Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1920-02-27
Measure Jointly Reported Stirs
Union Labor Leaders.
IS NEAR ITS FINAL FORM
Terms of the Proposed Reorganization
Act Are Made Public at Washing
ton-Makes Arbitration of la
Dor Disputes Compulsory.

hshed by the railroad administration
during the war would continue i'm effect
| until september ] under the railroad
| reorganization bill, the conference re-
port on which was presented in the
house and senate.
Under the wage provisions the re-
drafting of which created more SUR
prise in congress than any other change
made in compromising the Esch bill Ief
the house and the Cummins bill ofthe
senate, pay of railroad workers would
be stabilized at the present levels for
six months after the rail properties are
returned TO private control and opera
ton. The bill also seeks to stabilize
rates for the same time, providing that
prior to September no rates may be
reduced unless approval of the inter-
state commerce commission is OBJ
tanned.
The restriction on wage increase was
looked upon with especial interest by
members of congress, railroad officials
and union leaders in view of the recent
demands of the more than 100000
railroad workers for an advance in
pay. President Wilson. in supporting
the contention that NO increases could
be granted on the eve of return OF the
railroads, told the union leaders that
their demands would he considered by
a commission to be created by law if
no provision yas included in the rail-
road bill. or to be appointed on his own
initiative if no legal provision were
made.
In the belief that wage commits
sion would be empowered to take up
their demands, the Il railroad union
heads have called a conference to he
the policy TO he adop,ed in dealing
with such a commission.
TIC ascertain if the railroad execu-
tives would agree 10 turning over the
wage controversy to such a commits
sion, Director General Hines has re-
quested committee of railroad Off
Gals to confer with him here.
Few Changes Expected.
NBdil uidI EJSNfI vi Tie iOuSc
ayers announced that the conference
report would be taken up in the house
Saturday-and Chairman Cummins of
the senate managers expects TO call ii
UP in the senate at Il later date. De-
spite the expected opposition TO the
new wage section, Republican leaders
of both the house and the senate ex-
pressed belief that the conference re-
port would be adopted and the bill
sent to the president with little change.
The outstanding points of the meas
ure as finally agreed upon are:
Compulsory submission of labor dis
puteS to permanent federal board APP
pointed by the president and com
posed of nine members equally divided
between the employees, employers
and the public. No provision is made
for enforcing the boards decision
Adjustment of rates by the inter-
state commerce commission so rs to
yield to carriers return of 51b per
cent upon the aggregate value of their
property. with another half of one per
cent for improvements.
Distribution of half the net railway
operating income in excess of six per
cent of the property value, equally he
tween the carriers reserve fund and
the federal railroad contingent fund.
which will be administered by the com
mission for the assistance of weaker
reads.
Government guarantee TO railroads
against a deficit during the first six
months after the roads are turned
back.
Permissive consolidation of railroads
in accordance with general consoli-
dalton plan 10 be prepared by the
interstate commerce commission.
Appropriation of Sa00.OOO.00O tc he
used as revolving funds from which TO
make loans to carriers and @pay>claims
1uUowing out of federal control. Unex-
Ned finds now In the railroad Md
>kjon's hands a-e also reapproA
\iiat purpose. and an ao-
$4,000 for he-ff1saleral
proeNed.
~ az eed up6Ne>lhe labor sec
tdes that .'it shall he~1he duty
rriers and their officers. EN-
Ind agents 70 exert every real
means to avoid any Interrupt
the operation of any carrier
out of any dispute between
frier and the employees or sub
ate officials
ADMIRAL PEkRY DIES
of the North Pdle Passes