The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-02-13
ONLY A SHORT
HEARING GIVEN
AT WHITE HOUSE
The Conference Was Brief
Because of the Restric-
tions Placed By the Pres
ident's Physician on Will
sons First Conference
Outside the Sick Room.

Washington, ]. G, Feb. lS.--An "un'
alterablc" decision in the railroad wage
controversy was made to-day by Pres
ident Wilson in conference with repre-
srntatives Of the brotherhoods. The
president said the governments policy
was based on Justice TO all interests.
The president decision was not an
nounccd at the White House. Officials
said il was "a decision containing a
proposal" From this it was assumed
That the president had refused to grant
general wage increases, but had made
counter proposition to the men.
h. NJ. Jewell, president of the rail
way department of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor, announced that the
presidents proposal would have to be
put mp to the men" before any an
nouneement could be made by the un.
ion representatives.
Besides Mr.. Jewell and Mr.. Shea,
j.. j. Manion, president of the Order OF
Railway Telegraphers, was present at
the conference The president met the
representatives on the south portico OF
the White House and read a statement
which he had prepared after a study of
tho report on the wage negotiations
presented to him by Director General
Hines. The conference lasted about Is
minutes. The president was in his
wheel chair.
Mr.. Shea Immediately notified the
thcr union Officials who have been
comforting with Mr. Hines, advising
them to call conference to consider
the presidents statement. He indicat-
cd that the conference would consume
most Of the day and might be continued
tomorrow He said there was no dis
position on the part of the union men
TO act hastily and that they desired
10 make a complete examination of the
presidents statement before reaching a
decision.
The presidents proposal. whatever it
was. was not expected to stay the
strike of the maintenance of way en-
ploycs called for next Tuesday.
Secretary Tumulty declined to say
whether the president had refused spe-
citically the wage demands, saying that
"cxervone wants to settle the strike"
and that the brotherhood chiefs should
have an opportunity to consider the
presidents suggestion or proposal with
ont outside interference.
The presidents statement that the
governments policy was based on JUS
lice to all interests is in line with the
final word presented to the union lead
ers 'by Director General Hines at the
last conference with them.
Mr.. Hines was understood to have
told the men that with the return of
the roads TO private control under the
new railroad bill an impartial tribunal
for consideration of their demands
would he created
Mr.. Hines was understood to have
suggested to the president that 1t an
increase in pay were granted the men,
the roads would seek an increase in
freight rates. which would mean in
creased living costs. This argument
was presented TO the union leaders on
several occasions by the director gen
cral. 1t was said at the railroad admin
istration. Inasmuch as the unions are
pressing strongly for reduction in
living costs. officials said. there was
reason 20 believe that the president
had employed this in his answer TO the
union spokesmen.
when the railroad men greeted the
president they told him he was looking
very well.
Il have Just hcen shaved. said the
president that helps a bit "
The president. sitting in his wheel
chair IN corner under the portico,
wrapped in blanket. shook hands
With the men when Secretary Tumulty
presented ihem They stood mp
throughout the cUnlerence. with their
cserooat- on. but their hats in their
hands The presicent pressed them 10
pat their hats on because 81 the damp
ucss but they refused
After readinc his statement. the
pres dent asked them "a give cousidcra
fion- te he suggestion and ihry prom
i.od 90 10 -.
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