Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-08-17

close to the hotels to be ready in case
of necessity to confer. For the most
part they wore the manner of men who
had reached conclusion and there was
little debating among themselves.
Occasional groups developed argu-
ments-all on one side-over the merits
of their fight, but the greater num-
ber of the district chairmen seemed con-
cerned with the task of seeing as much
of Washington as could be seen from
the sidewalks of the avenue.
The employees suh-e committee went
into secret conference at the National
hotel this forenoon. Judge W. L. Cham
bers of the United States Board of Me-
diation and Cancellation was present for
part of the conference but left early.
Judge Chambers brought to the
brotherhood heads during the morning
a question from President Wilson,
based, it is said, on the last communica-
tion from the railroad managers, oppos-
ing the eight hour day. He remained
only seven or eight minutes during
which time he was given his reply.
At IL o'clock, after comforting with
the employees, Judge Chambers went to
the White House. He took some addi-
tional statistics to the president, further
data showing the effect of the applica-
tion of the eight hour day to railway
revenues. He says the president, in
formulating the proposition he will
make to both sides, desired full details
of the possible effect on both the work
ing conditions and railroad incomes.
Want Responsibility Placed.
As to the outlook Chambers would not
express himself.
Chambers message from the presi-
dent to the employees today asked how
the men understood his proposal. This
was carefully explained and Chambers
informed them that they had not mis-
taken the chief executives position.
One of the foremost leaders of the
employees said: at appears very much
as though the managers intend to stand
pat. We are perfectly willing they
stands as judge between the parties.
One little statement from him placing
the responsibility for any failure to get
together would be something that neith-
er side can afford to face. As for us
we came here with the idea of accept
ing what President WILSON, regarded as
fair.'
The employees will accept no tempo
rary settlement of major issues, another
leader said. The question of the eight
hour day, he said, must be determined
finally, though he admitted that per-
haps a board of investigation on other
subjects of less Importance, would be
acceptable to the men.
When informed that the president
had summoned the railroad presidents
to appear, one of the leaders said: 81
had been expecting that"
May Appeal to Stockholders.
A meeting of the district chairmen
was called for l O'Clock this afternoon
at the Bijou theatre In this meeting it
was planned to consider fully the presi-
dents position.
That the president, in summoning the
railway heads by telegraph did not con-
slider that he has yet appealed to the
"ultimate authority" was learned aft
er long conference he had with Judge
Chambers of the United States Board
of Mediation and Cancellation this aft
ernoon.
The expression "ultimate authority
was used by Chambers. Exactly what
the president has in mind is not known,
but it was thought possible that he may
appeal over the heads of the railway
presidents 10 the stockholders them.
selves, or ask q new referendum vote
by the employees on the proposals he has
made for settlement.