The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1916-06-17
sR, 8. s., SATURDAY, JUNE II, 1916
GREAT STRIKE THREATENED.
THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND
RAILROAD MEN MAY QUIT.
NOuce Served on Managers Of Roads
by Labor Leaders-Demands Must
be Acceded to Avert Strike.


New. York, June 15.-Unless the
railroads agree this afternoon to the
employees demands three hundred
thousand men will walk out. The la
Dor leaders have served this notice on
the managers Of the roads.
New York, June IA continuance
OF the conference between representa-
tives of $4,000 railroad workers and
their employees called to avert q pos
sible general strike involving all the
roads in the United States, hinged to-
night upon the decision of the railroad
managers as to whether they would
oner q specific compromise to the
demands of their employees. The men
fatty rejected today the railroads ten
tative compromise proposal and ad-
journment was taken until tomorro "
when the managers will report
whether they are prepared to present
a definite proposition.
The managers went into an execu-
tive session that continued until late
tonight. Leaders Of the men an
nounced that no matter what the
offer Of the railroads, it will be re-
jected<unless all existing double COM
pensation rules are retained. They
are willing to compromise on the
| other issues involved--the eight hour
day and time and a. half for over
time. .;'H e
In their tentative compromise offer
the railroads have indicated their WILL
ingness to grant the demands Of the
men on condition that the double
compensation rules be abolished. The
men declare that such action would
not only nullify 25 years Of effort, but
Eaiso impair their earning power
Late tonight the railroad managers
authorized the statement that It. was
highly probable no counterproposition
/ would be made to the workers. Mem.
fberss Of the brotherhood also an.
nopnced that they expected the rail.
Eo9f wo.iId not meet their demand
~ - II - haaaxs Tor thsss home,
and send out call to vote on a gen.
eral strike. ~
The break came near the close OF
today's session when the railroad
managers finished answering most OF
the los questions propounded by the
men regarding the operation of their
tentative compromise offer. A. B.
Garretson, president Of the Order OF
Railroad Conductors, speaking for the
brotherhoods. informed Elisha Lee,
chairman Of the managers committee,
That the proposition was not accept
able to the men.
Then," asked Chairman Lee, ~
understand your position to be that
even II we told you we would accep.
your proposition, modified by ours,
you could not accept it?"
I'VE would not accept it," was Mr..
Garretson's reply. But" he added
Il want it distinctly understood we
could"
Nov. will say this" Chairman
Lee declared. "This thing is to our
mind as well as yours, quite a serious
proposition. 1t involves substantially
all the railroads in the country, and.
1t seems to me, we can not break until
we are definitely prepared to say to
each 'other-we are done! Tomorrow
morning. think. we will definitely
tell you how we stand on the whole
business"
Mr.. Garretson said If the offer of
the railroads was fair. settlement
might be reached.
I'VE have an immense settling
power on our side," he declared, al
though the power Of initiative lies
altogether with our rank and file. We
can settle at any stage of the game,
but o settlement would be absolutely
valueless that was counter to the rank
and file. This is preliminary crisis,
not the final one.'
Senator Lewis of Illinois then was