Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-08-24
RAIL employees
vEXED At DELAY
OF ROAD HEADS
Further Dallying May Cause
Immediate Calling of
Threatened Strike
WILSON PARLEYS
WITH EMPLOYERS
President Discusses Needs
for New Legislation
With Congressman

IOr NeW LeglsldIlOH
With Congressman
Washington, D. c., Aug. 23.-The
railway employees committee showed
marked signs of unrest today at the
delay in the negotiations between
President Wilson and the railway ex-
ecutives that the leaders Of the men
were alarmed and openly expressed
fears of their ability to hold them
much longer.
An employees meeting this morning
was thrown into an uproar by speeches
of minority which demanded imme-
diate action unless the roads accept
the presidents plan but the leaders
succeeded in adjourning it before any
vote could be taken on any of the var
ious proposals. Some of the men
urged that most of them go home leav-
ing the brotherhood heads with author
ity to call a strike if the railroads do
not accept the presidents plan.
The meeting adjourned until 10
o'clock tomorrow morning. Frequent
ly shouts and applause were heard a
block away from the hall.
'"It is our belief" one of the COM
mitteemen said, that the railroads are
playing for time with the president
Just as they have done with us for
many months" ~ -. ID
The men, tired of the delay due to
the railroad representatives prolonged
discussion of President Wilson's plan,
gave free expression to their opinions
at today's meeting.
They feel that the railroads show
disposition to disregard their sacrifice
of the demand for time and half
overtime. -
A. B. Garretson advised them to be
patient and assured them that deci-
sive action was expected soon. He
refused to comment on the situation
other than to say, 1T Is in the hands
Of the president"
Other leaders did not hesitate to
say, however, that plans have been
prepared for instant action in case the
railroad managers decline to accept
the presidents proposal.
Road Heads Lay Plans.
Three railroad presidents today re.
ported to the committee that is trying
to formulate an answer on behalf of
the roads to President Wilson's sug-
gested plan for meeting demands OF
the union brotherhoods the substance
Of their conference with the president
fat the white house last night. 1t is
understood the purpose Of that visit
was to secure Mr.. Wilson's specific
ideas on how the railroads are to re-
imburse their treasures for the many
millions additional expenses which
would arise out of acceding to the
presidents plan for an eight hour day
wage basis.
Louis w. Hill, president of the Great
Northern railway and one Of the
strongest opponents of the eight hour
day, declared today that many roads,
particularly western roads, would have
scant earnings next year and that
many would be forced into receiver
ships by an eight hour wage basis.
There were many indications that
the railroad presidents were consider
ing the eight hour day on condition
that some definite assurance be given
them that future disputes be arbi-
trated.
President Holden of the Burlington
0aid the meeting of the presidents and
managers held this morning had re-
cessed until 6 o'clock Meantime the
special committee Of the presidents is
in session.
Mr.. Holden also stated that no con-
clusion had been reached
Discussing New Laws.
President Wilson summoned Sena-
tor Newlands and Representative
Adamson, chairmen of the senate and
house commerce committees, to the
white house this morning. It is un-
derstood he planned to discuss with
them legislation on the railroad strike
situation. The presidents plan for
settlement Of the railroad dispute
would create commission to investi-
gate the working of the eight hour day
and collateral issues.
After their conference with Presi-
dent Wilson, Senator Newlands and
Representative Adamson said they had
discussed the strike controversy gen
orally but that no legislation to meet
the situation had been gone over spe-
officially. The bill adding two mem
! bers to the Interstate commerce COM
/ mission, which has already passed the
! house and which will come before the
senate Friday, was one of the meas
ures discussed.
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