The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-11-24
LET PRESIDENT
SETTLE QUESTION
Free Rein to be Given by Rail
roads in Working Out Prob
lens of Industrial
Disputes.
ADAMSON LAW TOPIC
American Federation Of Labor to Dis
cuss Measure on tho Floor
Of the Annual
Convention.
LAW TOPIC

by Robt. J. Bender, United Press
Staff Correspondent >
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-Presi-
dent Wilson will be given free rein
by the railways of the country n
working out legislative remedies fer
industrial disputes. 1t was le armed
today assurances to this effect have
come from railroad officials. The
reasons are two fold. First it has
become known the roads in devoting
their entire time in combating the
constitutionality of the Adamso
eight hour law have not conside-e1
formulation. of plan which would
meet the approval of the brother
hoods.
Second, the road executives believe
the president can be depended upon
by themselves. the brotherhoods and
the public to put forth a feasible
plan that will eliminate the strikes
to which transport alton systems now
are subjected and which would be
supported by all parties concerned.
It was admitted today after frequent
conferences Of the railroad execu-
tives to formulate some definite plan
of eliminating strikes and lockouts.
1t was decided to put the whole thing
up to Wilson.
In this connection 1t was explained
the executives have reached the con-
clusion that any such plan submitted
by them could not be regarded "the
best and most satisfactory" since it
might be looked upon as measure
constructed Gin submission to the ac
knowledged power Of labor and tenn
pered with the threat Of strike by
the workers"
VIII Discuss Law.
BALTIMORE, Md, Nov. 24.-The
Adamson law was expected to be a
football on the floor of the American
Federation Of Labor convention to-
day. With the general subject of the
shorter working day up for action,
socialist members of the federation
were ready to press home the advan-
tage given them in their long fight
with the federal administration over
the question of obtaining shorter
hours by legislation rather than by
sticking strictly to labor organiza-
ton means. The reply Of the admin
istration is that the Adamson law was
thrust upon organized labor without
being asked for. Speeches Of the
brotherhood heads here Tuesday to
this effect are cited In support of the
contention. Militarism is due fer fur
ther consideration-and probable ar
gument-with report Of the resolu-
tions committee empowered Wednes-
day to make a report outlining the
federation's general views on the sub
ject. These views will be supple
ment to the resolution already
adopted criticising Secretary Baker.
for agreeing to furnish military in
structors and arms to all schools that
desire them.
Kansas City Suits.
KANSAS CITY. Mo, Nov. 24.-No
information regarding the agreement
reached here today by railroad OFF,
cials and government representa-.
tives as to whether the Santa Fe or
the Missouri, Oklahoma and Gulf case
has been selected as the case to test
the validity of the Adamson eight
hour law, in the United States su-
preme court, will be given out until
word has been received from Wash
ington.
2. Marvin Underwood, assistant
United States attorney general, who