Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-08-24

Reasonable. He Says.

~ ScJ
Il therefore proposed that the de-
mand for extra pay for overtime made
by the men and the contingent pro-
posals of the railroad authorities be
postponed until facts shall have taken
the place of calculations and forecast
with regard to he effect OF a change
to the e~ight-hour day; that, in the
meantime while experience was de-
veloping the facts l SHOULD seek and,
If need be, obtain authority from con-
gress TO appoint a small body of i'm
partial men to observe M thoroughly
a%cquaint themselves with the results,
with a view to reporting to congress
at the earliest possible time the facts
disclosed by their successes, but with
out recommendation of any kind, and
that it should then be entirely open to
either or both parties to the present
controversy to give notice of a termi-
nation Of the present agreements with
a view to i~nstigating inquiry into sug-
gested readjustments of pay or prac-
tice.
This seems to be a thoroughly prac-
teal and entirely fair program and I
think that the public has the right to
expect its aCceptanCe.'
President Wilson declared he was the
spokesman for leo, 0GQ. 900 people, ev-
cry one of whom had a deep interest in
the present situation. His only object,
he said, was to avoid a strike, with its
consequent disaster to the nation,
Situation Is Tense.
AS the president spoke 10 the officials
he paced up n down before them in
the blue room. Several times he EN-
phasi2ed points with a tlenched fist.
He spoke solemnly often paused
and faced them as he asked tina they
accept his plan.
The railroad officials were equally
solemn and MIR. Holden told the presi-
dent they realized the seriousness of
the situation.
we must face the naked truth in
this crisis" said the president. we
must not discuss impractical things.
We must get down to a basis on which
this situation can be solved
All the presidents said the question
was not closed and that the negotia-
lions would be continued. President
Holden. of the Burlington, spokesman
for the officials, said no time had been
set for them to see President Wilson
again, but that it was necessary to
confer with the committee of managers,
which has the authority to accept or
reject plans.
Several of the executives indicated
disappointment over President Wilson'S
statement, but showed particular in
terest in his mention of the possibility
of the interstate commission
considering an increase in freight rates.
in his talk to the executives today,
President Wilson told them they were
racing a condition, not u principle. He
asked why they should demand arbi-
tlaticn when there was no law for COM
pulsory arbitration, end he knew it To
be Impossible to get Il compulsory ar
bitration law through congress-. The
employees, he recalled, had consistently
refused arbitration and he believed it
was impossible to gain il in the pres
ent controversy.
Il have been asked to sit as a judge
said the president, in substance. y
cannot do that; l simply can suggest
a plan, a way in which l believe this
question can be settled fairly to all
sides"
President Wilson urged again that
the railroads accept the plan, adopt the
eight-hour day. at least temporarily,
and then allow the proposed commits
sion to fully investigate the facts. He
pointed out that the railroads brought
forward one set of statements and the
employees another. and it was impos-
sible for him to tell which was correct.
In conclusion the president said he
believed his plan vas the only equit-
able way of settling the controversy,
and that under it, both sides would be
treated fairly.
Not Hopeless They Say.
Mr.. Holden gave the president esti-
itilS' VI liiI SS9l VI llC eISil-iioil tdy
to he railroads. President Wilson in
reply urged that the railroad officials,
with the committee of managers. very
carefully consider his plan before Civ
ing any final answer That was agreed
to by the railroad executives. 1t was
learned definitely that in their accept
ance Of President Wilson's plan the
employees made no reservation.
One of the railroad presidents SAID
after the conference that he did NOT
consider the situation hopeless but that
it was very serious. President Wilson,
he said, had asked for n showdown
and thai the railroad officials would
Il give q final answer as soon as possible
The belief was current in administra
ton circles that the railroads wculG
make some concessions.