The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-02-19
HEADS
ADMIT WORKERS
NEED HIGHER PAY
Representatives Advocate Big
Wage Increase for All
Employees.

Washington, Feb. 1S.--Tho necessity
for increased wages for railroad EN-
pl"ses was conceded today by repre-
sentatives Of a ma iority of the railroads
of the United States, appearing Tor In.
first time before the gossti1ments rail-
way commission. They said they
came, not to oppose requests of the
employees, but merely to aid the COM
mission by giving information.
"Officials need no evidence that tn.
cost of living has increased and that
the low paid man needs assistance
during the war" declared j. W. H..-
gins Of Chicago, executive secretary
of the Western Association OF Rail-
ways, speaking fer the railroads Of the
western district.
No one recognizes more keenly ,han
the managements that thcre are nu-
merous classes of employees not proper
~ compensated" was the statement
made for the eastern territory by John
q. WalberE of New York, secretary OF
the bureau of Information Of eastern
railway.
Mr.. Higgins assertion that the low
paid man should he helped. drew from
mittec. Il query as to what he CON-
sidered ow-priced man.
Limit to $1,000.
Il would say that all men receiving
under $3.50 a month need more money
to meet the advance IN prices Of neees :
sities." Mr. Higgins replied. Per
haps the limit of those who need help
should be raised TO 81. 900 a year, which
seems to be the line drawn by the gov
ernment in the income tax Law. The
greatest advance should be given TO
men making less than 800 a month.
.Thc $1,000 limit would include all
iaborcrB. trainne11. brakeman. nechan-
les and clerks, and great many en-
gineers and conductors" commented
Mr.. Lane.
Given Many Advances.
Mr.. Higgins agreed that was true. lie
did not suggest any definite increase,
but remarked that perhaps the in
creased living cost should be borne for
the distressed eInpIoyc during the war.
Both he and Mr.. Walberg asserted that
the managemonts have not been un-
mindful of the welfare Of their EN-
ploges in the past. aud have given ad-
ditional pa where their finances per
mitted.
All the speakers were careful to state
that they made no distinction between
union members and unorganized en-
p'oyes. The course Of wages Vas de-
clarcd 10 have been upward since 1910.
when the concerted form Of dema nd
v as first used by the brctherhoods.
Especially since 1915, the ascending
trend has been noticeable, ACCORDING =
the speaker, who endeavored to show
that all classes Of employees have re
cei:ed consideration in the matter Of
betier pay. Mr.. WaIberg said that from
January, 1916, to the latter part. 81
1914, the pay ri skilled labor and clerk
increased Is per cent In the eastern
district and uuskilled labor from % 10
90 per cent.
AIR. Higgins said. however, he thought
the officers had received few increases
and called attention to the highest sv-
eraZe, $50. reported by the Chicago,
Milwaukee q st Paul, which did not
include officers in its report
DO you think any Of these officers
ought 10 have their salaries reduced 80
asked Commissioner AcChord.
Il am not in position TO answer
that" Mr.. Higgins said. II think. hat
after spending a lifetime acquiring
knowledge and experience a man iE IN
Titled to compensation"