New Britain herald., 1916-08-23
LEADERS FEAR THEY
 MAY NOT HOLD THEM
Newlands and Adamson in Conference With Wilson Hill Predicts Bankrupt cy for Eastern Roads Employees Ready to Act Immediately.

Washington, Aug. 23.-Three rail- road presidents today reported to the committee which is trying to formu- late an answer on behalf of the roads to President Wilson's suggested plan for meeting demands of the union brotherhoods, the substance of their conference with the president at the White House last night. It Is under stood the purpose of that visit was to receive MT. Wilson's specific ideas on how the railroads are to reimburse their treasuries for the many millions additional expenses which would arise out of aoceding to the presidents plan for an eight hour wage basis.
 The attitude of the president on this subject was not disclosed, but the re- port was considered significant as showing in what direction the rail- road heads are turning in their ef- forts to reach a conclusion.
 The big committee of brotherhood representatives were impatient at the delay, but w. G. Lee, head of the trainmens brotherhood, expressed the belief that they would not be held here past tomorrow.
 Bankruptcy, Says Hill Louis w. Hill. president of the Great Northern Railway and one of the strongest opponents of the eight hour day, declared in a stateINent given out today that many western roads in particular would have scant earnings next year, and that many would be forced into receiverships by an eight hour wage basis
 This Is 8 time when, instead or being burdened with useless and un- ca1led-for expenses, such as are de- manded by the brotherhoods, the rail- roads should receive every encourage ment in order to meet the needs of the country" he said. Such an ex- tra burden as Is contemplated by this eight hour demand would not only cut off all possibility of dividends and ex- tensions but throw a, number of vest ern railroads intd receivership and cripple their usefulness to the terri tory they serve."
 President Wilson summoned Sen- ator Newlands and Representative Adamson, chairman of the senate and house commerce committees, to the White House this morning. It is un- derstood he planned to discuss with them legislation on the railroad strike  for the settlement of the railroad dis pute, congress would create commits sion to investigate the working of the eight hour day and collateral issues.
 Ready for Instant Action.
 The men, tired of the delay due to the railroad representatives, prolonged discussion of President Wilson's plan, gave free expression to their opinions at today's meeting.
 The men felt that the railroads show a disposition to disregard their sac rifice of the demand for time and @ half overtime.
 A. B. Garretson advised them to be patient and assured them that de- cisive action was expected soon.
 MT. Garretson refused to comment on the situation other than to say that 'ft is in the hands of the president until he acts there is nothing for us to say or do."
 Other leaders did not hesitate to say, . however, that plans have been pre- pared for instant action In case the railroad managers decline to accept the presidents proposal.
 After their conference with Presi- cent Wilson, Senator Newlands and Representative Anderson said they had discussed the controversy gener- ally but that no legislation to meet the situation had been gone over spc- officially. The bill adding two mem bers to the interstate commerce com mission, already passed by the house was one of the measures discussed.
 It was understood, however, that the creation of a permanent commits sion to investigate such controversies was mentioned. Some railroad off ciaIs have taken the position that if such a commission were created and railroad employees prevented from striking until an investigation is conn plete, they might accept the eight hour day.
 It was understood definitely today that the railroad executives had de- cided to act as 8 unit in the present situation.
 The program of the railroad execu- ttves as understood today was to deal
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