The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-08-19
STRIKE DRAWS NEARER
When Railroad Heads Object to VII
sons Proposed Settlement Plans
Counter Offer Forming
Basis Of Compromise
Is Only Hope Of
Solution.

Washington, August 1s-President
Wilson's plan for settlement Of the
threatened nationwide railroad strike
was accepted today by the railroad
employees and taken under considera-
ton by the officials Of the roads, with
many indications that they would re-
ject it tomorrow. The word came
from the managers tonight, however,
that they had reached no definite de-
cision.
With the situation left apparently
ut deadlock, the only hope lay in
reports that the railroad officials
might suggest a counter proposal
forming the basis of a settlement OF
that one side or the other might re-
cede from its present position.
Thirty-one presidents and ranking
officials of the great railroads re-
ceiyed from the President his plans
for the adoption of an eight-hour day
regular pro rata pay for overtime and
creation of a federal commission to
Investigate collateral issues. They
told him they would like to consider
the question and would report back
tomorrow with the committee of man.
ayers which has been conducting ne.
gotiations.
Arbitration Still Preferred
At the same time the general COM
mittee of $40 representatives of the
employees we're approving the Presi
dents plan by large majority and
soon after the officials left the White
House the four heads of the railroad
Brotherhood delivered to the Presi'
dent a letter notifying him of the
vote. The employees committee will
remain here at the Presidents call.
While the railroad officials would
make no formal statement they re-
Vealed clearly their opposition to Mr.
Wilson's plan and indicated that they
would pass further their offer tC
arbitrate all the points at issue.
In spite of these developments. II
WAS reported the officials might sug'
gest counter proposal based on the
acceptance of the elght-hour day and
arbitration of all other points instead
of the investigation by a federal com
mission proposed under the Presi-
dents plan. 1t was stated positively
however, that the officials had reach
ed no definite decision on their fu'
ture course.
Financers Last Resort
In case the President finds no hope
Of settlement during his conference
with the railroad officials tomorrow
he probably will summons to Wash
ington some of the powerful finan
ciers of the country serving as direc
tors of the railroads. Administration
officials said tonight he had by M
means given up hope OF effecting ;
settlement and was determined tina
it shall be reached, II possible, befor'
the representatives of both sides nov
here leave Washington.
In their official statement the rail
road officials insisted on arbitration
on the grounds that IL they gave II
this time it would mean the abandon
ment of the principle of arbitration
and because they feared If they grant
ed the eight-hour day, with its conse
quent added expenses, without resor
to arbitration, 1t would prejudice an.
appeal they might make later to tn
Interstate Commerce Commission 70
higher freight rates.
Strike Appears Nearer
On the surface, the threatene,
strike appeared nearer today than a
any time since the negotiations at tn,
White House began, but administra
ton officials continued to believe
some concessions would be made, ant
that eventually there would be al
agreement. Having accepted tn,
Presidents plan of settlement, tn,
committee of employees took no fur
Their action tonight and awaited de
yelopments. They were expecting
summonses TO the White House again
after the meeting tomorrow between
Mr.. Wilson and the railroad officials