Daily Kennebec journal., 1916-08-19
Possible Concessions

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With the situation thus apparently
at a deadlock, the only hope in the
situation lay in reports that the rail-
road officials might suggest counter
proposal forming the basis Of a set
tlement, or that one side or the other
might recede from it's present posi-
ton
Hear Presidents Plan
Thirty-one presidents and ranking
officials Of the great railroads received
from the President this afternoon his
plan for the adoption of an eight-hour
day, regular pro rata pay for over
time, and creation of a federal COM
mission to investigate collateral is
sues. They told him they would like
to consider the question and would
report back tomorrow with the COM
mittee of managers which has been
conducting negotiations.
Employees Approval
At the same time, the general COM
mittee Of GAO representatives Of the
employees was approving the Presi-
dents plan by large majority and
soon after the railroad officials left
the White House the four brotherhood
heads delivered to the President
letter notifying him of the vote. The
employees committee will remain here
at the Presidents call.
While the railroad officials would
make no formal statement, they re-
vealed clearly their opposition to M.
Wilson's plan and indicated that they
would press further their offer to ar
bitrate all the points at issue.
In spite of these developments, it
was reported that the officials might
suggest a counter-proposal based on
the acceptance Of the eight-hour day
and arbitration Of all other points in
stead Of the investigation by fed
eral commission proposed, under the
Presidents plan.
1t was stated positively. however,
that the officials had reached no def
mite decision on their future course.
APP0ai 20 IndNCIeFS
In case the President finds no hope
Of settlement during his conference
with the railroad officials tomorrow. he
probably will summon to Washington
some Of the powerful financiers Of the
country serving as directors Of the rail-
roads. Administration officials said to-
night no had by no means given up
hope of effecting a settlement and was
determined that 1t shall be reached, if
possible, before the representatives Of
both sides now here leave Washington.
In their informal statements the rail-
road officials insisted on arbitration on
the ground that If they gave in this
time it would mean the abandonment
Of the principles Of arbitration and be-
cause they feared that II they granted
the e:ght-hour day with its consequent
added expense without resort to arbi-
tration, II would prejudice any appeal
they might make later to the Interstate
Commerce Commission for higher
freight rates.
On the surface the threatened strike
appeared nearer today than at any
time since the negotiations at the
White House began. but administration
officials containued to believe some
concessions would be made, and that
eventually there would be an agree
ment.
Having accepted the Presidents plan
of settlement, the committee Of en-
ployes took no further action tonight
and awaited developments. They were
expecting summons to the White House
again after the meeting tomorrow be-
tween. Mr.. Wilson and the railroad OIL
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