Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-08-29
ASK GOVERNMENT
BE GIVEN CHANCE
TOCUT FOOD COST
Urge That Men Heed Ap-
peal Made by President
Wilson.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL NOW
WRESTLING WITH PROBLEM
Blame Radical Element for Dis
turbing Entire Industrial
Situation.
ARE OPPOSED TO BIG STRIKE
Officials of Shopmcn's Union Send
Letter to Members Advising
Against Tic-Up.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL NOW
WRESTLING WITH PROBLEM
ARE OPPOSED TO BIG STRIKE
Officials of Shopmcn's Union Send
Letter to Members Advising
Against Tie-Up.
CBy Universal Service.


WASHINGTON August cs-Nat!onal
leaders OF organized labor arc appar-
entity doing their utmost TO stand By
the President in his appeal to the
workers TO refrain from further
strikes until the governmcn, has been
given fair chance to reduce the cos,
OF living
Whether the rank and h!e can be
held in check is matter Of grave con-
cern to President Gompcrs and the
members OF the executive council OF
the American Federation of Labor, who
wrestled all day with pressing labor
questions.
The labor leaders admit tina, radical
elements are at work in the ranks OF
the men and tina, it will be hard 10
keep the men in control. This applies
especially TO the shopmcn and the steel
labor to supper; the Pre- sident for the
present at least, were shown in the
days developments, which we're:
!. ohcisis OF the railway shipments
whether 10 accept President Wilson's
offer OF i-cent raise, gave out let
ter to the shopmen advising against
a strike for AT least ninety days. The
officials take the ground that no strike
order should be issued unless living
conditions make II necessary or unless
other railroad organizations for a gen
cral wage increase.
Order Men Re.umc Work.
.. The presidents OF the four biz
abroad brotherhoods, comprising the
engineers, fifcmcn. conductors and
tr4!nmen. wired the railroad men who
are out on strike in Southern Cali
tornia tina, they must return to work
Will be suspended from membership.
rhc telegram states that ii the men
DO not obey the order their officers
will throw their support TO the United
.1 n iS' al ON fp- he
operation OF the roads.
3. Walker ID. Hines. dircctorEcneral
OF railroads. issued a statement declar-
ing that the railroad strike in Cali
fornia. Arizona and Nevada is in vio-
lation and a repudiation of agreements
He says that all striking employees
after 7 a. NJ. Saturday will be dis
missed and their places filled
Bryan suGEests Remedy.
I. William Jennings Bryan came to
Washington with new suggestion for
the settlement of labor controversies
cH suggested that commission be ap-
pointed to determine the exact changes
in the level of prices and then TO grant
increased cost of living, the higher
wages TO he given solely upon the con-
dit!on that they are temporary and will
be reduced Is soon as the governmental
agencies bring about reduction in the
living cost.
5. The committee OF the employees
or the united states steer corporation
gave out letter constituting a second
appeal TO Judge Gary for conference
The letter arraiSns the steel corpora
ton for misrable working conditions
and pointed!y says that the time limit
for securing the conference expires to-
morrow night. Under instructions from
the men. the committee must then set
n date for strike. The committee
men said they Jared we'll at the hands
OF President Gompers and the 'exccu-
tive council today.
Lame Piends for Conference.
i. Secretary Of the Interior Franklin
An immediate conference of capital
and labor be held to avert crisis.
Secretary Lane said that the President
should not await action by Congress-
but call the conference Immediately
to AGA talong definite and practical
lines.
ownership and democratic operation of
the railways was advocated before
President Gompers and the executive
council by officers representing the diff
dorsed the plan. Despite reports that
Mr. Gompers is opposed TO the Plumb
plan. its friends say that there is no
danger of the plan being opposed by
Mr.. Gompers or the council.
President Gompers and the executive
council also gave hearing to the com
scians and stage hands. who arc on
r4rike in New York. The members of
dAe national committee representing
sSe railway shopmeh we're before the
Executive council both in their capacity
of shipments representatives and as
heads Of organizations which are sup
porting tho Plumb plan
President Gompers sent out word
from the council-room that no state
ment regarding it's sessions would be
made tonight y carefully prepared
statement is expected to he given out
covering the important matters con-
sidcred when the council has proceeded
further with it's deliberations.
Letter Sent to Shopmen.
The letter sent by President Jewell
and the-other officials Of the shopmen's
organizations to the men urging them
not to strike for ninety days Is dated
August 27. hut was held up until the
arrival OF President Gompers today.
The letter said. In part
"Thc adjustment in wages that has
been offered to the federated shop
trades. X accepted. will establish in
creases that are practically equivalent
10 the increases granted any other
class OF railroad employees. This must
not be lost sight OF in considering the
situation we now face. 1t is conceiv-
CONTINUED on Second Pase)