Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-08-28

E.r, "reparding arrangements for a
Joint session of Congress until we &c.
further word from the Presloeht. M II,
~ not likely until conferences sehe" :.
uled for this afternoon, are cohciuaea.
The situation was viewed on all Sizes
as the most perilous since the nesptia
tions began two weeks ago. ne n ~,
Of the President and administrator
leaders was in the possibility OF set I'm
the brotherhood men to give more eiihe
to continue the negotiations
Awaiting Word From the President
Resigned to remaining In Washins-
ton to undertake any legislation thal
is necessary in the railroad Crisis
members of Congress today were study
ING the problem and anxiously awaiting
,,o-a from the President regarding IL
NJ o,a eyceut senators who have oeeh
in confidential touch with fresioe.'l
Wilson on the subject had any oeiilii n's
idea of what the President may
Congress to do. Many members OF pom
houses, however, nave lucas
own in the matter. ;,r,.d
pending the meetings of the raiiroao
men with the President, scneouieu ioi
TODAY at the White House. the
crstic leaders of the Senate were pre-
narinp for emergencies. It Is tnelr
heIief that the President Will go peIore
a Joint session of the senate ~
House. probably tomorrow. 10 ias INC
whole railroad situation De ~ ,eeisla-
ZION which will prevent the tIe-up y,
the country's commerce by means OF
railroad strike.
Steering Committee Plans Meeting.
A meeting of the democratic steering
committee of the Senate was planned
for the purpose of considering the ies
islatiye situation. Senator Ne~lahos'
chairman Of the interstate commerce
committee. was ready 10 can ms 70
consider legislation relating to the rail-
road situation. should it become heces-
sary. ia. ...;st-
ant Attorney General Todd, senator
Newlands returned to the Capitol with
tentative drafts of proposed leglsia-
ton and Immediately sought senator
Cummins. one of the progressive re-
publican leaders and member OF 'he
interstate commerce committee
these senators conferred at length IN
the Senate cloakroom.
So far the leaders who have talked
with the President regarding the rali-
road situation have declined 70 say
what Legislative program the Ffeeoeh'
has in mind.
stronger:
That the President will seek fegisia-
tion for compulsory arbitration OF ais
putes between the railroads ana thelr
That he will seek to have the bill en-
larRinR the interstate commerce com
mission from seven to nine members en-
acted into law.
In some quarters 1t is believed. too,
that the President will ask Congress TO
nut through an eight-hour-wo
day law. SO far as transportation com.
panies engaged in interstate commerce
are concerned.
Congress Has Power.
congress has the power to enact
LEGISLATION for compulsory arbitration
under the Constitution, and the gov
eminent has the power to enforce suca
a law, according to the belief OF the
Senate leaders. They pointed out today
that such a law did not prevent mars
stopping work whenever he wanted 70,
but that it would strengthen the hand
Of the federal government in prevent
ing interference with the transport
ton of the mails and interstate con-
merce in the event Of strike.
Such law probably would enJoin
strike pending the settlement OF a di-
uute between the railroads and their EN-
ployes by arbitration
4 strike in this country. it wa.
pointed out, does not mean merei!
quitting work. 1t has taken on many
other meanings. and in very many
cases has meant the employment OF
force by one side or the other to bring
about its end. It, is TO- enjoin thc9e
sssfvfties. other than the mere quit
ting of work. that the federal govern
ment would be called upon in the event
\ strike was undertaken by the rail-
road employees.
Progressive republican senators who
have made the railroad problems of the
nation a subject OF study for many
Years declared today that, in their
opinion, the first thing the President
would ask Congress to do in the event
% actual strike would be to direct
the aDDointment OF federal receiver
ships for the railroads. to be operated
Gnaer government auspices during the
period of the conflict.
The probability of legislation for gov
eminent ownership was too remote to
be considered ia this crisis. they tde
ela'ed. although some Of them are advo-