Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1920-02-13
SECRET PROPOSAL MADE TO
Union LEADERS WHO then
TAKE IT UP IN CONFERENCE
Believed Demand Was Re-
fused, but New Inquiry
Was Suggested.


wilson today made proposal to
the representatives OF the railroad
Arotberhoods for a settlement OF
their wage demands. and the men
agreed to give it consideration.
The presidents decision was not
announced at the White house. Of
Acials say it was "a decision con-
taining a proposal" From this 1t
was assumed that the president had
refused to grant general wage in
creases. but had made a counter
proposition to the men.
Decide without Pressure.
Secretary Tamulty declined to
say whether the president had re-
fused specifically the wage de-
mands, saying that every one
wants to settle the strike and that
the brotherhood chiefs should have
an opportunity to consider the
presidents suggestion or proposal
without outside interference.
!. The presidents statement that
the governments policy was based
on Justice to all interests" is in line
with the final word presented to
the union leaders by Director Cen
eral Hines. ~ G
Proposes Tribunal.
Mr.. Hines was understood to have
told the men that with the return
Of the roads to private control an
impartial tribunal for c0nsidera-
ton Of their demands would be Gre
ated.
Mr.. Hines was understood to have
suggested to the president that II
an increase in pay were granted
the men, the roads would seek an
increase in freight rates. which
would mean increased living costs.
This argument was presented to
'zsfAe union leaders on several occa-
sions by the director general, it
was said at the railroad admins
tration. Inasmuch as the unions
were pressing strongly for a reduc-
ton in living costs, officials said
there was reason to believe that
the president had employed this in
=. his answer to the union spokes-
man.
Meet at A. F. Of L. Quarters.
After leaving the White house
the brotherhood representatives
met other union officials who have
been comforting with Director Cen
eral Hines and later all of them
went into conference at American
Federation of Labor headquarters
TO discuss the presidents reply
All Of the unions except the Broth
erhood Of Maintenance of Way EN-
ployes were represented. W. c. Lee
president of the Brotherhood OF
Trainmen, entering the conference
some time after it began.
Is Looking Well.
When the railroad men greeted
the president they told him he was
looking very well. a.
Il have just been shaved" said
the president, THAT helps a bit.
The president, sitting in his wheel
chair in a corner under the portico
wrapped in blanket, shook hands
WIN the men when Secretary Tu-
multy presented them. They stood
up throughout the conference with
thelr overcoats on, but their hats
IN their hands. The president
pressed them to put their hats on
because OF the dampness, but they
refused.
After reading his statement, the
president asked them to give con-
sioeration to his suggestion, and
I 'Aey promised to do so.
Leaders Silent.
The brotherhood men would moi
ssy what the proposal was, Timo.
My Shea, acting president of The
nrosherhood of Firemen and En-.
snemen. announcing that they
would make no statement today.
r. NJ. Jewell. president Of. the
.1iway department of the Ameri
n Federation of Labor. announc.
" mat the presidents proposal
.oaid be put up to the men" be.
'Ole any announcement could be
I1ae oy the union representatives
besides Mr.. Jewell and Mr.. Shea
- Manion, president OF the Ordel
" hallway Telegraphers, was pres
eot At the conference.
Call Conference.
A Shea Immediately notified tn,
@aer Union officials who have beer
.Muulefting with Mr.. Hines, advisin,
.;s Ss'n 70 call . conference to con
;,S sl tne presidents statement. H.
,Salcated that the conference woult
- tusume most of the day and nigh
~, ontlnued tomorrow. He saii
e,e was no disposition ON the par
ny sue union men to act hastily ans
NE. aa' tney desired to make a com
rss e examination Of the president!
sos se"ent before reaching a deci
ava. .ae PRESIDENTS proposal. what
s,,r ~ was, was note expected I,
ny ne strike of the maintenanc,
T.a.ys sys employees called for mex
'nVE AANCFACTURER DEAD.
noston. Feb. l3.-Harry B. Endi