Evening star., 1916-08-19

practicable. The President was told.
however, that the plan would be given
further consideration, and a report
such far-reaching Importance, the Off
! cials said, they believed there should be
NO hasty decision.
| Mr.. Wilson explained to the railroad
kofficials that he had drawn up. the plan
because he thought it fair and because
he believed way must be found for
averting a strike. He urged them to
demonstrate spirit of concession and
to assist him in settling the contro-
versy.
Another Night Conference.
The railroad officials held another
long conference at their hotel. until
after II o'clock last night. Some Of
the presidents expressed the conviction
that the negotiations with the White
House would not be concluded in a few
days and that each point involved would
be thoroughly considered by the execu-
tive heads Of the roads before any def
mite position is taken.
| While the presidents have kept in
touch with the situation as it devel-
| Ioped here, 1t was said. their, attention
had been largely perfunctory. They
did not have first-hand. comprehensive
Information on the status Of the nego-
tions until they reached Washington
and talked with the managers.
One railroad head pointed out, after
the White House conference. that the
questions in issue involve the opera
tion of 250.000 miles of railroad, one
fourth that of the entire world, and
their solution may have a far-reaching
effect on laborinE conditions through
out the United States. With 1000
basic working day. some of the presi-
dents feel, it would be a question of
only short time until laboring men
in some of the great industrial concerns
of the country would be making de-
mands for an eight-hour day also.
Echoes Of this feeling are expected
to reach the White House as this view
is spread throughout the country.
Vote to Control All.
The presidents realize that If it comes
to a. <lnatter of a break with the White
H~- some of the executives may be
inclined to subordinate their convic-
tions to President Wilson's wishes. 1t
has been planned to have votes taken
on each proposal made by him. with
the understanding that a majority vote
shall bind all.
Railroad men present at the White
House conference yesterday and White
House officials declared last night that
the President had not talked of gov
ernment ownership of railroads a
possibility in the future in case there
is strike.
A person in position to be familiar
with the attitude of the executives out
lined the position .of the railroads as
follows:
The position Of the railroads at this
time Is that they are standing out for
the great principle of arbitration and
that they cannot surrender this prin-
ciple under the threat of strike or
| xvvrxl4 ~NI ..ta .
Little Opposition Among Men.
There never was q time that the Prest-
dents proposal could not have been
rushed through the employees meeting
by a big majority. while it was in ses-
sion yesterday from am. to 1:35 pm.
Brotherhood leaders were in no hurry
to have a vote taken for several res-
sons.
They wanted the railroad presidents
to meet with the President before sub
mitting their answer, they were de-
had speeches to deliver have tn full
est opportunity to talk. and besides
they did not want to be put In the po-
sition of grasping eagerly at q plan
demanded of the railroads. though 1t
was highly satisfactory to most Of
them. ..t M
Opposition to the plan, which was scat
Of those who objected discussed effects
on their immediate localities rather than
probable general result. A few contend
ed that acceptance Of the Presidents
plan. failing as it would to provide a
punitives overtime measure. would arm
the railroads with the argument that the
primary purpose Of the proposed strike
was to obtain . higher wage instead Of
establishing the shorter work day. as
Cheers Great APPROVAL.
Rousing cheers. however. greeted the
nnal approval Of the plan. The result
was announced in the general meeting
Of the committee Of $40 when it recon-
vsned at 2:3o o'clock. The brotherhood
ofacials then slipped out through rear
door Of the hall. carefully avoiding every
one.
They hurried to the White House with
q solitary typewrttten report of the de-
cision and handed 1t to the President.
Before leaving they again assured him
that any news regarding the negotia-
tons must come from him. and upon
returning to their hotel declined posi-
lively to discuss the result Of their de-
1iberat1ons.
The four brothsrhood leaders were in
conference with the President thirty
minutes, and said no modification Of the
plan had been presented to them as
result Of President Wilson's conference
with the railroad presidents.
The men say they have nothing further
to discuss unlese the railroads make u
counter proposal Their leaders have
advised them to remain in Washington
| day or two to be ready to meet any
emergency.
Most Of tho brotherhood men seemed
confident that the situation would be in
such shape soon that they could 70
home. But they do not get this idea
from their leaders. who are none too
optimistic over the probable outcome of
the negotiations.
pnrICE AMI TRE1FEN nrAn