The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-02-14

the wage controversy was pre.
sented TO the president today.
Immediately afterward the union
officials sent kilograms to their
locals over the country, which q.
NJ. Jewell, president Of tho rail
way department of the American
federation OF Labor, said would
serve to STEADY our men" until
they receive the full CORE spond-
enoe covering tho negotiations.
Mr.. Jewell would not say lust what
mad been the result OF the negotla-
tions, but II seemed certain the prosi-
dent had refused to meet the demands
OF the 100000 workers for general
wage increase and that his decision
had been accepted by the union otn-
cials,
j. u. Malloy, grand Vice president
or the maintenance OF way organiza-
tion, which has ordsred a strike on
Feb. II, did not sign the answer.
II was annonnoedshN tbs hnlan ulen
| that the Brotherhood OF Railway
Tralnmen had Joined in the decision
| submitted to the president. but that
the Brotherhood Of Maintenance of
Way Employees had not become
party to II.
In their reply tho workers have
asked for additional information TO
the authority of the proposed com
mission and have made some counter
proposals. one being that tho decision
OF the board be retroactive,
Commission OF Experts.
The railroad employees repre-
sentatives have agreed 20 accept
the recommendation OF President
Wilson to hold their wage de-
mands in allegiance temporarily,
it was announced today.
President Wilson informed tho
men of his intention to appoint n
commission of wage exports to
go thoroughly into their claims
ON this basis the union leaders
agreed to delay further demands
for Increased wages and called
a convention Of their general
committeeman TO be held In
Washington Feb. 20.
The union lenders reply 10 the
presidents proposal to handle Tho
controversy In this manner did
not end the question finally.
They made II clear that they dc
sired word from officials who are
I'm closer touch with their mem
Lcrship than they. tho delegates
who have been comforting with
Director General Hines since
Feb. 3.
The way has also been left open for
tho entire matter 10 be submitted TO
the general chairmon OF all railroads.
The representative ~ the rail
road workers have agreed that there
should be no general strike during
government control. but they are
fearful OF unauthorized strikes and
al aHs..- 90. Al
strike vote Immediately In prcpara
tlOn for action when tho railroads
arc returned To their private owners
The answer Of the railroad work
crs to President Wilson's decision is
expected To hc forwarded to tho
White House today aud made public
together with the presidcnra state
mont
The railroad workers wcrc to go
into conference again today To per
feet their answer to the president
Considerable difficulty has been en-
Countercd In this work because
members ~ tho brothcrhoods and
unions Rre insistent upon action
which viii mean increased pay on
vclopcs and the leaders horo desire
10 take action that will sntlsfy these
men and VIII forcstall nnv unau-
thorizcd strikes.
AZ the white House there was
great optimism today and IL was
fully expected that the final result of
the negotiations would be at least
temporary peace I'm the railroad labor
world.
Detroit Mich. Feb. i7--Grand
President of The brotherhood of
Maintenance Of Way Employees and
shop Labor'rs Allan T.. Barker said
today that ag far us ho knew moth
ing had been done hy President VIII
son 10 warrant the postponcmcut Of
our strike for even an hour" and
that Instructions were sent out I'm
blanket Telegram last night 10 tho
district chaitmcn assuring them that
The strike call for Feb. a. stll holds
Az ono pHfi of hIs reply the pre-.
dent requested Tho wiuteuHn,c Of way
mon 90 withdraw their strike order.