADERS
TO VISIT WILSON
Resist Inquiry Before
Strike-Labor Prepares
for General Clash
trrom stan Correspondent Of The Trtbunc.l

tTrom q stan Correspondent OF The Tribunel
Washington, Nov. ia farreaching
alliance was made to-day By the rail-
road department of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor and the four train
service brotherhoods whose strike
threat last August caused the passage
of the Adsmson law.
This affiliaton joins IN common
cause approximately 100000 railroad
workers. a little less than half Of all
those employed in the railroad indus
try throughout the country. The
brotherhood membership is slightly be-
low 100000. The twelve organizations
included in the railroad department of
the American Federation of Labor have
more than 900 members.
It is the first time in the history OF
the brotherhoods and the federation
that the train service organizations
have countenanced such union OF
forces. Although no definite statement
is obtainable, no doubt is entertained
in Washington that the object of the
alliance is twofold-to strengthen the
brotherhoods' demand for an eight-hour
basic day and to aid in movement of
the other organized railway workers
for the same concessions.
Reason for Afflliation
One of the brotherhood officials told
The Tribune correspondent tonight
and although the cooperation OF the
two groups had beer discussed for some
little time, it had been precipitated not
only by recent Developments in the
railroad labor controversy. but also by
the preparations of employers in gen
eral to combat so-called aegressions on
the part of organized labor.
The formation or :ne brotherhood
federation alliance, however, was not
the only salient happening to-day in
the railroad-labor situation. Things
began TO happen Immediately after the
arrival of the four brotherhood presi-
dents, William G. Lee, of the train
men; Warren S. Stone, of the engi-
neers; w. S. Carter, of the fremen,
and l.. +. Sheppard, acting for A. B.
Garretson, Of the conductors. These
developments were:
The four brotherhood presidents
held an extended meeting at the old
National Hotel tonight with their four
legislative representatives to discuss
their campaign in the coming session
of Congress against what they con-
slider obnoxious proposals. The prin-
cipal one is the Presidents plan for
compulsory investigation before rail-
road strikes or lockouts.
Chiefs to Call on Wilson
Announcement was made that the
four chiefs would address the conven-
tion of the American Federation of
Labor at Baltimore on Tuesday. This
also is the first occasion of the kind
in the history of these two American
labor organizations.
1t appeared more probable than ever
that the brotherhood leaders would call
upon President Wilson at the White
House within the next few days, osten-
sibly to pay their respects since his re-
election, but also to discuss with him
the Adamson law. 1t was said at the
White House tonight that no appoint
ment had yet been made.
Lee, Stone, Carter and Sheppard
slipped into town and went TO work so
quietly that 1t was hours before any
body but hotel clerk and some fed
Grafton officials knew o. their arrival.
They sent their baggage to the hotel
by messenger and telephoned the clerk
to register their names. Then they went
directly to the American Federation of
Labor Building for a conference. out
of which the cooperation plans devel-
oped. Everything had been settled when
they appeared at the National Hotel
this evening.
The only American Federation Of
ficials present at the conference we're
the heads of the twelve organizations
included in the railroad department and
the chief Of that department, which is
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