Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-10-24

New York, N. Y, Oct 23.-Warren
S. Stone, grand chief engineer of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
and one of the four men chiefly re-
sponsible for driving the Adamson law
through congress under threat of
nation wide tie-up of the railroads. has
made formal admission, over the grand
sea of the brotherhood, to all its Of
ficers and members that he is mot in
position to give any definite informa-
ton" about the Adamson law "be-
cause we do not know yet just what
the law means" He made this admis-
sion in a circular reproduced herewith
addressed to 1.-The officers and members
of all divisions, and to the chairmen
and secretary-treasures of all general
committees of adjustment" The circu-
lar was dated at Cleveland. Ohio. Oct.
10, 1916. 1t was signed by Mr.. Stone
as grand chief engineer. and by assist
ant grand chiefs Cadle, Wills Burgess,
Kennedy, Corrigan, Griffing and Mont
gomery.
I'VE are receiving a number of let
ters requesting definite information re-
garding the application of the Adam
son eight hour law" says the circular,
but we are not in a position to give
any definite information on this sub
ject. because we do not know yet just
what the law means. We are, however,
from time to time furnishing the gen.
cral chairmen with such information
as is obtainable in the matter"
Hughes Opinion
The day before Mr. Stone and his
colleagues signed this circular. Charles
r. Hughes discussed the Adamson law
in a speech at Newark, N. j. "Hasty
legislation is likely to carry with it I'M
welcome surprises" he said. "If eight
hours is to be a measure or standard
of days work for the purpose of
reckoning the compensation to be paid,
how arc these men left who complete
the prescribed number of miles in less
than eight hours? Have they any as
surance, if they are to be paid under
this bill on a basis of hours, that they
will be paid on a basis of miles when
they work less than eight hours? And
how will rigid eight-hour basis of
pay affect present guarantees? There is
much food for thought in this legisla-
ton. not only on the part of those for
the part of those to whom it expressly
refers"
1t is apparent from the statement of
the circular sent out by Mr.. Stone and
his colleagues that they are beginning
to do some of the thinking about the
Adamson law which Mr. Hughes sug-
gested that they do in his Newark
speech. And they are finding that the
law is not so clear as it might be. They
are beginning to pay one Of the penal
ties for haste.
Wilson fought to Know"
But there is one man who affects
means and inasmuch as it was his sur
render to the threat of strike by the
brotherhoods that drove the bill
through Congress. he certainly ought
to know all about it and especially
what it means. He is President Will
son. Time and again since he signed
the bill with four gold pens. and gave
one to each brotherhood chief as sa-
cred souvenir. he has proclaimed In
public his satisfaction with this EIGHT
hour law" as he always describes 1t, as
an accomplishment of service to labor
ana TO humanity.
Since Mr.. Stone and his colleagues
are in such doubt as to the meaning
and application of this law. why don't
they apply to Mr.. Wilson for real in
formation? Is there anything in their
experience with him which has caused
them to begin to doubt his omniscence?
Perhaps there Is.
10 Labor the Goat?
Other speakers who are contributing
to the public discussion Of this law are
| wondering how it is that railroad men
| such as Lovett. of the Union Pacific,
and Underwood. Of the Erie. are so en-
thusiastic In their support of Presi-
dent. Wilson for reelection. els 1t be-
cause they are so displeased with the