New Britain herald., 1920-02-18
PROVIDES COMPULSORY
 HEARING ON DISPUTES
But No Provision is Made for Enforc- ing Final Dccisions-Also Would Have Government Guarantee Roads After Return to Private Control Little Opposition Expected.
Little Opposition Expected.

Washington, Feb. 1S.-WageS eS- ablished by the railroad administra- Yon during the war would continue in effect until September 1 under the railroad reorganization bill. the con- ference report on which was present. ed today in the house and senate.
 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 ENns bill of the senate, pay of railroad workers would be sta bilized at the present levels for six months after the rail properties are returned to private control and operation The bill re- ported today also seeks to stabilize rates for the same time, providing that prior to September 1 no rates may he reduced unless approval of the interstate commerce comm ission As obtained.
 Expect Little Opposition.
 The restriction on wage increases was looked upon with especial inter- est by members of congress, railroad :. officials and union leaders in view of the recent demands of the more than 2.000,O0O, railroad workers for an ad- vance in pay. Despite the expected aA republican leaders of both houses ex- pressed belief that the conference re- port would be adopted and the bill sent to the president with little change.
 Outstanding Features.
 The outstanding points of the meas ure as finally agreed upon are:
 Compulsory submission of labor sdisputes to a permanent federal board Appointed by the president and com posed of nine members equally divid- ed between the employees, employers and the public. No provision is made for enforcing the boards decision.
 Adjustment of rates by the inter- Rstate commerce commission so as to Sield to carriers a return of 5 1-2 per
 mt on the aggregate value of their
 lpperty with another half of one per THnt. for improvements. Distribution of half of the net rail- way operating income in excess of 6 per cent. of the property value, equal ly between the carriers reserve fund and the federal railroad contingent fund which will, be administered by Ethe commission for the assistance of weaker roads. s'Government guarantee to railroads against deficit during the first six 9InOnLHS the fOauS are turned back
 Permissive consolidation of rail- roads in accordance with a general consolidation plan to be prepared by the interstate commerce commission.
 Appropriation of $500.000, 900 to be used as revolving funds from which to nhake loans to carriers and pay cla inns growing out of fed eral control. Un- expended funds now in the railroad administration hands are also re- appropriated for that purpose and an appropriation of $50,O00 for the fed eral labor board is provided.
 Would Prevent Strikes. As finally agreed upon, the labor 'ssction provides that Sit shall be the duty of all carriers and their officers. employees and agents to exert every reasonable effort and adopt every available means to avoid any inter ruption to the operation of any carrier
 (Continued on Eleventh page.)