The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-08-17
PUTS STRIKE UP
TO RAILROADS
Wilson Confers With Men and
Managers.
BASIS FOR MEDIATION NEAR
Outlook Over the Situation srIshsens
Following Conferences at the White
House-Further Conferences May
Find Solution Of Differences.

Washington, Aug. 15.-President
Wilson put squarely up 70 the rail.
roads the questing Of preventing q
nationwide strike.
The president held separate confer
ences with the representatives of the
brothsrhoods and the Representatives
of the railroads. 1t is understood that
the labor leaders agreed to arbitrate
their main contentious, namely, the
eight-hour day and time and a half
pay for overtime. II Is understood
they refused to consider arbitration
Of the railways counter demands.
The railway managers seem glum
and despondent. They have been
closeted for hours in secret session,
threshing out the situation.
The union men appear entirely sat
isfied. They seem more confident
than jubilant.
Following his conference with the
railway managers the president au-
thorized this statement:
Il have met both sides and have
gone over the case with the utmost
frankness. / will not be able to judge
until later whether we have found q
feasible basis of settlement"
The president, according to those
who attended the conference, showed
a familiarity with the situation that
surprised the men. The president
was most sympathetic" said one Of
the brotherhood leaders, "and his sur
prising knowledge of the situation,
and of our position, may result in an
understanding being reached"
The president. 1t was said, submit.
ted no counter proposition to the men,
but he held out hope for an adjust
ment by legislation. if necessary.
The impression prevailed among
the brotherhood leaders that as a last
resort the president might ask the
congress for eighthour day legislA-
tion.
The president will meet both of the
opposing groups today. The commit
tee from the managers will visit the
white house first. When their confer
ence is concluded the union heads will
meet the chief executive.
The fact that the railway managers
will have their conference first is
taken to mean that they will inform
the president whether they have ac-
ceded to or refused his requests.
One railroad manager said: 'Evi-
IDENTIFY If the strike is averted all the |
concessions will have to be made by
the railroads"
This is the railway point OF view. |
On the other hand, the employees ap |
pear to have made concessions by
agreeing to arbitrate certain parts cs
the matters in dispute. They had
said they were unalterably opposed to
such action.
The economic disaster incident 10
such a strike we're strongly stressed
by the president in his conference
with the railway managers. He drove
home this point, making 1t the more
timely by emphasizing the country's
present prosperity, and its millions
Of dollars Of waiting freight
Both employers and employees were
most reticent over what occurred at
he white house. Each said the mat
Ter was I'm the hands of the president
and until he had disposed Of 1t there
would be no comment"
Judge William L. Chambers OF the
mediation board, was prominent in
he negotiations. He visited the prest
lent before either Of the disputants
law Mr.. Wilson. The mediator was
,alisd In by the president following
,aoh of the two conferences. He sat
Nth the railway managers In their
Late in the day he, Justice
and Attorney General Greg
'ry were In consultation with the
PRESIDENT.