The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-01-07
MAKES STRIKE OR
LOCKOUT UNLAWFUL
PENDING INQUIRY
Congressman Adamson Introduces
Bill to Prevent Labor Disturbances
Before Investigation.
PROVIDES FOR GENERAL
RAILROAD EIGHT-HOUR LAW
But Overtime May BE Permitted After
Investigation by Interstate Com
merce Commission at Pro Rata
Rate.

Washington. Jan. "a new and
drastic eight hour railroad law, pro-
viding compulsory arbitration. was
introduced in the House just before
adjournment today by Representative
Adamson, of Georgia, chairman of
the House Committee on Interstate
Commerce.
The bill Incorporates features in two
bills framed by Senator Newlands,
but not vet introduced by him in the
Senate. and also amends the present
Newlands mediation law. 1t was in
troduced In the House today because
Judge Adanson has become weary of
the slow progress of railroad leeisla-
ton on its way TO the Senate. The
Ada mson measure was prepared after
conferences with President Wilson.
and Is understood to have at least
partial administration support.
The Adamson bill. while establishing
6 general 6 gat-h3ur law for employees.
provides that employees themselves
ma wG-'- overtime with the specific
approval OF ire Interstate Com merce
Commission. The commission is to
prescribe all exceptions and tolerances
event OF the failure of mediation both
sides must notify the President and
the board of mediation A board of
inquiry shall then be created by the
President. which shall ascertain all
facts and within three months report
q recommendation for the settlement
of the controversy.
Must Await Inquiry.
Pending the final report OF this spe-
cial board of inquiry. ii will be un-
lawful for anyone to institute strike
or lockout. 1t strengthens It's gen
eral provisions by a clause authorizing
the President To commander and OPP
| crate the lines OF common carriers in
certain emergencies. This provision,
according TO an explanation by Judge
Adamson. would prevent the blocking
of commerce and would give the
President the control of the roads for
military necessity. In other words. II
the railroads and employees and the
mediation board and board of inquiry
all failed to straighten out differences
that may arise. the government would
take over the operation of any par
ticular line itself
As to Hours of Service.
The provision for hours of service
would provide:
common carrier, its officers or agents
subject to this act to require or per-
NIT any employee. subject to this act
to be or remain on duty for longer
period than eight hours in any period
OF twentyfour hours. but such eigh,
hours service need not be consecu-
tive; provided. that the Interstate
Commerce Commission. may after full
hearing in a particular case and for
good cause shown extend the period
within which a common carrier shall
comply with the provisions OF this
proviso as to such case, and the In
terstate Commerce Commission is au-
thorized in case of disagreement or
controversy on the request of either
party or of any third person. or on
its own motion to prescribe regula-
tons OF or allowances and tolerances
for necessary overtime to be paid for
at not exceeding the pro-rata of wage
per day"
Judge Adamson said that the House
Interstate Commerce Committee would
at once begin consideration of the new
measure.