Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1916-08-23
RAILROADS YIELD I
E|GHT.A0UR DAY
Subcommittee of Executives
aa. Makes Report.
STRING ATTACHED TO OFFER
Companies Demand President Guar
antee Them Against Losses Also
. Ask Commission to Prevent
we Revival of Controversy. @

Washington, Aug. 23.-The subcom-
mittee of the railway executives ap-
pointed as board of strategy to frame
reply to President Wilson'S demand
for concessions to- the men that will
prevent a general strike have made a
report.
1t is understood they have recon-
mended the granting of the eight-hour
day, but with string tied to it.
The purpose Of the string, it is said,
IS to make possible withdrawal OF
the concession if the president does
not give satisfactory guarantees or
much desired new legislation.
The announcement of the prelim1n-
airy report of the committee of eight
members followed within a few hours
after cabinet meeting at which Pres
ident Wilson's attitude on the contro-
versy was given unanimous approval
by his official family. ~
The subcommittee represents the 6O
railroad presidents who answered the
presidents call to come to Washington.
Its members are closely affiliated with
many Of the greatest financial institu-
lions in the country. The days pro
ceedings,, which were continuous Tor
ten hours, were frequently interrupted
b. conferences over the long-distance
telephone.
Made in Secret Session.
n
whole received the report in secret ses-
sion. The belligerent element, repre-
scented chiefly by the western railroads.
are said to have recognized the futlllty
of holding out against the president
much longer.
It was admitted the principal hope
now is to commit the president ana
the government to definite assurances
providing two tMngs:
!. Legislation which will prevent
recurrence of similar occurrence be-
fore all the processes of judicial IN
vestigation have been exhausted.
2. A practical guaranty that the rail-
roads will be compensated for the
money loss they claim they Will sus-
tain by granting an eight-hour day.
It is understood the plan is to ask
the president to urge congress TO Gre
die two commissions-one to inveStl-
gate future wage differences; the
other to make special study OF the
present dispute and determine the
amount of the increased expense the
new arrangement will cause. 49,
Higher Rates Expected.
On the report of commission such
as the last named, relief would be eX-
pected from the interstate commerce
commission in permanently Increased
freights. ...-
The new report also suggests as an
alternative that the president agree 10
release from an eight-hour agreement
if such is reached, the railroads on
which it can be shown that the snort
day arrangement is impracticaDle.
If the suggestions contained In the
tentative plan are approved by the ex-
ecutives, delegates will be appointed
to confer with the president ana re-
port back in order that the c0mpro-
mise proposal may be formally lliaue.
Public Backs Wilson.
This is the railroads side OF the
controversy. Persons close 10 the
White House Indicate that the p"esl-
dent is not in frame OF NINA 10
make concessions. The approval
given his proposals by the cabinet are
said to have strengthened his deter
mination to remain firm for the eight
hour day plan without entanglhg
qualifications. The president hes re-