Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-03-16
RAILROAD MEN
DEMAND HIGHER
WAGES BEFORE
WAR PREVENTS
Claim Is Made They Would
Not Get Recognition in
Case of HOstilities
MANAGERS URGE
THEM TO RECEDE

New York, March 15-At brief
session this morning the heads of
the railway brotherhoods present
ed an uitimatum to the managers
representing the railroads, in
which conditions similar to those
provided In the Adamson law were
demanded on threat Of strike.
The meeting then adjourned to
permit the managers to decide up
on an answer. which was schedul-
ed for delivery to the union heads
at q o'clock this afternoon.
The managers, after having
their luncheon brought in to them,
began consideration Of their an
swer. No counter proposition. It
was learned, was made by them to
that Of the brotherhoods. They
simply listened to the employees
spokesman.
An impression was gained, how
ever, that both sides we're in corr
ciIiatory mood and were willing to
thresh their controversy out II
there seemed a possible chance OF
reaching an amlcable agreement
II was believed by some that the
managers during their interim con-
ference would formulate counter
proposition, in which case there
was possibility that the Joint
conference would 90 over until to-
morrow before a conclusion 10
reached.
Chicago, March 15-it was said
here this afternoon by one in po-
sition to know that the brother
hoods compromise proposition
calls for an eight hour day with
pay for only nine hours instead OF
ten as originally demanded. II
would establish proportlonate
rate where pay is based on mile
age made.
The same authority said that
the managers probably would ao-
cept the proposition.
New York, March 15-The critics
situation Is the most IN
ortant factor in the conference OF raj
Dad labor chiefs and railroad mama
rs that met here today to prevent,
ossible, a national strike. Both Side
se it as an argument. and it is expec
d that IL the conference fails
chieve it's purpose President Wilso
,ill appeal to employees and employer
o settle their difference on the sam
round.
The 400. railroad brotherhoo
nen, according to their spokesman, v
!, Lee. are determined to make tn
light hour day fight because If Wa
anne patriotism would make them fe'
bliged to stay at work.
I'VE feel confident says a stat
nent issued by the managers, thi
he patriotism and loyalty Of our me
viii not countenance any rash NOV
nent which may seriously embarras
he government and give the impre
ion outside our border that this coul
ry is torn by Industrial strife an
therefore, is easy prey to any foreie
oe"
1T is too late for them to now pos
s. patriots, hoping thereby to defe'
ne lust contentious of their er
,Ioyes," says a statement issued
he brotherhood leaders in answer
his appeal.
The railroad managers entered II
conference today with the declaratic
hat they would make no bargain unit
he supreme court had ruled on II
Of the Adamson LAY
rhe brotherhoods insist that the pr
,isions of the Adamson law be put !
O effect beginning the first Of Jan
lry. They demand ten hours pay Il
light hours work and pro rata pay Il
III overtime. The important diffe
,nce between these demands ar
hose submitted last December whit
he railroad situation first reached
.risis is that the latter called for tin
md half pay for overtime work.
The position Of the employees whe
he conference opened was that
hese demands were not granted
trike would begin next Saturday mig
md extend through the country with
he next three weeks.
Our position said statement
sued by the hrotherhoods last nigh
lis the same as if there were no Adal
ION law and no decision pendin
Whether the decision is for or again
he law our demands, which We sha
present tomorrow. will be unaltere
4 the law Is upheld it would give |
what we will ask for tomorrow. II
S thrown out we will stand pat al
AXE no less than the Adamson la
hova ciuop -