The Washington times., 1916-08-28
JOINT SESSION TO Be
HELD. TOMORROW #
STRIKE UNSETTLED
President to Take Railroad
Problem to Congress Then,
Senate Leaders Say.
STEERING COMMITTEE WAITS
Meeting Called, But Postponed,
Pending Word From the
Chief Executive.

IIIIti EAeCutlV0.
Unless definite progress II made by
tonight In settling the railroad contro-
| versy. both houses of Congress will be
| called In Joint session tomorrow and
will be addressed by the President.
This was stated today by Senate lead
| ers who. along with House leaders. are
awaiting nervously the outcome Of the
negotiations at the White House.
That Congress will enact important
legislation to shield the public from the
consequences OF disastrous strike is
clear.
That Is. 1t will do so unless the aPresi-
dent should get a settlement out Of the
roads and the employees.
Steering Committee Waits.
The Democratic steering committee
was called together for a meeting today
by Senator Kern. chairman. But when
1t was learned that the President had
| delayed conference with the heads Of
| the roads. the meeting was deferred.
Various Informal conferences on the
situation were held among Senate lead
| ers today.
1t is conceded that all plans for ad-
tournment will have to wait until tnere
| has been Gn adjustment of the railroad
controversy in some fashion.
II legislation has to be passed, II will
delay adjournment for an indefinite
period.
| Senator .Newiands is at work on de-
| tails Of legislation. The plan which
President Wilson favors and which he
| has talked over with leaders. is for an
arbitration measure containing the prjn.
ciple Of the Canadian law.
Under this plan 1t would be unlawful
for the men to strike or for the roads
TO enforce a lockout pending investiga-
tion by q commission or board Of arbi-
| which the investigation might be car
ried on would probably be named in
the measure. though a shorter period
| might be fxed.
II this measure should be passed. II
would be made to apply to the present
controversy.
Could Enact Law.
1t is believed that such . law could be
enacted. 1t would not be compulsory
arbitration In that neither side would
be required to accept the findings. How
ever. public sentiment would exert
| strong pressure on both sides to accept.
A number OF Republican Senators are
| favorabiy inclined toward the plan. 1t
would bridge. over the existing difficult
| ty for the present.
The President wants to be empow-
| cred to add two more members td
the Interstate Commerce Commission.
pressed because 1t would be regarded
as equal to assuring the roads they
| could have higher rates.
Legislation for the eight-hour day.
legislation to authorize the President
to take over the roads. and various
| other plans are proposed. But IL II
unlikely these will be carried out.
The idea Of the legislation which
- n- - Ill ~
| dispose of tho present controversy
and not deal with labor disputes or
| railroad disputes in general.
Gravity ID Realized.
Tho gravity Of tho situation has come
to be fully realized In Congress since
the President visited the Capitol last
night to talk with Senator Kern. fol-
lowing his sudden visit to the Senate
Saturday afternoon.
Leaders OF Senate and House. without
regard to party. are saying that II q
strike cannot be prevented, then the
Government must act and act with the
force that the public, with the party
| most vitality interested In the situation.
will expect and demand.
Important informal conferences Will
| be held among Democratic leaders at
| the Capitol today on tho strike situa-
tion and the legislation which may be
President Wilson's program of leg
| islation or the program which will be
passed in case OF q strike. has not
been as yet authoritatively made pub
| lie. But IT has become known that
several measures are under considera-
| tlon.
Tentative Measures.
That tho President wants authority
to enlarge the Interstate Commerce
Commission to pave the way for
freight rate increases Is we'll known.
| A plan for partly compulsory arbitra-
| ton under a law like the Canadian act
providing for an investigation for .
year by q tribunal. and prevention of
strike, or lockout meantime. !: con-
like the New Zealand law is favored by
some.
Other plans proposed include passage
| Of an eight-hour law and a resolution
directing the Interstate Commerce Com
| mission to increase rates to correspond
with the Increase given the men.
Still other plans are proposed, and one
or more bills on arbitration are in readi-
| ness.
Would Prolong Session.
It 10 realized on all hands that the
session would be prolonged indefinitely
IL railroad legislation should become
necessary.
One plan which some favor and which
| will be advocated Is to give the PresI-
dent sweeping power to take over the
roads in case 1t becomes needful to pro-
tect the public welfare.
| Opposition In shown and will be bitter
| to the plan to increase the membership
|