El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-08-19
Ill TINA UM|S
GIVEN RAILWAYS
President Demands "ShoW-
down." Declares His Plan
Ought To Be Accepted.
Continued from page II

the railroads accept the plan. adopt the
eight hour day At least temporarily,
and then allow the proposed committee
to fully Investigate the facts. He point
ed out that the railroads brought for
~ ard one SET Of statements and the en-
ployes another. and it was impossible
for him TO tell which was correct
In conclusion, president Wilson said
he believed his plan was the only
equitable way of settling the contro-
versy and that under it, both sides
would be treated fairly.
Holden Presents Cost Figures.
Mr. Holden gave the president esti-
rates of the cost Of the eight hour
day TO the railroads. President Wilson
in reply urged that the railroad Of
ficials. with the committee OF man
ayers, very carefully consider his plan
before giving any final answer. That
was agreed to by the railroad eXecu-
tives.
1t was learned definitely that in their
acceptance of president Wilson's plan
the employees made no reservation
Wilson Asked for Show Down
One of the railroad presidents said
otter the conference that he did not
consider the situation hopeless but that
il was very serious President Wilson.
he said had asked for show down.
and that the officials Uorl1 give
lIual answer as soon as possible
The belief was current m atflil4nistra-
tion circles. that the railroads would
make some concessions
After the conference. president VIII
son teleEraphed to a number of presi-
dents of western railroads inviting
them to come to Washington.
The railroad presidents, now num-
bering 80, went to the white house
conference without their managers
Hale Holden. president Of the Bur
lington. declared the principle at stake
was much larger than the question OF
wages and hours involved.
President Wilson today gave out 4
statement while the conference was on
of his plan Of settlement;
1T seems to me a thoroughly prac-
teal and entirely fair program and I 4
think the public has the right to eX- ]
pect its acceptance"
Wilson Believes in Eight Hour Day.
This statement follows;
7 have recommended the concession {
Of the eight-hOur day-that is. the sub !
stltution OF an eight-hour day for the !
present ten hour day in all the exist /
ing practices and agreements. l made /
ms recommendation because l believe
the concession right The eight-hOur J
day now undoubtedly has the sanction /
OF the Judgment of society in its favor
and should be adopted as basis for /
wages even where the actual work 10 4
be done cannot be completed within /
eight hours.
Concerning the adjustments which (
should be made. in justice to the rail- /
roads and their stockholders in the !
payments and privileges to which their
men are now entitled of such adjust
nents are necessary there is a wide
divergence of opinion.
No serious Disadvantage Apparent.
The railroads which have already
adopted the eight-hJur day do not seem
10 be at any serious disadvantage in /
respect Of their cost of operation as
compared with the railroads that have
retained the ten-hour day and cal
he or 10 %. Q
must. T made now. he made without
regard 10 any possible administrative /
economies or readjustments
W ould Higher Rates BE NecesSarvs !
only experience can make IL Ger
am what rearrangements would be I
AR and equitable. either on behalf of
ne men. or on behalf Of the railroads. |
NAY experience would be a definite
;ulde 10 the interstate commerce com
MISSION. for example. in determining |
Nhether, as consequence Of the !
mango, II would be necessary and rfsbr
e authorize an increase of rates Tor
he handling and carriage Of f-siebt
Tor passenger service is not affected1 |
al. would Appoint Commission.
therefore,. proposed that the de-
i ~ lot extra pay FOR overtime made |
~ the men and the contingent promo
AIS OF the railroad authorities be most !
'ohed until facts shall have taken the !
'Iace OF calculations and forecast with I
* ara 70 the effects Of a change 10 |
ne elgnt-hour day; that. in the mean |
me WINE experience was developing
ne Iacts. l should seek and. if need |
e, OBTAIN authority from congress TO
-ppoIhl 4 small body Of impartial men |
> observe and thoroushlv acoua;D-
n neInseIVes with the results. win a
rev 10 reporting to congress At the |
arrest possible time the facts dis
100 oy Inelr inquiries but without !
S ~ I'M sn1ation Of any kind: and thar
should then be entirely open TO eth
: OF potn parties 10 the present CON
lIoVersy 10 give notice Of a ternina-
io,,. u 'He present agreements with
leW 20 lnStituting inquiry into sna-
ice u pay or prac-
..-rA, Ought To BE Accepted.
fcsI MS Is. seems to be thoroughly prac-
~, - ana entirely fair program ana
I'M That the public has IN -
expect its acceptance"