The Washington times., 1917-03-11
RAILROAD WORKERS
SUPPORT PRESIDENT
Promise to Cooperate in Troop
Movements Even II Strike
Comes.

On the eve of the meeting in WASH
ington OF representatives OF organ
lied labor who will determine the
part the union workingmen will play
IL the United States goes TO war,
President Wilson has received assur-
ances that the thousands of members
of the four great brotherhoods Of
railroad employees, in the event Of Q
general railroad, strike, will co-op-
crate with the Government to the
fullest extent In the moving OF
troops, equipment and supplies.
Four hundred representatives OF
the great railroad brotherhoods, In
secret session in Toledo yesterday,
prepared to fight for a settlement OF
the eight-hour law, the fate Of which
is now In the hands of the United
States Supreme Court. The course to
be pursued by the railroad men, II
was announced, is to be peaceful, II
possible; strike, II necessary.
Issues Statement.
W. G. Lee, president OF the Broth
erhood of Railway Trainmen. issued
a statement, made public today. an
nouncing that letter assuring Pres
ident Wilson of the cooperation OF
the trainmen in the event OF war -
now on its way to Washington
With delegates from every national
and international union in this coun-
try taking part in the deliberations, Z
the conference of one hundred labor
heads "a regarded as one OF the most
important steps to preparedness.
More than three million trade un-
ionists AFFILIATED with the American
Federation of Labor will be represent
ed when President Samuel Gompers
calls the delegates to order at 10
O'Clock tomorrow morning in Typo
graphical Temple.
Council Drafts Plans.
The executive council Of the fedora
tion will lay before the assemblage
the plans it has decided upon as rep
resenting the sentiment OF organized
labor. II any of the plans are con-
trary to the wishes of the conference,
they will be modified.
The proposals include. Arrangements
for the foundation Of a vast army of
trained tradesmen to supply the army
and navy of the United States with
war supplies.
Secrecy has clothed every move
ment of the council II is composed
of Samuel Gompers, chairman: Frank
John B. Lennon, James
Duncan, James O'Connell, Joseph F.
Valentine. John r. Alpine, H. B. Ter
nan, Frank Duffy, William Green, and
W. B. Mahon.
GOmpers One of 4 svisers.
Additional signifcance Is attached
10 the conference by reason of the
TACT that President 0amDsrs. of the
A. F. OF L., is a meruher of the ad-
yisory commission of the council OF
rational defense. Renresenfing this
body. he Is regarded a. peculiarly
tilted to propose preparedness plans.
The conference will settIo the ques
ion OF labor disputes h sfeni of war,
md steps will be taken % 81 ert labor
similar to those In England
md France when the Efuronsan war
Itarted.
Transportation, MANI act1 ring, min
ng, and construction wcrkers will
,e represented by the Eaiaxy Of labor
reads. In his call fer the meeting,
President Gompers Sc "a theEe Is an
critical sitnakicn which
he labor movement must meet at
,nce."
In his statement issusd n Toledo.
zee announced that the brotherhoods
AVE hit upon a plan 5y which they
Ieclare the eight-hour day must be-
ONE effective, regardless of whether
he Supreme Court declares the Ad-
mson law unconstiuttionaL The new
Ian was not explained. y q