The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-08-22

sewer. Wheeling and Lake Erie; l.
w. Hill, chairman and president,
Great Northern: e. f. Kearney. presi-
dent. Wabash Railway; e. T. Lamb,
president, Atlanta, Birmingham and
Atlantic; w. L. Mapother, vice-presi-
dent, Louisville and Nashville; w. G.
Nixon, receiver, St Louis and San
Francisco; F. Pennington. president.
Minneapolis, st. Paul and Sault ste
Marue; e P. Ripley. president, At
Gibson Topeka and Santa Fe: c. T.
Sade, vice-president, Northern Paci-
fc: C. f. SHAFT, receiver. Missouri.
Kansas and Texas; r. Fl. Wilbur,
president, Lehigh and New England
dents f. p Ripley, of the Santa Fe,
and aged II, exclaimed as he was
asked for a statement
| "Ain't this hell of a gamer"
Hin Declines to Talk.
Louis w. Hill, of the Great Northern.
who recently declared he would not
| yield to President Wilson's demand
that the roads concede the eight-hour
day, declined to talk. but said he had
not changed his views since he left
the West.
1t was evident that the western rail-
/ road heads were moro defiant than
these already here. They are in favor
| of opposing President wilson's pro-
| gram.
There Is a growing impression that
the railroad executives will consider
that they have made the most of the
situation II they can obtain some defi-
mite guarantee that they will be in
IDENTIFIED against loss II they accept
, the Presidents proposal
In addition, the railroads desire
President Wilson to promise them that.
In tho interest of the principle of ar
| bltration. he will use his influence to
induce Congress TO pass legislation to
prevent a repetition of the present Inn
passe The two plans are under con-
! sideration:
The first embraces only compulsory
! arbitration. The other includes COM
pulsory arbitration. but provides for
secret strike ballots. The latter plan
Is much In favor, 1t was said, and
would be based upon the Mackenzie
King legislation in Canada.
1t would create n government COM
mission which would investigate every
industrial dispute affecting interstate
traffic before strike vote could be
taken. The commission would receive
the arguments and evidence of both
interested parties, submitted by the
authorized representatives. OF Sucn par
ties. and attach to each ballot com
rrehensive statement OF the contro-
versy.
/ Discuss Government Operation.
All Washington Is discussing the
disabilities OF government operation
Of the railroads If a strike Is called.
II was said there IS not precedent for
such a step by the government Presi-
Cleveland said In "a
Chicago incident, merely called out
some Federal troops to protect the
railroads and prevent obstruction OF
the mails.
At the Department Of Justice 1t was
denied that the subject had been given
any consideration or that President
Wilson had asked Attorney General
for advice on the subject. The author
tiles were of the opinion that the
President. even II he contemplated any
such action would have to walt until
the employees actually walked out and
the railroads ceased to operate.
II the attempt to solve the difficulty
tmicably should fail. the men walk
out and the issue be thus precipitated.
1t was said, the President could use
the Federal forces to protect the rail-
roads and prevent interference with
the transportation of the mails, but
could not take over the railroads them e
selves for government operation with
out the consent OF Congress.
Otherwise 1t was said the act would
be conhscation of property without
authorization OF law.
I'VE are not worrying any more than
we did yesterday. There doesn't seem
to me to be anything TO worry about"
said ono of the brotherhood members
: I'VE are Just sitting and waiting. The
next move Is up to President Wilson.
And I think II the railroad officials
refuse his plan, he will move fast.
don't believe he. will give them any
4 time at all before he urges congress
sional action. I would not be biz
surprised to have him recommend gov
eminent control at once"