The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-08-09
Questions Before 225 Roads
Will Be Fought Out.
United States Board Will Ad-
Just the Differences.
U. S. OFFICIALS ARE ON SCENE
Entire Board of Mediation in n.
Y. Watch Every Move.
Delegates of 100000 Employees
Delay Calling Strike.


New York. Aug. 9.-The threatened
strike of the 400. 900 railway employees
of the United states was averted to-
day when the railroad brotheraooos
accepted proffer of the United states
board of mediation and Cancellation to
mediate their differences with the
railroads.
Representatives of 100000 train
men employed on 225 railroads Of the
United States earlier today declared
they would not arbitrate demands for
an eight hour day and other conces-
sions Armed with power to call
strike. tying up 100000 miles of rail-
ways. they said they would discuss the
questions involved with railway Off
cials. but will not consent to calling an
an intermediary. Later, however
they accepted the mediation plan.
This notice served upon the rail-
way managers today by A. b. Garret-
SON head Of the conductors brotner-
hood brought the situation between
the employees and employers to a
deadlock within an hour after the
first of :heir scheduled conferences
was called. Elisha Lee, spokesman
for the railroad managers, declared
the railroads would insist upon medl-
alton
Board Offers Service.
Members of the federal mediation
and Cancellation board are now here.
with the conference deadlocked. the
meeting broke up and the t1iiway
managers set out in search of the gov
ernment mediators. The brotherhood
officials went into executive session.
Elisha Lee formally invited the
United States board to offer its good
offices in reaching a settlement short
Iy before noon today
Members of the board. who are here
,Fe- aCf
framed a letter to the representatives
of the employees. asking that the de-
mands be submitted to the board
Judge Martin Knapp, chairman or
the board. said this afternoon meet
inE of the representatives of the em-
ployes and employers may be called
this evening.
Garretson said the employees would
meet with the board but are unwilling
TO Join the employers in asking for the
services of the mediators.
Arbitration Only Way Out.
Elisha Lee chairman of the railroad
conference. in proposing that their
differences be mediated by the federal
board called attention to the fact that
the brotherhoods had previously de-
clined arbitration under ths Newlands
act providing for six arbitrators, but
that the railroads saw no other way
out of their difficulties than through
mediation. Mr.. Garretson. retterattng
the contention of the brotherhoods
that in previous attempts to settle dlf-
ferences with the railroad through the
federal boards, the brotherhoods had
failed to obtain satisfactory awards.
said that the unions believed they
could reach a settlement by dealing
directly with the roads.
"T believe" he said, settlement of
our differences can be much better at
Gained hy dealing directly with you
without the interference Of a third
party"
The reply of the railroads was de-
livered by Elisha G. Lee. of the Penn
sylvania. On behalf of the employees,
A B. Garretson. head of the conduc-
tors brotherhood, declined to accept
mediation. declaring the employees had
found arbitration unsatisfactory in
previous instances and furthermore
that the two sides were in position to
confer directly without any inter
mediary.
Lee responded that regardless of
the attitude taken by the employees.
the representatives of the railways
would attempt to enlist the services
of the federal mediation board.
Board Goes to New York.
New York. Aug, 9.-Determined to
SEQ their demands granted, and re-
luctant to consider arbitration, repre-
sentatives of more than 400, 900 train
employees on more than $50. 900 miles
of steam railways, met again TODAY
with 4 committee representing the
employers to learn what action would
be taken as result of the over
WhelHinsly strike vote announced
yesterday.
The determined stand of the en-
ployes has brought all the members
OF the United States board of media
tion and conciliation to New York
watching every move The board will
meet today to consider the situation
and will probably offer its services TO
the employers and representatives of
the four brotherhoods before the ses-
sion adjourns
A. B. Garretson. president of the
order OF Railway Conductors before
the railroads reply was made TODAY
SAID, NO sane man would refuse me-
diauon.' but his manner indicated
plainly that the employees would in
sist upon the original demands.
Unions Hold Conference
Immediately following the reading
OF the decision of the employers and
the reply of the employees an execu-
tive meeting Of representatives of the
100000 train employees was called to
consider the employers stand.
Representatives of the EMPLOYERS
headed by Elisha Lee, chairman of
the national conference of the rail-
ways. started at once to find members
OF the United States board of media
ton and conciliation and to present
their request for help to them per
sonally. At the close of the session
today Mr.. Lee said that the employers
would seek mediation regardless of
the decision of the employees.