The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-11-20
Authorized to Decide Qucs-
tions of Wages. Hours,
Working Conditions.
CRISIS NEXT THURSDAY
President Then Will See Four
Brotherhood Heads Opposed
to ArbitratiOn.s

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19.-Railway man.
ayers Of the country will meet the emer-
gency OF any threatened strike OF the
operatives by placing their case unre-
servedly and without restriction az to
his action in the hands Of the President.
This decision was reached to-day fol-
lowing a telegram of complete sanction
by the American Railway War Board, Of
which Fairfax Harrison, president Of the
Southern Railway. is chairman. Early
to-day Judge William NJ. Chambers OF
the United States Board of Mediation
and Cancellation met with the board
here. The meeting followed the tele-
graphic appeal 10 the lines for the con-
centration Of the authority to act or be-
half OF the entire railway organization
# the nation. and as a result in answer
to this appeal Chairman Harrison
handed a letter to Judge Chambers for
transmission to the President.
Letter to President Wilson.
The text of the letter, following its re-
view by the President, was given to the
public tonight. 1t reads:
this morning in reply to your inquiry
ss to what will be the attitude of the
railways with respect to the manner
Of settlement Of any demands for in
crcaSes in pay or changes In working
conditions which during the war may
be made upon them by employees.
Speaking for all the railways to-day
ye reite:a ate our belief in and general
ceptance OF the principle Of arbtra-
lion. In the midst of war we are.
however. prepared to go further. As
no Interruption of the countrys rail.
road operation can be tolerated under
Nar conditions we are ready should
any crisis :ow arise unreservedly to
place our interests In the hands Of the
= esident for protection and for dis
position as he may determine Is neces-
sary for the public interest.
In making the letter public Judge
Chambers evnced great satisfaction at
N. completeness with which the rail-
way heads are meeting the emergency
u the war He expressed the hope that
ne heads of the railway brOtherhoods
would show a similar tendency toward
placing complete reliance in the Presi-
dent
Brotherhood Heads Agreed.
The four brotherhood heads, Judge
tLanbers said, have agreed that there
shall he no definite action pending the
consideration of all facts Of the situ-
atom by the Board of Mediation. He
explained that the brotherhood leaders
had not agreed TO arbitration. but they
had taken the definite step of agreeing
not 10 act precipitately and to listen to
what President Wilson may have to tell
them at their appointed conference on
Thursday.
Judge Chambers made it evident that
ne felt that further danger Of strike
lad been practically averted. He said
he did not look for a repetition Of the
action taken by the brotherhoods In Sep
,ember 1916. but expected a peaceful
and satisfactory settlement OF the pres
cnt pending question of wage advances
20 grow out of the White House con-
.erence.
Possibility OF stoppage in the steady
low Of commerce. thereby paralyzing
he nations war preparations. was be-
ieved by officials to have passed. They
expected that an agreement to leave the
wage question TO an impartial tribunal
would result from Thursdays confer
ence, and already suggestions for means
20 forestall any further agitation con-
eeruing wages and conditions OF work
during the war. which at the same time
would protect the workers in maintain
'ng their standards of life in the midst
Vi war prices, are under consideration.
studying EnRland's Example.
highlands example of allowing the
Board Of Trade to regulate wages at
Htervals Of several months and at the
same time adjust rates to protect the
'allroads Is being given close study.
Some form OF continuing arbitration
i - believed confidently, will result from
he Presidents conference and succeed
ng negotiations. For their part the
railroads have indicated that they may
ask FOR some form of control of wages
and rates similar to that in effect to
regulate coal wages and prices.
brotherhood officials said increased
wages were necessary to maintain the
'perating personnel Of the roads against
ne Inducements Of higher wages paid in
"'h"r industries which have Government
contracts.
Recruiting Of railroad regiments for
'"rvice IN France. enlistment in the army
ma the operation of the draft law also
''\" aided in depicting the number of
Eh!y trained railroad men.