New-York tribune., 1920-02-15
Rail Strike
Cancelled ON
Wilson Plea
Continued from page 1

Continued from pago
and so far as such law confers power
upon me shall promptly exercise that
power to bring about the earliest prac-
ticable organization Of the machinery
thus provided.
SO. In the event that no such provi~
sion is made by law for dealing with
these matters l shall employ the influ-
cncc of the executive to get the railroad
companies and the railroad employees
to join promptly in the creation Of tr1-
bunal to take up these problems and
carry them to conclusion.
"3. / shall at once constitute COM
mittee Of experts to take the data al
ready available in the various records
of the United States Railroad Admin
istration, including the records of the
Lane commission and of the board Of
and to analyze the same, so as to develop
in the shortest possible time the facts
bearing upon a just ana reasonable
basis of wages for the various classes
Of railroad employees with due regard
to all factors reasonably bearing upon
the problem and specifically to the
factors Of the average Of wages paid
for similar or analogous labor for
other industries In this country, the
cost Of living and fair living wage,
so as to get the problems in shape for
the earliest possible final disposition.
The views Of this board will serve az q
ancc l gave to the employees last sum-
mer, that | would use the full influ-
encc of the Executive to see that JUS
tice was done them, and will, believe,
be means of avoiding what might
otherwise be long drawn out investi-
CATION Of facts. While I propose to
act Mt once In regard to this matter
and to avoid any delay in doing so,
shall nevertheless invite the cooper
alton Of the railroad corporations, and
believe they will appreciate that it is to
interest to get these matters promptly
settled"
Mr.. Wilson said he recognized the
necessity Of disposing Of the problems
without further delay, but asked the
continued cooperation Of the unions and
requested them to use their influence
in obtaining a recall of the strike order
issued by the maintenance workers. He
said, Notwithstanding that Corrective
factors were at work" in controlling tho
cost Of living, "these important wage
q
further indefinite period and ought to
be disposed Of on their merits at the
earliest practicable time"
The readjustments of living costs
could not come with rapidity, Mr.. Will
son explained, but added his belief that
efforts to force prices down were hav-
ing beneficial effect"
The union reply expressed gratifca-
tion with the Presidents "recognition
Of rCir Ir1o x,ynt ntok hnxv
their demands, but added that there
was pressing necessity for immediate
relief.
Owe feel justified in saying" the
union answer continued, that we do
not believe the railroad employees will
countenance any plans which contem-
plate further delay
II is our earnest conviction that
the situation warrants us urging that
you promptly indicate to railroad labor
that you will create by agreement
special tribunal to deal with specific
and important problems"
A set of principles with which the
tribunal is asked to deal, from the
union view, were outlined as follows:
81. Rates of pay for similar or
analogous service in other industries.
". Relation Of rates of pay to in
creased cost of living
"3. basic minimum living wage
sufficient to maintain a railroad mans
average family upon standard Of
health and reasonable comfort.
-. That ditferentials above this
basic minimum living wage be estab-
lished, giving due regard to skill re-
CURED. responsibility assumed and
hazard incurred: Decision to be
handed down within sixty days after
agreement to establish it, and to be
final and binding upon all railroads IN
the United States and employees whom
we represent"
In statement, supplementnc their
letter to the White House, the union
officials declared their conviction that
a settlement of the controversy along
any lines other than on the principles
they set forth would be "at best a
makeshift."
They declared those principles to be
Fundamental and appealed to the public
not to fear that any wage increases
granted US will prove step in the so
called vicious cycle.'"
1T IS the conscienceless pyramiding
OF profits, and not the increasing circle
OF costs incident to giving labor a liv-
ing wage that the public should be on
guard against" the statement said.
Labor, assured of uniform, fair treat
ment and relieved Of distress and worry
Que TO inadequate wages, will ALWAYS.
through greater efficiency and a desire
to return square deal for square deal |
nolo labor costs on a sound economic
ievei by increasing production and
service: We ask the American people
20 20 see that we are met half way In our
efforts to settle sanely and fairly. but
speedily, great and trying problem "