Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-06-25

mand what are you going to do
about the presidents order to give US
an aWard2"
Threats Of strike unles sthe boara
acted Immediately" came in YER
baily. by telegram. and by Letter.
The board declined to be stamped
ed. Judge r. M. Barton, it's chair
man, phrased its attitude thus:
Whatever decision this board
reaches must stand in the court OF
public opinion. A decision which
that court would reverse-by disap-
proval and criticism-would be
worthless. There are many angles
this question. More than NJ L
award of or 10 cents an hour
any other amount Is to be consider
ed.
Public To Be Considered.
There are other parties besides
the men themselves-the public,
which must pay the bill, and the
carriers which will assess the public.
These elements must be harmonized
in any award.
"The employees involved range from
the section hand-common labor--to
the high priced specialists who oper-
ate trains. All must be treated just
ly. We are getting nearer decision
every day, but 1t would be impossible
to predict when it will be made"
Assurances that everything possible
Will be done to expedite a decision
were sent to President Wilson by the
board. These We're in reply to the
telegram from the president to Judge
Barton Wednesday, the contents OF
which became public yesterday. The
presidents message follows:
Reports placed before me show the
transportation situation hourly grow
ing more difficult and l am wonder
ing whether it would not be possible
for your board to announce a deci-
sion with reference to the pending
wage matter. At least would it not
be possible for your board, If it has
reached no final conclusions relative
to the vital matters, tentatively to
agree upon a settlement or even a
partial settlement"
Forgotten Man" Enters.
Into the medley of threats and de-
mands Of union leaders came the
plea Of the Forgotten Man"-the
worker in position requiring initi-
ative and executive ability. It was
made to the board by w. V. O'Neil,
president Of the International Asso-
cietion of Railroad Supervisors of
Mechanics.
He informed the board his organ
ization desired hearing, that it had
nothing in common with the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor and that it
felt entitled to consideration as a
middle class union midway between
the capital group and the organized
labor group
1t was stated by source In close
touch with the board that the A. F.
of l.. and the big railway brother
hoods are concentrating as much ef-
fort on the "squelchins' OF the mid
die class union" as on the wage
award itself. ,.5ss G. 8, 81
The A. r.. Of L. forces. It is ad-
mitted, are maneuvering to force
minor railway executives into trades
union ranlls-then to pick the fore
men in railroad work from the
faithful" In the union.
Knows A. r. Of L. Attitude.
Mr.. O'Neil admitted his organiza-
tion was aware Of the "A. +. of l. at
He declared the success of
such at attempt would be detrimental
to the railroads.
"The supervisor" said Mr.. O'Neil,
"can not be under the jurisdiction OF
those working under his orders If he
is to be efficient. We oppose any at
tempt to place foremen and other
minor executives under union domi-
nation. On the other hand, we are
the forgotten men, Unions In the
past have by threats of strike or
other means forced their demands.
The white collar, middle class men
have been ground between the upper
and neither stones. Finally in des-
peration they organized and they are
trying to get before the labor board.
The stumbling block is the A. F. Of
L., which wants to force the super
visory officers into its own ranks"
Mr.. O'Neil intimated that before
the labor board adjourned it would
hear plenty from the forgotten
men,"