Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-03-14
MANAGERS DECLARE
HANDS ARE TIED
Insist They Can Not Act to Avert
Strike Pending Decision Of Supreme
Court on Validity Of Adamson Act
Brotherhood Chiefs Deny Insinua-
tions Of DisloyaIty to Nation-RaiI-
roads Declare Embarsoes.


juncture Of International affairs. It
was stated authoritatively today thai
he expects the railroads and the men
at their conference tomorrow to con-
slider the state Of the country's foreign
relations and make every possible ef-
fort to agree. 1t is thought possible ne
may appeal to both sides on that
ground.
Today the president was kept in
touch with the situation thru Secre-
tary Wilson, Of the department of labor.
The stipulation signed by counsel for
the government and all railroads last
November and made a part Of the SUI
preme court test case provides that all
other litigation should remain in abey-
ance pending the courts decision.
Brotherhood representatives were not
parties to the stipulation and 1t does
not provide that changes in existing
wage scales shall be made while await
ing the outcome Of the test.
The court is regarded as without ju-
risdiction over any brotherhood repre-
sentatives. but attorneys believe the
court has jurisdiction and authority to
compel adherence by the government
Eand dfthe areads stolt lthe#.stipylation as far
as its provisions extend.
Men Plan "Dsfinite Action"
w. E. Stone, chief of the Brother
hood of Locomotive Engineers, acting
as spokesman for the railroad organi-
,zation, said last night:N
1--WE are discussing plans of definite
action. Conditions remain unchanged
and there is nothing further to re-
port" =
tive committee of the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor, with Samuel Gompers
presiding. Mr.. Stone and the other
heads of the railroad brotherhoods-L.
E. Sheppard, representing the con-
ductors; w. G. Lee, the trainmen, and
w. S. Carter, the f1remen-announced
finally that they intend to force at
once and to final issue the fight for
an eight-hour day and overtime wages.
They claim they want the question
settled before the actuality Of war
faces the United States.
Pledge Support in War.
They passed a resolution pledging
their support and assistance in run
ming the railroad trains should war,
occur. This resolution, it is UNDER
stood. was forced by President Com
pers Of the American Federation Of
Labor, who has pledged the president
the support of labor in event Of war.
Mr. Gompers is a member of the coun-
Gil of national defense, and fears COM
Wandering legislation.
This attitude of the brotherhood
chiefs is considered sinister and men,
acing by the administration in the
present hour of international uncer-
tainty. The brotherhood chiefs have
not been at the White House during
their two days conference here, and
bad faith is charged against them by,
administration friends. Secretary Of
Labor Wilson sought them to ascer-
tain their plans, but they hid them
selves in conference.
Mediation Offer UnavaiIina.
The board of mediation and con-
ciliation, Judge, Martin A. Knapp,
chairman, Commissioner William l..
Chambers and Assistant Commits
sioner g. w. w. Hanger, held out un-
availingly thruout the day its profter
of mediation services with the railroad
managers in New York.
Senator Newlands, chairman Of the
senate interstate commerce commits
sion, who was instrumental in rush.
ing thru the senate the Adampn eight
hour law that averted the threatened
strike last September. said he had not
been invited by the brotherhood chiefs
to take UP with them any present
grievances.