New-York tribune., 1920-02-27
Rail Bill Veto
Urged by Farm
And Labor Men
Brotherhoods Backed bv
Food Producers in Plea
to President; Oppose
Guarantee of Income
Strike Clauses Unpopular
Delay in Wage Settlement
and More Unrest Fore.
seen as One Result

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28.-President
Wilson was urged to veto the railroad
bill in memorials presented at the
White House to-day by tho representa-
tivcs Of the railroad brotherhoods, the
Farmers National Council and the
American Society Of Equity The dele
cations saw Secretary Tumulty, who
told them he would bring their re-
quests to the Presidents attention.
The railroad brotherhoods objected
especially to the labor clauses Of the
act, but Joined with the other organiz-
ations in opposition to the provision
which In effect asserts that railroad
security owners are entitled to 5la per
cent on the aggregate valuation Of the
properties.
Referring to the risks of crop failure
taken by the farmers every year in
order to feed the nation, the American
Equity Society declared that the out
standing debt against farm values was
between six and seven billion dollars,
with an interest charge Of about $780,
100000 year to the farmers. The
government, the Equity Society said,
does not guarantee this charge.
Farmers Toresee Added Charge
why should tho government under
write the whole investment Of the rail
roads?" it was asked.
Return Of the railroads, the me-
MORALS said, would mean sn increase
IN freight rates Of 25 to 40 per cent.
The farmers organizations declared
that this would be an added charge to
them Of at least $2OO,000,OO0 year
for the carrying Of their products.
The brotherhood memorial which was
framed by the union representatives
meeting here to consider the Presi-
dents proposal for settlement of their
wage demands said that the guarantee
or minimum net return Of 5H per
cent was particular, exclusive and
special privilege" not enjoyed by in
vestors in other kinds of securities and
violated the fundamental principles of
American government.
vigorous opposition was expressed
to the provision of the bill establish
ing tribunal for settlement of labor
disputes. The memorial said this was
an attempt to deprive the railroad en-
ployees of their former inherent
right TO determine their wages by ne
EQUATION between employee and en-
ployer.
Unreasonable Delay" on Wages
Operation of the measure, it said,
would cause an unreasonable de!av'
IN settling the present wage demands
because the unions would have to pre-
sent their demands anew 70 each of
the 1000 privately owned railroads.
The memorial also set forth that the
"lnequities, uncertainties, delays and
ambiguities" of the bill would promo ore
unrest and intensity existing causes Of
disagreement and prevent the orderly
adjustment Of grievances
Finally It WAS charged that the bill
abrogsted the right and freedom ot
collective bargaining and substituted
IAN Indefinite and uncertain meth cd OF
compulsory adjustment or arbitration
of disputes"
George P Hampton. managing di-
rector of the Farmers National Coun-
cal. said that the guaranteed dividend
was not only an invitation but in ef
tect q mandate TO extreme waste and
lne'f!clency, entail;ng cost to the
people of nearly $2,00O.00O day.