Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1916-08-17

WASHINGTON. Aug. 16.-Today
President Wilson completed IA definite
plan for settlement OF the threatened
nationwi railroad strike and will
submit II to representatives OF the
managers and employees tomorrow. Al
though administration officials said
negotiations would be continued until
a peaceful solution wns found, the out
come of the presidents mediation 10
expected to depend largely on the at
titude OF the two sides toward the
plan he has drawn up.
The proposal framed by the presi-
dent following conferences with the
managers and employees since Monday
morning says that the railways should
concede the eight-hour work day with
an agreement that 1t will he reserved.
Later it probably will be proposed that
a federal commission appointed by the
president or created by congress in
vestigate all problems which have
arisen during the present discussion.
The obstacles In the way of accep-
tance OF the plan, lies In the insis-
tence of the railroad managers on ar
bitration and their opposition to the
eight-hour day and the demand for
time and half for overtime. Whether
the two sides will give in on these
points constituted the chief danger in
the situation tonight.
The general committee OF the EN-.
ployes, including GAO representatives
of the trainmen and enginemen on the
225 railroad systems of the country
arrived here tonight In response to
II summons by their subcommittee
which has been meeting with the pres
ident. The general committee has
plenary powers to accept or reject
any suggestion.
The men. although refraining from
discussing the plan OF the president.
said they thought the outlook encour.
aging for settlement.
At 3 O'Clock tomorrow afternoon the
president will meet the entire com.
mittee OF GAO In the east room OF the
White House and lay before them his
plans. He will accompany 1t with
statement. appealing to their patriot
ism and urging a compromise In the
interests of the people of the nation.
While no time has been Set for a
conference between the managers
committee and the president, It Is
thought probable 1t will take place to-
morrow morning.
When Mr.. Wilson sees the man.
ayers he will make practically the
same statement he will deliver to the
employees. paying particular attention.
however, to the points he feels the
managers should concede. The presi.
dent completed his plan during a con-
ference today with Judge William l..
Chambers OF the federal board of me.
diation and conciliation, who took to
the White House statistics compiled
by experts showing the probable cost
OF the railroads OF the granting OF a
basic elghthour day. Immediately af.
terwards Judge Chambers talked brief
ly with the managers committee. He
did not confer with the employees rep.
resentatives.
The conference between the presi.
dent and Judge Chambers was the
only formal meeting of the day In
connection with the situation There
we're no White House conferences
with the managers and employees,
pending the arrival of the brother.
hoods general committee from New
York and the drawing up of a definite
plan by Mr.. Wilson. The managers
spent the day in informal meetings
and conferences at their hotel. The
| employees representatives rested at
| their hotel. saying they had nothing
to confer about among themselves.
The president Is depending largely
on public opinion to force a settle.
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