Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-08-29
LEADERS URGE DELAY TO GIVE
GOVERNMENT TIME TO RE-
pucE LIVING COSTS;
SAY STRIKE NOW WOULD
BE FATAL MISTAKE
American Federation Officials and
Other Labor Leaders Appeal to Com
mon Sense Of Men-Strons Appe al
Sent by Gompsrs and Others to
Shopmen Thruout Country.

Washington, Aug. 29--Industrial
peace in the United States depends
on the results the government can
show within the next ninety days in
its campaign to reduce the cost Of
livig.
The time limit was taCtily set yes
tercay by the legislative council Of the
railroad shop crafts in suggesting to
union locals thru out the country
that President Wilson's compromise
order in response TO their demands for
higher wages should be accepted pen
ding the outcome OF the effort to re-
store normal price level.
If the cost Of living does ont come
down the 100000 members Of the shop
crafts would reserve the right 10
strike for money. and with them
probably would be associated the re-
mainder of the 2.5O0,O 900 railroad en-
ployes. all of whom have been con-
sidering the same pdobler.
Official Circles Relieved.
The letter Of the executive council
served TO compose somewhat the I'M
easiness felt in official circles over
the immediate labor situation and TO
forcus attention on the legal measures
being directed by Attorney General
Palmer and his assistant, Judge Ames,
to take the initiation out of prices
and to Furnishing hoarders and prof
iteers
- IA-
The official circular then says:
I'm our opinion, the importance of
this communication warrants the plac-
ing of 1t in the hands of the entire
membership.
ut must be understood that prac-
tically every class of railroad employee
has presented demands for substantial
increases in wages or have notified
the administration Of their intention to
do SO at an early date.
an effect, it is our understanding
that this letter is a notice to all rail-
road employees that there shall be no
further increases in railroad wages I'M
less the efforts Of the United States
authorities prove unavailing in reduc-
ing the present high cost of living.
Only % Per Cent Of Men.
THE federated shop trades repre-
sent approximately % per cent Of the
total number Of railroad employees. 1t
must be obvious that in the event liv-
ing costs are not reduced wage in
creases must and will be made and IL
this is done II must also be obvious
that the railroad administration must
give equal consideration to all classes
of employees. a
"As you are we'll aware, President
Stone Of the Brotherhood of Locomo-
tive Engineers, and President Lee OF
the Brotherhood Of Railroad Train
men. are on record to the effect that
wages must go up or living cost go
down. Coupled with ythis fact, prac-
tically IS per cent of the railroad en-
ployes have made requests for wage
increases that are equal or greater
than requests submitted by the fed
Grated shop forces.
Their requests have been denied
except where it can be shoTn that
they have not been given relatively
the same consideration. This means
that only adjustments Of inequalities
will be made where it can be demon
strated that such inequalities exist.
Means Carrying Big Burden.
:tIf the federated shop trades strike
now they carry the full burden OF Sc
curing the same general increase for