Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-08-24
PROSPECTS FOR
AVERTING STRIKE
GROW BRIGHTER
Railroads Will Accede to Eight
Hour Day if Given Freight
Rate Increase
PERMANENT BOARD
Want Commission to Handle
Future Labor Troubles; Men
Would Take Secret Vote
By associated Press

Washington, u. c.. Aug. 24.-After
continued conferences to-day between
President Wilson and the select COM
mittee of railroad executives the sit
uation surrounding the threatened
strike was described as having mar
rowed down to the following:
The railroad presidents, at least the
select committee of eight, are willing
to accept the eight-hour day insisted
upon by President Wilson and the
trainmen.
In return they ask that they be
assured as fully as possible that all
proper support be given and proper
means be used to assure them freight
rate increase from the Interstate Com
merce Commission.
They ask also that Congress create
a permanent board or commission
similar to the Canadian commission to
handle future labor difficulties. A
commission of this character would be
empowered to investigate when labor
troubles threaten and no strike could
be called or strike vote taken pending
its investigation, full report of which
would be made public at its conclusion.
AT the end of the investigation arbi-
tration would be suggested, but if not
accepted, opportunity would be given
to the men to take a strike vote. The
balloting would be secret.
These proposals were communicated
to-day by Commissioner Chambers, of
the Federal Board of Mediation, to the
representatives of the men, who ap-
parently regarded them favorably.
Judge Chambers then reported to
President Wilson and a subcommittee
of railroad executives was summoned
to the White House. None of them
would say afterward whether Presi-
dent Wilson reported the men would
accept the proposal, but it was said
that some encouragement was felt as
a result of the negotiations
President Wilson is understood to
feel some sympathy for the counter
demands of the railroads and not
averse to having the men accept them.
1t is expected, however, that a vote
of the $40 labor representatives. here
must be taken before they can receive
the necessary Endorsement.
In the meantime the executives will
continue their conferences among
themselves and another White House
visit may be made later.
Commissioner Chambers, of the
Federal Mediation Board. after con-
ferring with President Wilson, carried
a message to the brotherhood leaders.
1t was supposed to be some form oe
proposal made to President Wilson
last night by the subcommittee of rail-
road executives.
1t was kept secret, but A. B. Gar
retson, spokesman for the employees,
voiced the opinion OF all when he said
it certainly was not depressing" ."
Other leaders indicated it was very
satisfactory.
The executives met and heard the
report of the subcommittee which has
been working on a counter proposal
and there were indications that Presi-
dent Wilson expected an answer to-
day or at the latest tomorrow.
Signs of unrest among the men, so
apparent yesterday, disappeared to-
day and there were renewed indi-
cations that they would agree upon
some proposal to include the eight
CONTINUED on Page 131