Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1916-08-19
PRESIDENT MAKES
KNOWN PLAN FOR
railroad peace
Believes Companies Should
Agree to the 8 Hour
Working Day
WOULD LEAVE THE EXTRA
PAY PROBLEM TO EXPERTS
BY ROBERT J. BENDER

United Press STAFF Correspondent
WASHINGTON. D. G.. Aug. is-
President Wilson today announced the
plan under which he is trying to avert
a general railroad strike.
His statement follows:
81 have recommended the conces,
sion OF the S-hour day-that is the
substitution Of an S-hour day for the
present l0-hour day la all the exist
ing practices and agreements.
made this recommendation because
believed the concession right. The s.
hour day undoubtedly has the sane
tion Of judgement OF society in its
favor and should be adopted as basis
for wages even where the actual work
to be done cannot be completed with
In hours.
Concerning the adjustment which
should be made in justice to the rail-
roads and their stockholders in the
payment and privileges to which their
men are now entitled Of such ADJUST
ments are necessary there is a wide
divergence OF opinion. The railroads
which have already adopted the eight
hour day do not seem to be at any
serious disadvantage in respect OF
their cost of operation as compared
with the railroads that have retained
the ten-hour day. and calculations as
to the cost Of the change must. II
made now, be made without regard to
any possible administration econo-
mics or readiustment Only experi-
ence can make II certain that rear
rangements would be fair and equi-
table either on behalf Of the men and
on behalf OF the railroads. That this
experience would be a definite guide
10 the !. G. c.. for example. in de-
termining whether as a Consequence
Of the change II would be necessary
and right TO authorize an increase Of
rates for the handling and carriage
Of freight (for passenger service is
not affected).
II therefore. proposed that the de-
mand for extra pay for overtime
made by the men and the contingent
proposal Of the railroad authorities
be postponed until facts shall have
taken the place Of calculations and
forecasts with regard to the effect of
change 10 the eight-hour day: that.
IN the meantime, while experience
was developing the facts, should
seek. and II need be. obtain author
ity from the Congress 10 appoint a
small body Of impartial men TO OBJ
serve and thoroughly acquaint them
selves with the results with a view
10 reporting to Congress at the car
Hest possible time the facts disclosed
by their inquiries, but without rec
ommendation Of any kind; and that
II should then be entirely open TO
either or both parties TO the present
controversy to give notice Of ter
mination Of tho present agreements
with view to instituting inquiries
into suggested readjustment Of pay
or practice.
This seems 10 me a thoroughiy
practical and entirely fair program
and I think that the public has the
right TO expect its acceptance"
The statement was issued Just A.
ter thirty-three railway heads had as
sembled at the White House TO give
their reply 10 the proposition.
Railroads Stick for Arbitration.
President Holden OF the C.. b. & Q.
spokesman for the railway presi-
I dents told the President that thev
" continued TO stand for arbitration
and did not believe it right to ask
g them 10 abandon that principle. He
q made it plain, however. that the full
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