The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1916-08-29
GREAT REFORMS In
RAILROAD PROBLEM
WITH STRIKE IMMINENT, PKESI-
DENT WILSON APPEALS TO
CONGRESS- FOR AID
Military Control Of Railroads Wanted
in Event of Strike-RadicaI
Measures Outlined


in Event of Strike-RadicaI
Measures Outlined
By the United Press Associations.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29.-Presidens
Wilson addressed a joint session OF
congress this afternoon in which he
reviewed the strike situation. The
floor and gallaries were crowded to
capacity and the president was given
close attention during his remarks
which were frequently emphasized
with special marks of vigor.
Compulsory 8-H0ur Day
"The immediate provision for an en-
largement and the administrative re-
organization of the interstate c0n-
merce commission, enabling the COM
mission to perform it's duties with
promptness which was now impossi-
BILE, and the establishment of the s.
hour day for all railroad employees
operating trains interstate" was rec
commended in his address.
Study Increased Cost
"The authorization for presidential
appointment Of a commission to study
results of eight-hour days and report
ing to congress at the earliest posi-
BILE date without recommendations,
was one of his strong endorsements.
For Freight Rate Increase
He asked for the congressional ap-
proval for an interstate commerce
posed freight rate increases to meet
the railroads additional expenditures
as the result Of a shorter day He
asked for an amendment to the fed
eral law providing mediation by add
ing a clause making full public in
quiry compulsory before strike OF
lockout may be declared.
For Military Control
He asked congress to enact legisIa-
ton empowering the president in the
event of military necessity, taking
control of rolling stock necessary for
use and drafting train crews
and administrative officials into the
military service.
Both Sides DeadlOcked
The president outlined the details
of his efforts to effect a settlement be-
tween the railroads and the brother
hoods He declared that the negotia-
tons were at a complete deadlock. fie
asserted that the country faces
Great national calamity, with cities
cut off from food and the nations
commerce paralyzed."
Strike Bring Starvation
Countless thousands may be
brought to the point of starvation"
he said Republican leaders indicated
they might need considerable time to
debate the program. Administrative
officials believe that all the legisla-
ton will be passed within 10 days.
Early Day Developments
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29.-It was
earned today that President Wilson
,lans the military operation Of all
-ailroads If the strike comes. He in
ends to make the present crews op-
srate the trains under a military
iraft' -Af
Held Many Conferences
The president conferred today With
Senator Newlands, chairman OF the
Interstate commerce committee, With
Attorney General Gregory and With
interstate Commerce Commissioner
lark and Chairman Adamson, of the
ouse interstate commerce commit
ee, regarding bill legaIiziug suclu
ction.
1t was announced this morning that
ne president would address the joint
ession of congress at 2:S0 this af-
ernoon on the railroad situation
Strike on Monday
Brotherhood leaders today said that
the president plans to halt the
.rike by law similar to the Canad-
n disputes act that congress must
ct before Monday, otherwise the
intend to walk out om
abor Day. The strike leaders de-
ared that the law would be I'M
fective if the strike began before
resident Wilson signed the measure
Hand Wilson Ultfmatum
President Wilson completed his
address this morning
hich contains $500 words. During
9 morning the railroad president Of
tally handed President Wilson their
unter proposal. Secretary Tumulty
ok the proposal to the meeting of
> brotherhood executives.