Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-31
PRESIDENT CONFERS
ON RAILROAD BILLS
Goes to Capitol and Discusses
Legislative Measures With
Senator NeWIands.
SEEKS TO SPEED PROGRAM

President Wilson went to the Capitol
late yesterday afternoon and conferred
with Senator Newlands. chairman Of
mittee. on the proposed railroad legIs-
lative program. While Senator New
lands declined to discuss what trans-
pired at the conference. II is understood
that the President is seeking to ex-
pedite the passage of the proposed laws,
particularly in view OF the failure Of
the railroads and the brotherhoods to
agree on an application OF the Adamson
eight-hour law.
1t is understood that the President IL
anxious that the Legislation be reported
out of the Senate interstate commerce
committee as quickly as possible and
that the Senate act upon II forthwith.
President Wilson has not kept in touch
with details of the negotiations between
the brotherhood representatives and the
railroads. but is understood to fear that
the failure to reach an agreement may
lead to a reopening of the entire contro-
verSy. He feels that there has been
enough public discussion of the points at
issue 10 allow Congress to act promptly.
Presidents Visit Unexpected.
The Presidents visit to the Capitol was
step of the chief executive to hurry UP
congressional action Rumors have been
growing stronger and Stronger the last
few days that little or no railroad legts-
lation could be expected at the present
session of Congress, and that the oppo-
sition was strong to the Presidents pro-
posal for law making it unlawful to call
a strike or a lockout pending a thorough
investigation by the government OF the
matters at issue.
1t has been said that unless the Pres
ident exerts all his influence with Con-
gress. which has been shown to be very
great in the past. this bill has prac-
tically no show of passing The other
measures which the President desires
enacted provide for an enlargement Of
the interstate commerce commission
and for authority for the President to
take over and operate railroads and
telegraph and telephone lines in case
of military necessity.
There was no indication" Senator
Newlands said last night, that the
President had in any way modified or
altered his suggestions for legislation"
To Hold Hearing Tuesday.
Senator Nswlands said that he would
urge action on the propossa leEisiAtionl
as soon rs possible. A hearing en- on
sinysstiGatfcn bill Is to be given by his
committee Tuesday. when represeata-
tives of the railroads, the brotherhoods
and the public have been invited to ap-
pear as wffnesses There Ii strong on
position to the tnvesttEatJon bin IN ~
commfttee. *
After his visit to Senator Newla ud..'
the President sought to locate Repre-
sentative Adamson, who has charge oe
the railroad legislation in the House. bat
learned that he had not returned to-
Washington from his holiday vacation.
Senator Newlands. speaking of the rail-.
road situation generally. said he did not
believe there was any immediate danger
of a strike and that the railroad employees
would await the deliberate, judgment Of
Congress regarding legislation on the SUBJ
ject.
THE attention of the country to the
importance of legislation on this matter
has been drawn as never before. and, In
my judgment. action OF Congress will be
very decisive in SO far any attempt to
tie up commerce is concerned"