The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-08-24
RAIL HEADS May
COME To PLAN
Wilson Makes Appeal TO Pa
triOtism Of Executives.
Atmosphere IS CHANGED

Fresioente Expected TO hccede 20
Wilson's Plan Of Settling Strike Al
the Same Time Securing All Con.
eessions They Can.
Washington, Aug. 22.--Presidsnt
Wilson renewed his demand for an
eight-hour day by the railroads and
gave solemn warning that harmony
such as would guarantee efficiency
was most essential to national pre-
paredness. He limited at complica
tions which might result from the
European war. He intimated a strike
would likely result in an adverse YER
dict against the railroads by the
great American jury"
The executives were Unexpectedly
called to the White House with a.
little formality as would have been
observed In sending for q congression.
al committee. The gathering included
l.. w. Hill. of the Great Northern, and
many other new arrivals. The presi
dent greeted the assembled ofiofals
In the Blue room. His manner was
as solemn as the brief address which
followed. The effect is believed to
have placed the executives wholly on
the defensive. II is understood they
will not go again to the White House
until they can find some compromise
plan to offer.
At point where he exhibited the
greatest concern over the outcome
President Wilson said:
Il will not allow passion to come
into my thoughts in this solemn mat
ter. We are both acting as trustees
Of great interests. an willing to al
low the matter to go to the American
jury and let them assess the respon
sibility. The responsibility Of failure
will not rest with me.
81 wish you to consider the conse.
quences as affecting the people in the
to agree. The country cannot live IL
the means of keeping alive its vitality
are interferred with.
THE lives and fortunes of 100000.
900 men. women and children-many
of whom may die-depend on what
may be done in this room. I appeal
to you as one American citizen to an
other to avert this disaster"
No Strike.
Persons qualified to speak for the
executives are more confident there
will be no strike. The impression pre-
vailed that ultimately the executives
and managers will give In to Presi
dent Wilson, securing at the same
time all concessions they can from
the White House. The atmosphere is
changed.
Louis W. Hill. Of the Great North.
ern, who recently declared he would
not Yield to President Wilson's de-
mand that the roads concede the eight
hour day. declined to talk. but said
he had not changed his views since
he left the west.
II was evident that the western
railroad heads were more defiant than
those already here. They are In favor
Of opposing President Wilson's pro-
gram.
There is a growing impression the
railroad executives will consider that
they have made the most OF the situa
ton II they can obtain some definite
guarantee that they will be indemnr
fed against possible loss II they ac-
cept the presidents proposal.
In addition the railroads desire
President Wilson to premise them
that, in the interest Of the principle
Of arbitration. he will use his infiu-
ence in congress TO pass legislation
making another crisis like the pres
ent impossible. Two plans are under
consideration. The first embraces
only compulsory arbitration. The 9th
or includes compulsory arbitration
but provides for secret strike ballots
The latter plan is much in favor, IL
was said and would be based upon the
Mackenzie King legislation In Cana
da. II would create government
commission, which would investigate
every serious Industrial dispute ar.
fecting interstate traffic before n
strike vote could De taken.
All Washington is discussing the
possibilities OF government operation
OF the railroads II strike is called.
II was said there is no precedent for
such a step by the government.
1--WE are not worrying any more
than we did There does not seem TO
me to be anything to worry about
said one OF the brotherhood members.
I'VE are Just sitting and waiting.
The next move is up to President VII
son. And I think IL the railroad ON
oiais refuse his plan ne will move
fast. Al do not believe he will give
them any time at all before he urges
congressional action. f'wouid not be
q bit surprised to have him recon-
mend government control at once"