Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-07-21

Chicago July 21.--Ten thousand en-
ployes Of the five big packers. who
nave been on u strike several days, re-
turned to work this morning after the
employers had complied with tho de-
mand Of the men that all police and
special guards be withdrawn from the
various plants. The men announced
they would demand an increase OF 80
per cent in wages thru Federal Judge
Samuel Alschuler. who was acting as
arbitrator between the packer and en-
ployers.
The men, it Is said, have agreed 70
abide by the decision of Judge Al
schuler. Eighty thousand stock yards
employees are involved in the demand
for higher wages, including the men
working at the packing plants at Kan
sas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis. Omaha,
Milwaukee, st. Paul, Denver and other
cities.
Car Mediation Begins.
First definite action toward effecting
an amicable agreement between the
street car mems union and the sur
face lines and elevated roads was
started at 10 o'clock this morning. when
William Quinlan, president OF the sur
face car mems organization, and Will
liam Mylan, president OF the elevated
employees union, appeared before the
public utilities commission.
How much time the unions will give
the commission for its investigation
has not been determined. President
Quinlan said yesterday that when ne
appeared before tho commission he
would be authorized to ask that a time
limit be set on it's deliberations. This
limit, he inferred, would be only a
matter Of days. Members of the COM
mission have agreed their investisa'
ton will have to be made with haste
in order to avert the threatened strike
of IL, 900 car men.
Report BY Friday.
Thomas e, Dempey. chairman OF the
commission, said the plan agreed upo1S
by the commissioners provided for the
hearing of the street car mems de-
mands for a II per cent increase to-
day and the company officials tomor-
row. II sufficient information Is OBJ
tanned at the preliminary hearings for
the commission to reach its conclusion,
a report will be forwarded to Gov
|sernor Lowden probably Thursday OF
Friday.
How far the mayors committee of
nine, which will begin its hearings this
noon, and the commissioners VIII be
able to cooperate already is presenting
some difficulties.
President Quinlan said he would ask
that the hearings Of the commission
and the mayor arbitration board be
merged.
II don't see how committees Of sthe
union can present their case before
the two boards today unless they are
merged" explained Quinlan
Doubts Workable Merger.
Mr., Dempey said all possible coop
Grafton Of the mayors committee
would be sought by the commission
ers. altho he did not believe the merg-
ing of the two boards would be feas-
| ible.
1T is the intent Of the governor that
the state work in all possible harmony
with the Chicago authorities in 1<1rt-
| ing the threatened strike" he said
"Altho do not think 1t practicable to
merge the hearings, 1t is possible the
two boards will hold joint conferences.
The offer Of the bureau of mediation
and conciliation Of the department OF
labor Saturday to send board to
Chicago to aid in the settlement Of the
traction controversy has not been ac'
cepted. President Quinlan said this
offer would be accepted by the unions
- 20 i1,,Vsn n
satisfactory settlement thru the hear
| inss OF the committees beginning thelr
investigation today. Chairman Demp-
ey seemed optimistic the commission
ers' efforts would bring about an agree
ment between employees and employ
ers.
lncre ased Fares Promised.
Last week the street car employees
voted almost unanimously to strike
unless they are granted an increase
from 48 cents an hour to IS cents.
The companies replied that the,
were unable to grant any increase un.
less permitted to charge higher fares
and at the same time made application
to the commission for authority to in.
crease rates.
Before the meeting of the public uti-
Titles commission, Thomas E. Dempey
chairman. indicated that enough In
crease would be allowed the companiei
to meet just wage increase.
1--WE are prepared to protect thu
companies from any crippllng effects
which might be sustained thru a wage
increase by granting them permission
to increase their revenue" said Chair.
man Dempey. "This, however. does
not mean that they can enter into .
wage scale agreement in accordance
with the II per cent demands now be.
Ing made by the unions. The demands
Of the carmen are unreasonable ant
fare increases In proportion wouls
work hardship on the public. Th'
| commissioners VIII make an investiga
J tion OF higher costs In living and for