Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-08-17

ment Should the present method Of
procedure seem about to fail, it was
thought probable to-day he would take
the public into his confidence
Discussion of the creation of n fed
cral commission to Investigate the rail-
road situation centercd largely to-day
around the contention Of railroad Of
ficials that such a commission would
be able to get at all the facts and be
able to prevent a recurrence Of the
present crisis.
The President has taken up with
both sides suggestions as to the best
way to make up commission which
would he satisfactory.
The principal reasons advanced by
the managers in insisting on arbi-
tration were their belief that the whole
principle of arbitration is at stake, and
points made during the consideration
of their recent petitions for a five per
cent increase in freight rates The
interstate commerce commission inti-
mated at that time that when railroad
officials gave wage Increases of their
own accord and without arbitration
they must bear the consequences.
During the day the managers COM
/
I data on the cost to the railroads of an
eight hour day This data they planned
] to present to the President to uphold
their position. 1t was anticipated that
the managers would not give a decision
on the Presidents plan until after they
hold meeting following their con-
ference with Mir. Wilson.
All day petitions from unorganized
.I ] roll a
general strike continued to arrive at the
White House The President also re-
cevcd letters and kilograms from many
individuals and organizations urging him
to do his utmost to prevent a tie up OF
the country's railroads.
Members Of Congress kept in close
touch with the situation, although it was
understood no determined effort toward
congressional action would he taken un-
less recommended by the President or
unless his efforts to avert strike should
fail.
With q view of giving the entire COM
mittee the fullest opportunity to discuss
the Presidents proposal, or any other
propositions which might arise, the broth
erhood leaders tonight rented a hall for
conferences. The first meeting will be
before calling at the White House Lead
ers plan 20 hold another meeting after the
conference with the president.
General discussion of the situation will
be encouraged at all of these meetings it
was said, by brotherhood leaders The
problem is too big, they maintain for the
subcommittee 20 attempt to dictate what
should be done by the fun committee, auc
they propose that responsibility for the
final decision shall fall ON the entire $40
men.
Most Of the brotherhood leaders who
have been comforting with the President,
it was declared, would he willing to nego-
tiatc all ISSUES to the controversy except
the guaranteed hourt day. With it as
surcd them beyond all doubt. it was said,
they would he inclined to accept any fair
: proposition for settling collateral issues.
Even the proposal of pro rata pay for
over time, which would mean an in
, crease of from 90 to % per cent to en-
ploycS working extra hours. was said to
appeal to them. 1t was reiterated that the
original proposal Of time and a half for
over time was merely included in the en-
pl"NeS' demands for the purpose OF en-
forcing an eight hour day agreement,
should one be entered into,