The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1920-02-19

Compulsory Submission of Labor Dis
Putes 10 a Federal Board is Pro-
vi4ed For.
Washington. Feb. 19-Wages es-
tahlishad by the railroad administra-
ton during he war would continue in
effect until September l under the
railroad reorganization bill, the con-
ference report ON which was presented
in the house and senate.
In presenting the report, Senator
CunmimS served notice that he would
call il up in the senate Immediately
after he house acted on it. 1T is
probable the house will dispose of the
report next Saturday," he said
Under the wage provision, the re-
drafting of which created more sur
prise in congress than any other
change made in compromising the
Esch bill OF the house and the Cum
MINIS bill of the senate, pay of the
railroad workers would be stabilized
at the present levels for six months
after the rail properties are returned
to private control and operation.
The bill, as now drawn up, also
seeks 20 stabilize rates for the same
time, providing that prior to Septem-
Der l no rates may be reduced unless
approved by the interstate commerce
commission.
The restriction on wage increases
was looked upon with especial interest
by members Of congress, railroad of
ficials and union leaders in view of the
recent demands of the more than p
100000 railroad workers for an ad-
vance in pay.
All of the c0nferees except Repre-
sentative Sims. of Tennessee, and
Barley. of Kentucky, Democrats,
signed the agreement. The minority
will preSene separate views later.
President Wilson, in supporting he
contention that no increases could be
granted on the eve of return of the
railroads, told the union leaders that
their demands would he considered by
a commission to be created by law if
such Il provision was included in the
railroad bill, or to be appointed on
his own initiative if no legal provision
We're made.
In HE belief tha+ Il wage commits
sion would be empowered TO take up
their demands. the railroad union
heads have called conference to be
held here beginning Monday to dis
cuSS the policy to be adopted in deal
ing with such a commission.
To ascertain if the railroad execu-
tiveS would agree to turning over the
wage controversy to such a commits
sion. Director General Hines has re-
queSted committee of railroad Off
Gals TO confer with him here.
Despite expected opposition % the
new wage section, Republicsh lead
erS of both houses expressed belief
that the conference report would be
adopted and the bill sent to the presi-
dent with little change.
Outstanding points of the measure
as finally agreed upon are:
Compulsory submission of labor dis
puteS to a permanent federal board
appointed by the president and COM
posed of nine members equally divid-
ed between employees, employers, and
the public. No provision is made for
enforcing the boards decision.
Adjustment of rates by the inter-
state commerce commission so as to
yield carriers a return of 81 per cent
on the aggregate value of their prop
erty, with another half of one per
cent for improvements.
Distribution of half the net rail-
way operating income in excess of 6
per cent of the property value, equally
between the carriers reserve fund and
the federal railroad contingent fund,
which will he administered by the COM
mission for the assistance of weaker
roads
Government guarantee to railroads
against q deficit during the first six