Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1920-02-13
PRESIDENT MAKES PROPOSAL To RAILROAD
MEN, BUT REFUSES WAGE INCREASE
Presidents Decision "ContaIns
a PROPOSAL" Washington Says
WAGE INCREASE REFUSED
Democrats to Refuse TO Accept
Any Compromise President
Wilson Will Disapproye

BIZ The A Associated Press,
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.-An alter
able decision IN the railroad wage
controversy was made today by Presi-
dent Wilson in conference with rep
.resentatives of the railroad.
Officials said it was "a decision con-
tanning a proposal" From this It was
assumed that the president had re-
fused to grant general wage increases
but had made pointed proposition
to the men,
President Wilson made these pro-
posals to the representatives of the
railroad brotherhood for settlement OF
their wage demands and the men
agreed to give it considerable
The brotherhood men would not say
what the proposal was. Timothy
Shay, acting president OF the Brother
hood of Fremen and Enginemen. an
uounced they would make no state
ment today.
The white house was expected to
issue a statement later in the day.
Meantime there was no intimation
whether the president had offered
substitute for an increase of wages
in the nature of a continuation of the
fight on the high cost of living, or
whether he asked the workers to de-
lay pressing their demands until the
railroads were returned to private
owners March l..
z. NJ. Jewell. president of the rail-
way department of the American
Federation of Labor, announced that
the Presidents proposals would have
TO be put up to the men" before any
announcement could be made by the
union representatives.
Besides Mr.. Jewell and Mr.. Shay.
e. j. Manion, president of the order
OF the railroad 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 the report
on the wage negotiations presented
to him by Director General Hines.
The conference lasted about fifteen
minutes. The President was In his
wheel chair.
Mg. Shay Immediately notified the
other union officials who had been
comforting with Mr.. Hines, advising
them to call a conference to consider
the Presidents statement. He indi-
Gated the conference would consume
most of the day and might be con
tinued tomorrow. He said there was
no disposition on the part OF the
union men to act hastily ana that
they desired to make 4 complete ex-
| animation of the Presidents States
ment before reaching q decision.
The Presidents proposal, whatever
1t was. was not expected to stay the
strike of the maintenance ways
employees called for next Tuesday.
Secretary Tmuty declined to say
whether the president had refused
specifically the wage demand, say
ing that every one wants to settle
the strike" and that the brotherhood
chiefs should have an opportunity to
consider the presidents suggestion or
proposals without outside interfer-
cnCe.
The presidents statement that. ths
governments policy was based on
Justice to all interests" is in rhyme
with the final word presented to the
unions leaders 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 be created.
Mr.. Hines was understood to have
suggested to the president that IL an
Increase was granted the men the
roads would seek an increase in
freight rates which would mean In
creased living costs. This argument,
was presented to union leaders Oh
tSGNtIdl OtCdSLpuS Ny IiAt VII SStDA
eral. Il was said at the railroad ad-
ministration. Inasmuch as the un-
| ions were pressing strongly for re
duction In living cost, officials said
| there was reason to believe the pres
ident had employed this In his answer
to the unions spOkesmen.
When the railroad men visited the
president they told him he was look
ing very we'll
"I have been saying" said the presi-
dent, that helps a bit"
The President sitting in his wheel
chair. wrapped in blanket shook
hands with the men when Secretary
Tumulty presented him. They kept
their overcoats on, their hats In their
hands The President pressed them
10 put their hats on. but they refused
After reading his statements the
President asked them to give con
sideration to his suggestion and hoy
promised to do so.