New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-28

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ure intended to commit Congress to
another rate increase by the commits
sion Some Of these Senators are op.
posed to railroad rate increases in spite
of what extra pay they may grant.
Railroads Getting Ready
While the situation hangs in the bal
ance the railroads are making quiet
preparations to meet. strike. The
managers of the big trunk lines have
drawn up emergency schedules, and
they mean that certain commodities
would be enlarged; that food trains
would have preference over anything
else. The reads will probably embargo
war munitions, drygoods and imperish-
able commodities not regarded as neces-
sites. But the managers are secretive
about these plans and will continue so
until it is time to inform the public
what the roads are ready to do.
L. F. Loree, president of the Della
ware e. Hudson, took issue with the
Presidents plan to-day in a statement
declaring that inasmuch as the country
is interested in industrial preparedness
the Presidents plan providing for an
increase in wages to a small part of
the railroad employees would inspire
industrial unrest and demands for SIM
liar concessions throughout the indus
try, and would have more evil effects
than at first supposed.
Mr.. Loree's Views.
Mr.. Loree said:
Our problem, therefore. is, industrial
ha in
tion to compete with the world at the
ton costs must be lowered. Normal
wages must prevail. Is it preparation
for this industrial problem to increase
already high? Admitting his premise,
do not see by what rules of logic the
President reaches his recommendation.
Upon what ground should we water
railway wages? What benefit would
flow from an imitation of the wage bill
and an increase in that element Of cost ?
The Apostle Paul, who himself enjoyed
some reputation as a ilogician, offered
quite contrary advice. Let u.s. he said,
lay aside every weight, and let US run
with the patience the race that is set
before US.
Wilson's Trip TO Capitol.
When the President, after an auto
mobile trip through the rain, reached
the Capitol tonight he asked a police
man at the door to direct him to the
Finance Committee room. The officer
announced the Presidents arrival and
Senator Kern hastily left the room.
For several minutes he talked with the
President in the hall, but later they
walked upstairs TO the Presidents room
! after janitor had been found TO turn
on the lights. The conference con-
cluded, the President left without con-
sulting other Democratic leaders.
Il cannot discuss the subject Of the
Presidents visit" said Senator Kern,
further than to say that it concerned
the railroad situation. The affair is so
complicated, one possible development
depending upon another, that | cannot
disclose what is in the Presidents mind
or course, If the negotiations to settle
the strike fail Congress must endeavor
TO solve the difficulty"
President May Speak Tuesday.
I Asked if arrangements for the Presi-
dent to address a joint session of Con-
gress had been made, Senator Kern
said they had not, but he would not
/ deny that such a joint session in the
Immediate future was in CT ntemplation.
1t may be called for Tuesday, when a
quorum of the House has been sum.
moned to reach Washington.
/ Following the Presidents unprece.
denied night visit the meeting of the
Finance Committee Democrats was di-
verted from the task of polishing W
4 the revenue bill to a discussion of the
/ prospects before Congress relating ia
the railroad crisis. Among the Senators
present were Hoke Smith, of Georgia;
Stone, Williams, Hughes, Thomas anc
Simmons, chairman of the committee
All agree that Congress must abandon
all idea of adjournment as long as il
might be necessary to aid in avertinl
a national industrial disaster.
"Of course all adjournment plan!
have been forgotten" said Senator Sim
mons, land must wait on the working
out of this railroad crisis. | do no
know just what is in President wilson
mind for Congress to do. Much de
ponds, of course, on the outcome o
further conferences tomorrow.
81 think the first thing Congress
should do in event of failure of nego
tiations tomorrow, is to enact SOM
legislation to prevent an actual breal
between the railroads and the men
How this may be done | do not know
but | believe definite plans along thi
line are already being considered"