The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-08-19

Washington, Aug. 19-Aftes, an hours conference with President Wilson today, the 33 railroad presidents left the White House without giving any indication that they had abandoned their stand for ar bitration but with assurances that the negotiations were not ended.
 The railroad executives gave no final answer to the Presi- dents proposals but will delib- crate on them today and see President Wilson again proba- ply Monday.
 In his address to the officials, President Wilson said:
 eff a strike comes, the public will know where the responsi- biiity rests It will not be upon me-" !
 While the railroad presidents were in conference with President Wilson a ment outlining his plan of settlement and saying:
 ''It seems to me a thoroughly prac- tical and entirely fair program and r think the public has the right to ex- pect its acceptance"
 President Wilson's statement fol- lows:
 T have recommended the conces- cfn of fIo o;o su ubstitution of an eight hour day for the present ten hour day in the ex- isting practices and agreements. [ made this recommendation because I believe the concession right. The eight hour day now undoubtedly has the sanction of the judgment of so- ciety in its favor and should be adapt ed as basis for wages even where the actual work to be done cannot be completed within eight hours.
 Concerning the adjustments which should be made, in justice to the rail- roads and their stockholders, in the payment and privileges to which their men are now entitled eff such adjust ments are necessary there is a wide divergenca of oninfon.
 The railroads, which have already
  seem to be at any serious disadvantage in respect of their cost of operation as compared with the railroads that have retained the 10 hour day and calcu- lations as to the cost of the change must, if made now. be made without regard to any possible administrative economies. or readjustments.
 "Only experience can make it cer- fof xxyI,o ryc onfC I,o fair and equitable, either on behalf of the men or on behalf of the rail- roads. That experience would be ade- quate guide to the interstate conn merce commission, for example in determining whether, as a conse- quence of the change, it would be necessary and right to authorize an increase of rates for the handling and carriage of freight (for passenger ser vice is not affected).
 T, therefore, proposed that the de- mand for extra pay for overtime made by the men and the contingent pro- posals of the railroad authorities, be postponed until facts shall have taken the place of calculations and forecast with regard to the effects of change to the eight-hour day; and that in the meantime, while experience was developing the facts, I should seek and, if need be. obtain authority from Congress to appoint a small body of impartial men to observe and thor oughly acquaint themselves with the results, with a view to reporting to Congress at the earliest possible time the facts disclosed by their inquiries but without recommendation of any kind; and that it should then be .en- tirely open to either or both parties to the present controversy to give notice of termination of the present agreements with view to instituting inquiry into suggested djustments to pay or practice.
 ''This seems to be a thoroughly practical and entirely fair program and I think that the public has the right to expect its acceptance"
 The employees committee of GAO having voted to accert President Will 1 sons plan and thereby put the things up to the railroads" had another meet ing today to talk things over.
 (Continued on Page Two.)