South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-08-09
PreS't GarretSon, Speaking
For Employees, Points Out
Mediation Must Not Be-
come Arbitration"
RAILWAYS PROPOSAL
WAS FIRST REJECTED
Union Leaders Finally Agree,
However, to Accept Ser
vices of Federal
Board.
International News Service

International News Service;
NEW YORK. Aug. "a strike OF
100000 railroad employees on the
railroads of the United States was
averted today This was assured this
afternoon when PRIEST A B. Carrot
son of the order or Railway Conduc-
tors. announced that the brother
hoods OF employees would accept me-
diation 10y the federal board of me-
diation and Cancellation.
The proposal that federal medi-
ators be called upon was made four
hours earlier by the railroad repre-
sentatives. but the brotherhoods'
leaders at that time declined to con-
slider the plan. Careful considera-
ton of the proposal, however, led
them to change their attitcde
Accept Mediation.
we shall accept mediation" Pres't
Garretson stated this afternoon. IT
must be immediate. however. Media
ton in this case must not be con-
fused with arbitration. We are
consenung to mediation, but not 70
arbitration.
Notice that the railroad employees
have accepted mediation provided il
We're promptly exercised was imme-
diately sent to the members OF the
federal board at their hotel
Notification was sent 20 Mr. Car
retson that the services of the medi-
alton board had been requested and
later it was reported that the board
might meet with the railroad presi-
dents this evening.
Judge Chambers. one Of the mem
bers of the board. explained that the
federal mediators had come 20 New
J ork 70 avoid delay and that no
time would now be lost in doing
everything possible.
The fact that the mediators are
TO meet the railroad presidents first
is explained by the precedent gov
erning the actions Of the board that
il shall always meet FIRST with the
faction asking first for it's services.
Propose Mediation.
When the conference between
committees representing the rail-
roads and the four principal unions
was resumed today. Elisha Lee.
chairman of the railroad committee,
read a communication addressed 10
the four labor leaders. suggesting
that the differences bee arhitrated by
the federal mediation board.
Lee, in his statement Said
Eve have given careful consider
alton 10 all phases of the PROPOSE
tons which you have made The
demands are so extraordinary that
we feel there is little probability Of
reaching a settlement through the
medium Of conferences. We there
fore believe the only course 20 be
pursued IS 10 submit the whole ques-
ton 20 the federal mediation board
and we respectfully invite you 10 join
US in making such an application"
Garrct-On Replies.
In reply % the proposition A. B.
Garretsou. spokesman for the four
brotherhOods. said that the men did
not believe that iutery ention Of q
third party necessary and that they
declined to join in the requests for
mediation.
I'm my opinion" he said. "the
men and employers should get to-
gether before mediation steps are
taken"
Mr.. Lee replying % sir. Garrett
son. said that II he CGarretsonD and
his associates declined 10 Join The
railroads in application for media
ton ne Lee) and his associates
would proceed at once 90 make such
an application
The other three labor leaders then
announced that they fully confirmed
what Mr.. Garretson had said
Mr. Lee then announced an ad-
journment until some word could be
had from the mediation board Mr.
GarretsOn and has associates signi-
fed their willingness 20 wait rea-
sonable time for .eport-