The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-08-28
WILSON SPRINGS

Continued from page IL
Wilson today took up what may be his
last weapon against nationwide in
dustrial paralyzation. He put congress
ton.
Indicating the belief on the presi-
dents part that chances Of averting
the threatened break between the
railroads and the railroad brother
hoods have grown slender, the call on
congress is said to be not only for leg
islation to aid in preventing a strike,
but to handle the strike should it
occur, He was said to be. ready to
appeal to congress for legislation
alcng the following lines:
Such as might aid in the preven-
ton of a strike should all his own
efforts fail
Providing an adequate legal meth
Cd for immediate settlement should
the strike actually occur.
Provisions for handling the situa-
ton, keeping the trains moving.
Consultations All Day Sunday.
Details of such legislation occupied
Senator Newlanlds and Secretary Lane,
the presidents confidential adviser in
the cabinet, thruout yesterday. After
a final conference the president was
informed that legislation such as he
had in mind could be put thru con-
gress at this session
The presidents conference with the
rajlroad presidents committee of eight
at which the final terms of the
railroads were to be presented in writ
ten form. was deferred today from 10
a m. to 2:30 %. m.
The president then made an unpre-
cedented night trip to the capitol and
discussed his plans with Senator Kern,
Democratic floor leader. If specula-
ton, doubt and uncertainty marked
the general strike situation Saturday,
it may be said that today's develop
ments promised in rapid order a clear
ing up of the now dangerous and
perplexing situation. The president
was to see both sides today
A Clean Cut Deadlock
The railroads expected to ignore his
eight-hour proposal for peace and
stand pat for arbitration. The en-
ployes. unless they were prepared
with some entirely unexpected move,
strike. All manner of reports were
current today as to the presidents
next move. The indications were,
however, that the president would go
before congress Immediately and urge
the passage of a measure drawn along
the lines of the Canadian disputes act,
providing for investigation of all in
dustrial disputes by a commission.
Such commission would have the
power of forcing mediation and inyes-
tigation but would have no power of
enforcing its findings. Public opin-
ion. however, it is said, has in ma
Jor1ty of cases. served as a lever in
forcing acceptance of the commits
sion's report Such a bill would be
passed and utilized before any strike
which might be called by the en-
ployes could actually get under way
and in the hope that it would prevent
it.
To Increase 1. C. C.
To assist in settlement, should a
strike arise, a bill increasing the MEM
bership of the interstate commerce
commission from seven to nine men,
bers with authority to divide into
groups. is practically agreed on.
Means of extending of federal pow
ers to keep the railroads running in
case of a strike, have proved a real
stumbling block and nothing tangible
has been done. It is known the pres
ident has no desire to have the govern
ment take over the railroads.
Another report today was that the
president might appeal to the broth
erhoods to postpone any contemplated
strike action for sufficient time to en-
able him to get thru with a settlement
without endangering the country.
There was more talk among sena-
tors and congressman today rega riding
the passage of an eight-hour- law.
covering not only railroad emp1oye
but the employees of all corporations
and industries.
+. r. President Goes to Washington.
Chicago, Aug. 2S.-A. J. Earring,
president of the C. M. and ST. p, rail-
road departed for Washington today
in response tic a call regarding the