Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-08-16

fin. the lobby of their hotel. maintaining
cuss until some complete statement
the railroads attitude is forthcoming
10Th SIDES RETICENT
REGARDING DISCUSSIONS
Both sides continued reticent regard
Ing the discussions. The railroad man
ayers decline absolutely to talk Of the
negotiations. and about all the en-
ployees' officials will say is that there
still is hope.
The lamp OF hope viii continue 20
burn until some one kicks 1t over" =
r.. Garretson, spokesman for the en-
ployecs. said. smilingly, as he left the
White House. Nothing has been done
and nothing undonc. We will sec the
President again whenever he desires to
sec lis.
II; is now up TO the railroads. The
situation has reached that point where
il is hanging in a balance. and IL the
railroads will do their part there is no
reason why We should no; be brought
together. The situation may best be
summed up by saying let us continue
praying
MIR Garretson declined 10 discuss the
probable method OF effectins an adj
iustn1ent.
Much Of the discussion At the con-
ferences to-day revolved about the
principle OF the eight Hour day. The
managers asserted that putting the
eiCht-hour day into effect would cost
them 100000 600 n year. but tho rep
rescntatiyes Of the employees reduced
this estimate TO $50. 1000. 900 "a year. The
employees suE gested that the eight
hour day already is in effect on some
roads and that officials on these roads
have stated they would not change
back to the tcn-hOur day.
Tho President sought to find the
basis for the opposition Of the rail-
roads 10 tho eight hour day. asking
whether the managers did not believe
II Inevitable at some time The man
ayers we're firm, however, in their op-
position TO its adoption unless other
collateral issues were taken up.
WILL Do HEST TO DISCOVER
BASIS or SETTLEMENT
Repre- scntatives OF both sides were
told hN The President that he would
continue to do his best TO discover A
basis OF settlement, and that it was
their duty TO the public to cooperate.
Without minimizing the difficulties In
tho way of 4 solution. he sought to
impress on them that a break could
be avoided only by mutual concessions.
When men close to the managers
suggested that way out might be
found by the railroads accepting the
principle of the eighth hour day, and
then having All investigation by an
impartial body of collateral questions,
representatives OF the employees said
they had heard OF the plan before. but
that they would not commit themselves
on ii unless 1t was put in definite
form.
In spite of the long series OF con-
ferences yesterday. discussion began
at o'clock this morning and lasted
almost continuously until o'clock
this afternoon. The managers saw the |
President first and at o'clock they
were followed by the employees
Both tho managers and the employees !
were tagged out by the long confer
cnccs. but said they would remain at
the Presidents call as long as there
was any possibility of a settlement
w. s. Carter, of the brotherhood of
Railroad Firemen and EnEinemen. and
one OF the subcommittee that has been
comforting with President Wilson. left
Tor New York late tonight 10 lay the |
situation before the committee OF $40
1t was said that despite the request
that the full committee come TO Wash
ington some leaders believed Carriers
conferences in New York Tomorrow
night make il unnecessary for the
other committeeman TO be called into
the conference here.