New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-30

already the most highly paid in the
transportation service. The ultimate
cost to the railroads of an admission
in this manner of the principle under
contention cannot now be estimated
The effect upon the efficiency of the
transportation of the country. now al
ready under severe test under the tide
Of business now moving and at a time
when more instead Of less efot, is re
CURED for the public welfare, would
he harmful beyond calculation.
"The widespread effect upon the in
dustrieS OF the country as whole IS
beyond measure or appraisement at
this time. and we agree with the in
sistcnt and widespread public concern
over the gravity Of the situation and
the consequences of a surrender bv the
railroads in this emergency.
DUTY TO the Public.
"ln like manner we are deeply i'm
pressed with the sense of our respon-
sibility TO maintain and keep open the
arteries of transportation. which carry
the life blood Of the commerce of the
country. and Of the consequences that
will flow from even a temporary inter
ruption of service over the railroads,
but the issues presented have been
raised above and beyond the social and
monetary questions involved and the
responsibility for the consequences
that may arise will rest upon those
that provoke II.
THE questions involved are in our
respectful judgment eminently suitable
for the calm investigation and decision
by the public through the agency OF
fair arbitration and cannot be disposed
Il r.IFu ion q
other manner. The decision of com
mission or board of arbitration having
the public confidence will be accepted
bv the public and the social and imam
cial arrangements made necessary
thereby will be undertaken by the pun
lie. but in no less deliberate or orderly
manner.
Danger of Bankruptcy.
"The railroads of the country cannot
under present conditions assume this
enormous increase in their expenses.
If imposed upon them it would involve
many in early financial embarrassment
and bankruptcy and imperil the power
of all 10 maintain their credit and the
integrity of their securities. The I'M
mediate increase in cost, followed oy
other increases that would be lnevlta-
BILE. would substantially appropriate
the present purchasing power OF the
railroads and disable them from eN-
tending and improving their facilltles
and equipment 20 keep abreast OF the
demands Of the country for efhcient
transportation service.
For these reasons we are with deep
regret unable TO accept the Suggestion
made BY the President OF the united
States.
Settlement Proposed.
eve propose, however. as basis oil
settlement, the following:
(A) The railroads will, effective
September / 1916. keep the time OF all
men represented in this movement
upon an eight-hour basis and by sep
arate account. monthly with each man,
maintain d record Of the differences be
tween the money actually earned by
him on the present basis and the
amount that would have been earned
upoD an eight-hour basis overtime ON
each basis 10 be computed pro rata
The amounts so shown will be subject
10 the decision of the commission pro
vided for in paragraph co OF TINS
memorandum and payable in money as
NAV be directed by said commission IN
its findings and decisions.
Commission to Keep Track.
(B) The Interstate Commerce Commis-
sion TO supervise the keeping of these
accounts and report the increased cost
Of the eight-hour basis, after such
period of actual experience as their
Judgment approves or the Preslden,
NAV fix. not, however, less than three
months.
OC) In view Of the farreaching con
sequences of the declaration made by
the President accepting the eight-hour
day not only upon the railroads and
the classes of labor involved directly III
this controversy, but to the public anc
upon all industr~ it seems plain that
before the existing conditions are
changed the whole subject in so far as
il affects the railroads and their en-
rloves. should be investigated and de-
termined by commission to be ap-
pointed by the President Of such stand
ing as TO compel attention and respect
to its findings. The judgment OF such
, commission would be a helpful basis