The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-28


OF President Wilson's offer OF a small
wage increase pending the outcome of
The governments efforts to reduce the
cost OF living was advised by the ex-
ecutive council OF the railway shop
unions in letter sent today to all
union locals.
During all the controversy over the
railroad wage question, the 5000
shopmen in Topeka have remained
loyal to the administration. Their Of
ficers have continually asserted their
belief that the question would be set
tied without a strike and have ex-
pressed the hope that a walllout
would be unnecessary.
T. A. Sanderson. vice president of
the shop federation. took this stand in
the beginning. pointing out that the
brotherhoods Of railroad employees had
officers of such vision and broadmind-
edness and that the men with whom
they had to deal were of such caliber
that they would not permit strike to
take place.
True. when the ballot was taken
few weeks ago. the men here voted
unanimously to walk out unless the
administration considered their de-
mands. but nowhere among the shops
was there to be seen the radical spirit
that led to premature walk-outs in
some other parts of the country. The
men took a conservative view OF the
situation and by their calmness and
ample helped to hold down the more
-,
the country.
Washington, Aug. 2S-Holding in
its hands the delicate balance of the
immediate economic and Industrial
future of the country, the executive
council Of the American Federation of
Labor met in extra ordinary session
here today.
Among leaders drawn here by dis
putes in their trades, or attracted by
the important meeting of the council,
belief was expressed that presidents of
all various unions affiliated with the
A. f. Of L. might be summoned be-
fore final action is taken on the big
pending problems.
Consult Rank and File.
While immediate action is expected
on the steel and railroad situations,
they believe the rank and file may be
consulted before steps are taken on
the broader questions Of future policy.
The threat of strike of the union
employees of the United States steel
corporation and the demands of the
railroad shopmen will be given first
consideration by the council.
The stand of President Wilson
against further wage increases in re-
plying TO the demands of the shop
1ra4fe 20 Of In, ed
uation.
The leaders of the shopmen are
confident their men are ready to
strike for the increased demands.
They are not certain. however. that
public sentiment would approve the
strike, in view Of the presidents ap-
peal
Opposed to this appeal is the un-
rest IN the rank and file OF labor.
California railroad workers are
striking in defiance of orders from
strikes. under similar conditions are
in progress and leaders here report a
growing tendency of the rank and file
to act over the heads OF their union
officials.
A decision by the executive council
to answer the presidents appeal and
hold all strikes in abeyance, therefore
involves test OF power of control of
the organization.
Policy on Plumb Plan.
Glenn T. Plumb. framer Of the
Plumb plan for naturalization and
characterization Of railroads will ap-
near before the council on behalf Of
the railroad brotherhoods and ten
other railway workers unions. An
nouncement Of definite policy as re-
CARDS the Plumb plan is expected to
follow. thus opening up the entire
question Of naturalization of similar
Industries, and workers participation
in control.
President Gompers arrived here
early today from New York with other
members of the executive council
which was scheduled to go into ses-
sion at 10 o'clock. Those attending
the meeting were Gompers, Secretary
Frank Morrison, Treasurer Daniel j.
Tobin. and Vice President James Dun
can ToseDh F. Valentine, T. A. Rick