Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-01-05
DISPUTE sipEsTEPPEp ~ MAN.
Ayers NOW BEFORE pIREc-
TOR M'ADoo.
WILL NAME COMMITTEE
TO CONSIDER DISPUTE
Drafting Of Employees Of companisS
Given 40 One Of Reasons For Freight
conssstlon--Worksrs May Be Ex-
empted 40 Solution Of Labor Prob
lem on Traffic Lines.

heads of the four railroad brotherhoods
Director General McAdoo announced
that he would name wage adjustment
committee to Investigate and determine
the amount Of increase the higher cost
of living demands.
1.-The government expects square
deal and it must give the men square
DEAL" said the director general.
It is not thought that the men will
get all they asked but the advance will
be substantial and they probably will
be satisfied.
May Exempt Employees.
The men told Mr.. McAdoo that one
of the reasons for railroad congestion
was the drafting of mechanics, so we
may look for at least partial exemp-
ton. of railroad employees from the
draft provisions.
II have been impressed with the
spirit of conservation and fairness
shown by the brotherhood chiefs In
their discussions with me and feel con-
fldent that an adjustment fair to the
men as well as to the country will be
reached" said Mr.. McAdoo summing
up results.
"As soon as the committee makes
report the director general will render
a decision which will be effective as to
wages from Jan. 1, 1913. Every employe
affected by this inquiry may, therefore,
devote himself unreservedly and pa
triotically to his work with the assur-
ance that his rights and interests will
be Justly. dealt with"
Blames Tag System.
Blame for the congestion OF railroad
lines and freight terminals today was
placed by Robert 8. Lovett, director OF
priority, on the tag system instituted
by the railroads and the supply depart
ments Of the army. navy and shipping
board, which gave preference to all cars
bearing official tags.
Judge Lovett explained that his state
ment was made to correct "unwarranf-
ed". differences that he was responsible
for unwise priority orders which were
charged by witnesses before commit
tees and in reports with causing the
present traffic situation.
The tag system was instituted during
the Mexican crisis. when government
shipments constituted only fraction
of the total railway traffic. 1t was real
lied when the United States entered
the war against Germany. and Judge
Lovett says,it proved disorganizing
factor in handling the tremendous
growth Of government freight.
On All Shipments.
"The fact Is" said Judge Lovett.
that the called priority orders.
which are more or less responsible for
traffic congestion and Of which COM
plant is made, are the result of an ar
rangement made1by the railroads them
selves and the supply departments Of
the army, navy and shipping board,
with which had nothing whatever to
do.
1T prescribed form Of placard or
tag which when tackled on car en-
titled that car without further orders
or instructions to preferred movement
TO destination. Large quantities or
these placards were printed and dis
'tributed turnout the United States IN
the auartermasters' agents. contractors
and Others getting material for the gov
eminent, and naturally one was tackled
to every shipment made. whether ur-
gent or not.
Orders Cars 20 Mines.
Director General McAdoo today took
further steps for the relief Of the coal
famine in New England by ordering
the distribution of 500 coal cars to
mines along the lines Of the eastern
-, iIroads