The Washington times., 1916-08-29
R. R. EXECUTIVES
OUTLINE THEIR CASE
Explain Reasons for Refusing
Wilson's ProposaI-D eny
Demands for 8.Hour Day.
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Continued from Page One.)
the eight-hour day in business and man
ufacturing interests and In the railroad
train service day has been fully ex-
planned. The railroad day is a basis
for computing pay and overtime. the
length Of daily service being controlled
by variable conditions.
Involves Raise In Pay.
The demands involved in this con-
troversy have not been presented, in
our judgment. for the purpose OF fixing
q definite daily period of labor nor q
reduction In the existing hours OF labor
or change In methods Of operation, but
for the real purpose OF accomplishing
an increase In wages Of approximately
$O0.Ooo,00o per annum. or 50 per cent.
for the men In railroad freight train
and yard service represented by the
labor organizations In this matter.
facts and patient and continuous con-
sultation with the Conference Com
mittee OF managers and among our
selves. we have reached clear
understanding OF the magnitude of
the questions and Of the serious con-
sequences to the railroads and to the
public involved In a decision Of them
AS trustees for the public served by
our lines and for the great mass of
the less powerful employees mot less
than so per cent Of the whole num-
ber) interested in the railroad wage
fund-as trustees also for the mil
lions of people that have invested
their savings and capital in the bonds
and stock OF these properties and
who through the saving banks. trust
companies mad insurance companies
are vitality interested to the extent
of millions of dollars, in the integrity
...I a
country. we cannot In conscience
surrender without hearing. the
principle involved nor undertake to
transfer the enormous cost that will
result to the transportation of the
commerce of the country.
The eight-hour day without punitive
overtime involves an annual increase
approximating In the aggregate 60.000.-
600. and an Increase OF more than 20
per cent In the pay Of men. already the
most highly paid in the transportation
service. The ultimate cost to the rail-
roads Of an admission In this manner of
the principle under contention cannot
efficiency OF the transportation OF the
country now already under severe test
under the tide Of business now NOV
ing, and at a time when more instead
Of less effort is required for the pub
lie welfare. would be harmful beyond
calculation.
The widespread effect upon the in
dustries OF the country as q whole 10
beyond measure or appraisement at
this time. and we agree with the in
sistent and widespread public concern
over the gravity Of the situation and
the consciousness Of q surrender by
the railroads In this emergency.
Impressed by Responsibility.
In like manner We are deeply Impress
ed with the sense OF our responsibility
to maintain and keep open tho arteries
OF transportation, which carry the life
blood Of the commerce of the country.
and Of the consequences that will flow
from even a temporary interruption of
service over tho railroads but tho is
sues presented have been raised above
and beyond the social and monetary
questions involved. ana the responsibility
for the consequences that may arise
will rest upon those that provoke II.
The questions involved are In our
respectful Judgment eminently suitable
for the calm investigation and decision
arbitration: and cannot be disposed OF.
| to the public satisfaction. in any other
manner. The decision OF 2 commission
or board board oa, Of arbitration. having
by the public and the social and finan-
cial arrangements made necessary
thereby. will be undertaken by the
public. but in no less deliberate nor
| OTuoTly manner.
Tho railroads Of the. country can
not under present conditions assume
penses. II Imposed upon them. il
%sn' and 1 essS ps1
and imperil the power Of all to main.
their securities. The immediate In
crease in cost. followed by other in
would substantially appropriate the
present purchasing power Of the rail
roads and disable them from extend
equipment. to keep abreast Of the de:
mands Of the country for efficient
transportation service.
| Make New Proposal.
For these reasons we are with deep
regret unable to accept the sugEes.
tion made BY tho President Of the
I'VE propose. however. a. . basis oi
settlement, the following:
THE railroads will. effective Septem
Der l. 1915 keep the time Of all men rep
resented In this movement upon ar
eight-hour basis and by separate &C
count. monthly. with each man. main
tain a record of the difference between
the money actually earned by him OF
the present basis and the amount tha
would have been earned upon an eight
hour basis-overtime on each basis to b,
computed pro rata.
1.-THE amounts SO shown will be sub
ject to the decision Of the commission
provided for In paragraph c OF thii
memorandum and payable in money al
may be directed by said commission II
its findings and decision.
} THE Interstate Commerce Commits
sion to supervise the keeping of thes
accounts and report the Increased cos
! Of the eight-honr basis, after such perio,
Of actual experience as their judgnen
! approves or the President may fix, no
! less than three months.
I'm view OF the far-reaching cpnse
auences of the declaration made by tn
President accepting the eight-hour day
rot only upon the railroads and tn
classes of labor involved directly In thj
controversy. but to the public and upol
I all Industry. II seems plain that befor
the existing conditions are changed, tn
: whole subject in so far as II AFFECTS tn
railroads and their employees. should b
Investigated and determined by a com
mission to be appointed by the President
Of such standing as to compel attention
and respect to its findings. The Judg
ment of such commission would be
helpful basis for adjustments with labo
: and such legislation as intelligent publ
opinion. so informed might demand.
The railroads will accept the finding
OF such a commission upon the issue O
an eight-hour basis OF pay as compare,
with the present basis. as we'll as upoi
| any other matters now In cont row arg,