New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-15

arbitration, tney lnOSI CSi fanny
each brotherhood on the board
Further than that, there would
probably be a deadlock between the
brotherhood members of the board
and the railway members as to the
neutral members. 1t is understood
that the President Quoted their fears
on this score by promise to inter-
yene in that case, too, and If neces-
sary appoint the neutral arbitrators'
Speculation upon these matters, how
ever. is merely speculation and no
more. Nothing definite could be 3D.
tanned from any of the interested par
tics 70 the controversy. The White
House was silent except for the Presi-
dents brief statement. The only en-
lightenment came from Judge William
L. Chambers, one Of the Federal Board
Of Mediation and Cancellation, who ar
ranged for the White House meetings
this morning. Judge Chambers intro
duced both delegations TO the Presi-
dent.
"Ice Appears To BE Melting.
"The ice appears to be melting lit-
tie" said Judge Chambers, when ne
left the managers conference. Il feel
much better about the situation than
when l came down this morning. l am
very optimistic that the President WIZ
be able to accomplish something. 1t Is
unbelievable that there will be a
strike"
When Judge Chambers was asked
sbout the proposals that the President
had submitted TO both sides, he re-
piled; IT.
President simply gave them some
things to think about. That IS all. -,
II was plainly apparent that the rall-
road managers did not at all relsh lne
idea of having the buck passed 70
them" They expected that such would
be the case when they came here, but
thew had tried hard TO avert It.
When they left the White House late
in the afternoon they Immediately went
into secret session at the New willard
Hotel and remained clOseted until after
7 o'clock. taking an adjournment then
for dinner They were at 1t again IN
an hour, trying evidently to find way
out of a hopeless situation that would
save their faces
BrotherhOOds Optimistic.
The four brotherhoods heads were
extremely optimistic all day long, al
though considerably nervous when
they came down the White House steps
at noon. having spent nearly two hours
with the President in his study. The
small army of reporters gathered on
the lawn and driveway besleged the
labor leaders and prevented their pas
sage.
Every one shot at least one question
Nj Austin b. Garretson, head of the
brotherhood of Railway Conductors
End spokesman for the unions.
~ Absolutely not a word" said the
81 rangy Western leader, somewhat flus-
a tered but still good natured. "The
President is handling the situation,
gentlemen, and any statement must
come from him. ! won't have word
TO say while his foot is in the stirrup."
"Will you see the President again ?"
he was asked.
Possibly; in fact, we probably shall,
he replied.
"rhen negotiations are not off,"
Absolutely not"
Not few persons in this country
would like 70 read the stenographic
minutes cf what took place in the
meeting between the President and
these serious railway men.
Garretson Leads Delegation.
Garretson. who combined politics.
sound wisdom and a wealth of mythol-
Ogy in his oratOry, may have rehearsed
the speech he made to the President
for the trainmen's side, but none who
knew him well will admit il. He led
the delegation with Warren S. Stone,
of the engineers union; w. G.. Lee, Of
the trainmen. and W. S. Carter, of the
fremen. They travelled to the White
House in a streetcar.
GarretsOn had been in the same stu
alton before, away back in 1894, in
fact, when President Cleveland said
certain things TO threatening railway
men that served as cue for part OF
President Wilson's message yesterday.
Garretson, IL is presumed, said things
straight from the shoulder as soon az
the delegation assembled in the White
House study, a few minutes after 10
o'clock.
The railway months is his argu-
ment, il is reported seeking only
better working conditions That was
the sole aim Of their demands. That
was the object Of asking for an eight
hour day. They did not seek more
money Time and a half pay for over
time was proposed merely as a punt
tive measure to insure their getting
shorter working day.
The present pro rata system Of pay
for overtime was not sufficient TO ham
per the railroads in making some Of
their men work a full sixteen hours,
the limit set by law for any railway
man. SO that if the eight-hour day
meant added financial burdens TO the
railroads, that was incidental to the
main issue.
Wilson Takes Emphatic Stand.
II was this theme of Garretson's
"hetter working conditions" that Of
fered Woodrow Wilson an opening TO
possible settlement. The President,
so IL is reported, addressed the men.
He took their view OF the case. He
sympathized with their desire for a
would try 10 get il for them. He
asked the men If they got their con-
cession would they consent to arbi-
tration of other demands II is said
that the brotherhood delegates agreed.
But the President also made this
point clear and emphatic: This coun-
try will not stand for a general tie-up.
There must not be a strike.
The railway men went away secretly
satisfied but as vet uncertain OF the
outcome.
The PresidtH gave a brief noon
Naxf.A 10 and racoseort husi-