The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-08-22
PRESIDENT TO OFFER
PLAN OF SETTLEMENT
Wilson Frames Definite Scheme
for Averting Big Railway
Strike.

Strike.
Washington, Aug. ..-President
Wilson today completes q definite
plan for settlement Of the threatened
Aationwide strike and will submit 1t
% representatives OF the managers
and enployss tomorrow.
The proposition, framed by the
president after conferences with the
managers and employees since MONDAY
Enorning, proposes that the railways
eoncede the eight hour day. Later it
probably will be prompted that fed
eral commission appointed by the
president or created by congress in
vistigate all problems which have
arisen during the present discussion.
The chief obstacle in the way of
acceptance Of the plan lies in the in
sistence of the railroad managers on
arbitration and their opposition to an
eight hour day and in the demand OF
the employees for extra pay Of time
and half for overtime. Whether the
two sides viii give in on these points
constituted the chief danger in the
situation tonight, although admins
tration officials said the negotiation
would continue until "a peaceful solu-
ton was found.
Committee in Washington.
The general committee of the en-
ployes, including $40 representatives
of the trainmen and enginemen on the
225 railroad systems of the country,
arrived here tonight.
The general committee has plenary
powers to accept or reject any sug-
gestions. The men said they thoueht
the outlook encouraging for "a settle
ment.
At 8 o'clock tomorrow afternoon
the president will meet the entire
general committee in the West room
of the White House and lay before
them his plans. He will accompany it
with statement appealing to their
patriotism and urging compromise
in the interests of the nation.
While no time has been set for a
conference between the managers
committee and the president, it is
Thought probable it will take place
tomorrow morning. When Mr.. Wilson
sees the managers he will make prae-
tically the same statement he will de-
liver to the employees, paying particn-
lar attention, however, to the points
he feels the managers should concede.
The president completed his plan
during a conference today with Judge
William L. Chambers Of the federal
board of arbitration and Cancellation.
Immediately afterward Judge Cham
ners talked briefly with the managers.
He did not confer with the employees.
No Other Formal Meetings.
The conference between the presi-
dent and Judge Chambers was the
only formal meeting Of the day in
connection with the situation. The
managers spent the day in informal
meetings and conferences at their no
eel. The employees representatives
rested at their hotel.
The president is depending largely
on public opinion to force a settle
ment. Should the present method of
procedure seem about to fail, it was
thought probable today he would take
Tie public into his confidence.
Discussion of the creation OF fed
eral commission to Investigate the
1silroed situation centred largely to-
day around the contention OF railroad
officials that such commission would
be able TO get all the facts and be able
to prevent a recurrence OF the pres-
ene crisis. The president has taken up
with both sides suggestions as to the
best way to make up o satisfactory
commission.
The principal reasons advanced by
the managers in insisting on arbi-
Gra4ion were their belief that the
whole principle Of arbitration is at
stake and points made during the oon-
sideration of Eheir recent petitions for
a 5 per cent. increase in freight rates.
The interstate commerce commission
irtfmated at that time that when rail