Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-04-17
STREET CAR MEN
DECIDE THEY WILL
NOT ORDER STRIKE
Agree to President Hams
Proposal for the Arbitra-
ton of Differences.

Ihere Will De no strike OF the union
employees of the Washington Railway
and Electric and Potomac Electric
Power companies at this time. The
differences between the men and the
companies will be submitted to arbi-
tration.
This decision was made early today
at a meeting Of the Amalgamated As
ISOLATION of Street and Electric Rail-
way Employees in Walters Hall. The
vote followed presentation Of letter
from William F. Ham, president of
the companies, to Secretary of Labor
Wilson. Offering to arbitrate.
Question Debated Four Hours.
Four hours OF discussion preceded
acceptance by the union Of the pro-
posal at 3:45 o'clock. Rowland B.
Mahany. conciliator of the Depart
recognized as having done much to
prevent the strike, brought what he
termed a so per cent victory for the
men in presenting the letter for the
consideration of the union.
Although written recognition Of the
union or the signing of a contract de-
manded by the men. was not men,
toned in the letter, it contained moth
ing. Mr.. Mahany stated. which would
preclude such a proposition from con-
sideration by the board of,arbitration.
The board Of arbitration is regarded
by the men as a victory for them. 1t
will be chosen. according to the be-
cordance with their terms which are
one member to be selected by the
company. one by the men and one by
the two arbitrators thus selected.
The tide of sentiment at the earlier
stages Of the meeting was somewhat
antagonistic- and apprehensive Of the
proposition brought by Mr. Mahany.
He read the following letter from
President Ham to Secretary Of Labor
Wilson, describing 1t as the saving
feature Of the situation. and asking
earnest consideration before drastic
action was taken:
in view of the resolution adopted
by the men who assembled on the
morning Of April Is and transmitted
by them to Mr.. Mahany. the company
takes great pleasure in reiterating its
desire to go to the fullest possible ex-
tent in meeting the desires Of it's en-
ployes.
For the purpose Of making our de-
sire moro clear. we desire to repeat
and emphasize what we have said in
previous communications which we
have made public. to wit:
The company acknowledges the
right Of employees to belong to trade
ks
ever. that they are not to use coer-
Give measures to induce other persons
to join Herewith nor to induce the
company to bargain or deal there
with.
Tho company recognizes the right
OF collective bargaining.
Meets Credited Committees
'The company meets and treats with
tho properly credited committees rep
N
eaons AMI grievances that may arise
Tho company does not discrimi-
nate in any way against any employees
because of membership in any or
ganixatton. We have found adher-
enea to those principles has brought
about very harmonious relations be-
tween the company and Its employees
and has brought about improved ef-
hctency and service to the public.
1--WE arc glad to confirm our pre-
vious position OF doing everything to
render certain the carrying out OF
the policy as above outlined and for
this reason we address this letter to
United States. 30 that II will be
record and therefore not open to dis
pute as to It's meaning and terms.
1T Is the best assurance We can
give Of our entire good faith In carry
ing out awards which may be made by
such committees OF arbitration as
may be selected to pass upon the Quos-
ton OF wases. working conditions
and matter OF discipline on which we
cannot come to amicahie settlement
by direct negotiation with our en-
ployes.
Would Extend Jurisdictions,
AS the Public Utilities Commission
Df tho District OF Columbia has turis.
diotion over rate OF fare and eharao-
tor OF service, we suggest that II Is |
that questions of wages
and working conditions affecting |
operating costs should sbe left to said |
and We hereby agree to |
cave to said commission. IL selected,
he settlement OF all matters Of wages |
and working conditions which we |
'annot adjust with eur employee,
under the circumstances
'hould suffice to meet all the require
nents Of the existing situation"
The reading OF the letter did not |
oring conviction to the men. Pes
iimism apparently held sway, The
,nly agreement OF the company was
O leave the matter to the utilities
approximately an hour
vas consumed in discussion Of this
,oint.
Then came the feature which stem
ned the tide OF apprehension.
on q question from the floor. Mr.
declared;
II pledge my word as a representa-
i've of the Departs sent Of Labor, with
he department baking me, that there
viii be arbitration as requested by
rou In the initial resolution, which is
'eferred to in the opening sentence"
This statement was met with cheers.
those who had looked with disprovai
,pen the situation became advocates
Il 1t. And when it came to a vote it
vas approved by almost unanimous
,oice,
4 committee probably will be ap-
pointed by union ofnciala within the
}ext few days to confer with Presi-
lent Ham on arrangements for select
ng arbitrators.