The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-30
DRAMATIC SCENE
| PRESIDENT
MAKES ADDRESS
Wilson, With Lines Of Care
on Face, Tells Congress
Plans to Avert Strike
Have Failed
BY HUGH W.. ROBERTS


Washington. August 2s.-(spe-
ciaL)-Not so much in the hope of
nvertinE the strike of trainmen
scheduled for the morning of Sep
tember ms for the purpose OF de-
vising legislation to guarantee the
stability Of government In the
event of that strike. and to prevent
In the future another such indus
trial catastrophe, President Wilson
this afternoon appeared before the
Congress of the United States.
He declared that his effort amicably
to adjust the differences between train
men and railroad magnates had failed.
Or account of what he regarded as the
unparalleled gravity of the situation, he
urged the enactment of legislation en-
larging and reorganizing the interstate
commerce commission, establishing the
eight-hour day as the legal basis of work
and wages for railroad employees, au-
thorizing the appointment of commits
sion to study the practical application of
the proposed eight-hour law, authorizing
consideration by the interstate commerce
commission of an increase in freight
rates, making it unlawful for q body of
men to strike prior to formal investi-
cation by constituted authority, and en-
towering the President in the event of
military necessity to take control of the
rolling stock Of railroads and draft into
the service of the government train crews
and administrative officials of railroads.
RAILROADS DEFENDING !.
In the moment the President was adj
dressing Congress railroad magnates is
sued defense of their position. spoke
against the eight-hour day, and in be-
half of the right of arbitration. Stimuli
taneously representatives of the brother
hoods publicly declared their position
one which concorded with the majority
of the Views of the President, but op-
posed that law requiring investigation of
industrial problems prior to a strike.
Immediately following the address
Chairmen Newlands and Adamson of the
Senate and House interstate commerce
committees. consulter the attorney general
and members Of the interstate commerce
commission. The legislation proposed by
the President is without American prece-
dent. and lends itself SO readily to d.
vergent opinions that but for the ext
gency of the moment, many weeks would
be required for it's enactment. 1t is re-
garded as certain, despite the haste to be
employed. than an early adjournment of
Congress is not in the sphere of possible
ity.
Newlands and Adamson. it is said to-
night will, on tomorrow. outline the pro
gramme of legislation, and will give an
idea as to the extent of time such Leg
islation will require. The prepare ton of
bills and their consideration in committee
will offer the Senate an opportunity to
enact the immigration and corrupt prac-
cipitate extensive and bitter debate.
DRAMATIC SCENE
The appearance Of the President was
ir dramatic sense second only to that
in which he pictured the probability OF
war against Germany. He was obviously
and deeply moved He was appreciably
depressed by a knowledge of the gravity
o. the situation. its effect on, unprece-
dented prosperity and the impending cam
paign. s.
The shadow in his face indicated the
mental and physical strain under which
for fortnight he had labored, but he
was palpably the embodiment of grim
determination.
In expressing himself. he was stu
diously painstaking and deliberate. but
there was a resonant ring IN his voice
which indicated to Congress willing
ness on the part of the nations spokes-
man to move in strength in the solution
OF a problem which patience could not
compose.
Galleries were comfortably crowded by
official and fashionable Washington, and
there was q demonstration as the Pres
ident entered the chamber.