The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-08-31

Washington, August 30-All the In
huence of the administration was
brought to bear today in an effect to
persuade the railrotd brotherhood
leaders to cancel or postpone the or
der calling a nationwide strike Mon
day, while leaders in Congress began
paving the way for legislation de-
signed to prevent or stop the threat
ened industrial catastrophe. Little
tangible progress was made in either
direction, but nevertheless in official
quarters tonight, there still prevails
confidence that in one way or another,
the walkout would be averted.
To the spokesman of President Will
son who approached them, all of the
brotherhood officials gave the same
reply that they had no power to re-
call the strike order and that only
one thing-"a satisfactory settle
ment"-could keep their men at work
after z o'clock Monday morning. Fur
Their pressure will be brought to bear,
and, as last resort, the Presiden.
Is considering a public appeal to the
men themselves to have the order
rescinded.
Proposed Enactment Approved
Apparently the legislation which is
being counted upon to save the broth
erhoods is that part of the Presidents
program which would fix an eight-hour
day for railroad employees engaged IN
operating trains in interstate COM
merce, and provides for an investiga-
ton of its effects by commission vi
board This embodies the principle
features OF the Presidents original
plan, accepted by the trainmen, and
w. G. Lee, head of the trainmen, said
tonight that any enactment with a
guarantee of the present rates Of daily
pay would be regarded by the brother
hood leaders as a satisfactory settle
ment.
Immediately upon its becoming a
law, he said, the brotherhood leaders
would send out the code measure noti-
flying general chairmen that the strike
order should not go into effect. Even
some of the Congressional leaders who
opposed other features Of the program
say such a law could be passed.
congressman to Hear Factions
The Senate virtually sidetracked
the emergency revenue bill for an all
day debate on the crisis, while the
Interstate Commerce Committee ar
ranged for hearings beginning at 8
O'Clock tomorrow morning when rep
resentatiyes Of both sides will be
heard. Three hours will be given to
each side, and then the committee
will begin drafting legislation into
shape for presentation to the Senate
Saturday.
One dominant thought in the minds
OF members of Congress generally re-
suited I'm the introduction late in the
day of a resolution by Senator Blair
Lee, of Maryland, calling upon Of
ficials OF the railroad brotherhoods TO
postpone execution OF the strike or
der for one week to give Congress suf-
ficient time for intelligent conndera-
ton OF legislation suggested in Presi-
dent Wilson's message, The reso-
luton was referred to the Interstate
Commerce Committee without dis
cussion.
Emergency Legislation First
Opinions In the Senate, after the
debate. concentrated on the
urgent necessity for emergency action
first, proposals for permanent legis-
lation TO be considered thoroughly
after danger of an immediate tie-up
had been passed. This sentiment was
echoed In conference OF House leaders
The Interstate Commerce Commit.
lee discussed the proposed legislation
late In the day, but postponed action
until after tomorrow's hearing. In
the meantime word came from thel
House side that Representative fda-l-