Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-08-26
carriers to accedt to fair compromise,
and that he can not he held reSnnnsihln

carriers to accedt to fair compromise,
and that he can not be held responsible
for the consequences.
[ According to Information from the
White House, however, the president
will assure, the ~ bic that he: will sil,-
ploy every ouncf OF his power to pre-
vent Interruption OF transportation un-
der conditions that will procure the
employees the rights they demand.
Breaking Point Reached.
Following 9 series OF stormy sessions
yesterday and last night the railroad
presidents agreed to make counter
proposal to President Wilson today,
conceding the principle OF the eight
snour day, but demanding arbitration
Of the question OF the wages to be paid
for such day.
President Wilson's original proposal
provided tnat the present pay which
the men get for. ten hours work should
be given them for the reduced hours
and overtime at pro rata pay.
Havs Strike Order Ready.
The brotherhood chiefs said they
would not accept this compromise.
They assert they will strike. first, and
they point out that they are all ready
to order the men to quit their Jobs.
They even have the strike order
printed, with only the date OF issuance
missing. and they claim to have con-
verted all their resources into cash and
quickly convertible securities and tina:
the total amount available to care for
the strikers Is SIS. 100000.
The action Of the railroad presidents
was in consequence Of several events
which transpired during the day and
afternoon.
spokesmen of the brotherhoods
told the president that they are
experiencing great difficulty in re-
straining the GAO chairmen In Wash
ington, who believe the situation is be-
ing toyed with by the railroad execu-
tives, and hold that the. only thing to
do is to 90 back home and order the
strike.
Promisss Adjustment Today.
!, Mr. Wilson informed his callers that
until Thursday night the railroad Off
cials were unwilling to make conces-
sions without aunacceptabl BILE conditions.
He promised that he would give def
mite answer by noon today. intimating
that unless the railroad response was
satisfactorily he would release the man
from the pledges they had made to
him.
Then the president sent for the COM
and to the point with them. He told
them that the negotiations were drag
ging and that he could not permit any
further procrastination. He said he
must ask for prompt action.
When the railroad heads were in
formed of the presidents notsscation
the lid blew of. What was said by
some Of them about Mr.. Wilson isn't
1T for publication.
Fear Result in Future.
81 The excuse is that they have been at
q high state Of tension for days: that
they have resented the presidents ac-
tion In failing to hear their side be-
fore presenting his program, which they
recognize az an ultimatum; that they
are apprehensive Of the effect of an
eight-hour day upon their pron ~ies
and that his rejection Of arbfs
they figure. will place them at tn,
mercy OF unions in the future,
Yet sore As the railroad executives
- at Mr.. Wilson, few dare to take
the responsibility OF leaving Washing
ton without an agreement. thereby pre-
cipitating q strike.
These officials hold their proposal is
fair because 1t grants the eight-hou
day for which Mr.. Wilson asked and
which. on the surface the brotherhoods
demand. 1t is pointed out that II the
get the eight hour day
and refuse to arbitrate the wage end
of the proposition they will give the
lie to their declaration to the president
that this is a fight for the eight hour
day and nothing else.