Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-08-29
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but also the conditions of labor under
which the men worked and the opera
ton Of their existing agreements with
the railroads, with instructions to re-
/ port the facts as they found them to
the congress at the earliest possible
day but without recommendation, and
that after the facts had been thus dis
! closed an adjustment should in some
orderly manner be sought of all the
matters now left unadjusted between
the railroads and the men.
! These proposals were exactly in
line, it is interesting to note, with the
position taken by the supreme court of
the United States when appealed to to
protect certain litigants from the final
losses which they confidently expected
if they should submit to the regulation
of their charges and of their methods
of service by public legislation"
Tells About Efforts.
President Wilson then told congress
how his efforts failed to bring the
parties to the controversy to an &C
commodation. Therefore" he said"
Il turn to you, deeming 1t clearly our
duty as public servants to leave moth
ing undone that we can do to safe
guard the life and interests of the ma
ton. In the spirit of such a purpose,
! l earnestly recommend the following
legislation:
First, immediate provision for the
enlargement and administrative reor-
ganization of the interstate commerce
commission along the lines embodied
in the bill recently passed by the house
of representatives and now awaiting
action by the senate; in order that the
! commission may be enabled to deal
| with the many great and various duties
now devolving upon it with a prompt
ness and thoroughness which are with
it's present constitution and means of
action practically impossible.
Second, the establishment of an
eight hour day as the legal basis alike
of work and of wages in the employ
ment of all railway employees who are
actually engaged in the work Of oper-
ating trains in interstate transpor-
tation.
Third, the authorization Of an ap-
pointment by the president of a small
body of men to observe the actual re-
suits in experience of the adoption of
the eight-hour day in railway trans
portation alike for the men and the
railroads; it's effect in the matter of
operating costs, in the application OF
the existing practices and agreements
to the new conditions and in all other
practical aspects. with the provision
that the investigators shall report
their conclusions to congress at the
earliest possible date but without rec
ommendation as to the legislative &C
ton. in order that the public may learn
from unprejudiced sources just what
actual developments have ensued.
Fourth, explicit approval by the
congress of the consideration by the
interstate commerce commission of an
increase of freight rates to meet such
additional expenditures by the rail-
roads as may have been rendered nee
essary by the adoption of the eight
hour day and which have not been off
set by administrative readjustments
and economies, should the facts dis
I closed Justify the increase.
Fifth. an amendment of the exist
ing federal statute which provides for
the mediation, Cancellation and arbi-
tratiOn of such controversies as the
present by adding to it a provision that
in case the methods of accommoda-
ton now provided for should fail, a
! full public investigation of the merits
of every such dispute shall be institut-
ed and completed before a strike or
lockout may lawfully be attempted.
And. sixth, the Judgment in the
hands of the executive of the power in
case of military necessity, to take con-
, troll of such portions and such rolling
stock of the railways of the country as
may be required for military use and
>, to operate them for military purposes,
with authority to draft into the mill
tary service OF the United States such
train crews and administrative oftic-
ials as the circumstances require for
their safe and efficient use"
Speaking slowly and distinctly he
J outlined the situation confronting the
: country from the failure of the nego-
tiations There was tense silence in
the chamber as he began and then ap-
plause from the democratic side when
the president declared he had sought
to aid in adjusting the difficulties" not
as an arbitrator. but merely as a
spokesman of the nation in the interest
of Justice"
Applause greeted the president S
, declaration that he regarded 1t as
practical certainty that the railroads
would be ultimately obliged to accept
: the eight-hOur day"
When he recommended the estab-
lishment of an eight-hour day as the
l legal basis alike of work and wages in
the employment in railroad workers,
there was slight applause from the
democratic side.
There was approval from both sides
at the suggestion of Legislation to pre-
J vent strikes or lockouts pending inves-
l tigation. and also when the president
asked for power, in the event or
l strike. ITO take control of such por-
= tions and such rolling stock OF the
RAILWAYS of the country as may be re-
/ garded necessary for military use and
operate them for military purposes
Cheers Greet President.
2 The entire assemblage arose when
! the president concluded after speak
p ing % minutes. There were several
r rousing cheers as he left the cham
4 Der
r The presidents closing suggestions
that arbitration awards should be
made judgments by record Of court of