The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-02-12
Only Short Time to Be Spent
in Considering Opposing
Statements.
FURTHER CONFERENCES
Held to Clear Situation Caused
by Maintenance of Way
Mems Strike Call.

Washington. Feb. 12.-(A. P.)-
Disposition of the wage demands OF
more than 100000 railroad employees
today was in the hands OF President
W llson. Decision to lay the matter
b ore the president was made after
Director General Hines and repre-
sentatives of the employees had failed
to reach an agreement.
Statements setting forth the views
of both sides in the controversy
one giving the reasons why the
unions demand an immediate in
crease In wages and the other ex-
planning why Director General Hines
could not agree to such increase on
the eve of the turning back OF the
railroads to private ownership-were
in course OF preparation this morn
ing and will be presented to Mr..
Wilson today.
Further Conferences.
As prepared for presentation to the
White House the statements did not
include the separate grievances OF
the Brotherhood of Railroad Train
men and Mr.. Hines arranged to con-
fer further today with w. G. Lee,
president of that organization. Like
wise, Mr.. Hines will confer with a
committee representing the mainte-
nance of way employees, whose off,
GERS have called n strike to become
effective Feb. II.
Public Doesn't Realize.
Mr.. Hines memorandum which was
sent to the White House shortly before
noon wns understood to have embodied
the claims and arguments of the union
officials with whom he has been con-
terring since Feb. 3.
Railroad administration officials and
RON taft
Inclined TO regard the situation as
qulescent, White House officials ex-
pressed concern at the gravity OF the
problems presented Without disclosing
whAt these questions We're. II was de
clarcd the general public did not realize
the serious nature of issues involved.
Union officials, with the exception OF
malntcnanCe OF way employees. and the
brotherhood OF railroad tranmen. APP
phfcntly were willing TO leave the case
IN the hands of tho president Although
there was dissatisfaction because living
costs had not been reduced. it was eyl-
dent The union men felt another oppor-
tnnity should be given them for adjust
lhcnt OF the differences which have been
held IN allegiance at the PRESIDENTS re-
quest since they were submitted last
July.
Mr.. Hines has made tentative APP
polntment Tor this afternoon with J. n.
Molloy. vice-president OF the brother
hood OF maintenance of way employees
and shop lahorers. ana his committees
TO discuss the organization alleged
grievances which led to It's call for
strike next Tuesday.
Not Formally Notified.
Administration officials were engaged
today IN rosurrocting all claims sub
mttod by this group Of workers before
us wage agrccmnt was signed last Nov.
20 Tho agreement shows Il became ef-
feotiVe Dec. l6 ana federal officials say
they have not been formally notified OF
an ahroEntlon OF the agreement which
provides that thrty-day notice OF
cancellation must bo given.
w. q, Leo. president OF the brother
mood OF railroad trainmen, also was TO
confer with the director general on his
individual reasons for invalidating the
agreement which his organization has
Notification OF Intention to break the
agreement was given Mr. Hines Jan. as
which under the thirty-day clause will
leave that organization without n work
ing contract with the railroad admin-
lsttatlon on Feb, g. six days before
the roads return to their owners.