The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-26
REJECT OFFER

Continued from Page one.l
forego demands for wage increases
until normal conditions could be re-
stored.
President Wilson's appeal was gem
orally viewed here today in the aspect
of it's effect on organized labor as
whole, rather than from the aspect of
its Immediate reaction on the shop
mems leaders. altho their response
may have far-reaching effect on
other unions.
May Influence Others.
The appeal was addressed to the
shipment, but it was aimed also at
GLIDING members OF the four great
brotherhoods who are framing de-
mands. and at the steel workers.
The action the shopmen take, how
ever. may influence the course of 3d.
900 railway conductors and $4,000
trainmen, whose officials have placed
before the railroad administration de-
mands for wage increases averaging
80 and 40 cents, respectively. Officials
OF these railroad unions have not yet
received a reply to their demands.
Trainmen expect their answer Sep
TENDER 1.
Officials of the railroad administra-
ton and at the White House today
made no attempt to minimize the SER
iousness of the present situation.
Wilson Spoke of Crisis.
The president said yesterday that
we are face to face with a situation
which is more likely to affect the hap
piness and prosperity and even the
life of our people, than the war itself"
Again he declared that failure to
solve the price situation now facing
the country will mean national dis
aster'
On one hand. the president pointed
out, is the government trying to re-
duce prices, and. he assured the shop
peak of high prices has been reached,
he said.
On the other hand the shopmen and
other unions are demanding wage in
creases which will furnish a further
excuse for high prices and profiteer-
ing.
Would Defeat H. C. L. Fight.
To grant these demands. the presi-
dent said. would defeat the govern
ment's effort. and he declared that
it is the duty of every citizen to in
sist upon a truce in such contests'
Presence OF Gompers in Washing
ton will have beneficial effect not
only on the railroad situation. officials
feel. but also the effect on organized
labor of all crafts within line of the
general appeal of President Wilson.
With Gompers here workers will feel
guarded, officials say.
Shopmen leaders declared today
that their position with the unions is
most embarrassing. On one hand the
m en- have long chafed at the delay and
recently started a series of unauthor-
lied strikes which officials checked
with difficulty only on the promise
that Rail Director Hines would give
immediate consideration to their de-
mands.
Men Voted to Strike.
While Hines was considering the
matter a referendum was taken and
resulted in a decision to strike unless
the full demands were granted.
In the face pr this order, union Off
Gals are confronted with the presi-
dents request that they submit an
other proposition which request may
be seized upon by radicals in the ranks
and twisted to mean more delay and
cause moro unauthorized strikes. they
say.
Before the conference with the
president, union officials predicted
that because of the referendum vote
they would be forced to reject fatty
any proposition that will not include
the full wage demanded by the men.
After the conference they refused to
make any comment.
Dissatisfaction at Atlanta.
Atlanta, Ga. Aug. 26.-While voic-
/ ing general dissatisfaction at President
Wilson'S offer of cents an hour, as
against their demands for an incrCaEe
/ of approximately II cents an hour,
railway shopmen here declared no
] definite action on their part would be
taken before tomorrow night, when a
meeting of the allied shipments unions
viii be held.
Auto paint. K. Jones Paint Co.