The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1920-02-14
TRAINMEN MAY
NOT STRIKE
e
Bound by White House De-
cIsIOn," Says Lee.
WILSON HANDS REPLY TO men
Gives oovernment's "UnaIterabIe De-
eis!on" In Wage Demand to Union
Men at White Heuss-Flat Pay
Raise Refused.

Men at White Hous&-FIat Pay
Raise Refused.
Washington, Feb. 14.-Indcations
that there would be no independent
strike of railroad trainmen were given
when President W. G. Lee announced,
after a lengthy conversation With Di-
rector General Hines, that his prgani-
cation was bound by the White House
decision" applicable to all the railroad
unions.
The trainmen had acted inGepend-
entity in canceling their wage cdntract,
effective February %. Mr.. Lee said
he had given Mr.. Hines the trafnmen's
reply In the wage negotiations and
would not see the director general
again.
President Wilson made a proposal
In person 20 the representatives of the
railroad brotherhoods for settlement
give 1t consideration.
An "unalterable" decision In the
wage controversy was made by the
president. He said the governments
policy was "based on justice 10 all
interests"
The presidents answer was describ-
ed by the White House officials as ''a
decision containing proposal. From
this 1t was assumed the president had
refused 20 grant general wage In
creases, but made a cOunter-propost-
tlOn to the men.
The presidents proposal, whatever
1t was, was not expected to stay the
s,rike of $4,000 maintenance of way
employees. called for next Tuesday.
The brotherhood leaoers would not
say what the proposal was. Timothy
Shea, acting president of the Brother
hood and Firemen and Enginemen, an
nounced they would make no state
mem.
B. NJ Jewell, president of the rail-
way department OF the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor, announced tile pro-
posal would have 10 be put upsfo the
men" before an announcement could
be made by the union representatives
Besides Mr.. Jewell and Mr.. Shea,
f. ]. Manion. president OF the Order
of Railway Telegraphers, was present
at the conference. The preside met
them on the south portico of the Whi.e
House and read a statement which
he had prepared after q = aadH gumn
report on the wage negotiations pre-
sented to him by the director general
of railroads, Walker D. Hines.
The conference lasted about fifteen
minutes. The president was in his
wheel chair.
Mr. Shea notified the union execu-
lives who have been comforting with
Mr.. Hines, advising them to call a
conference to consider the presidents
statement.
He said there was no disposition TO
act hastily, and the union leaders de-
sired to make a complete examination
Of the presidents statement before
reaching a decision.
The presidents statement says The
governments policy was based on JUS
tice to all interests is in line with the
final word presented to the union lead
ers by Mr.. Hines a. the last confer
enCe with them.
Mr.. Hines was understood to have
told the men. with the return of the
loads 10 private control under The new
railroad bill, an impartial tribunal for
consideration of their demands would
be created.
; If an increase in pay were granted
the men, Mr.. Hines was understood to
have suggested 20 the president, the
roads would ask an increase in freight
rates, which would mean increased
living costs. This argument was pre-
sented to The union leaders on sever
al occasions by the director general,
1t was said at the railroad adminis.ra-
ton.
1nasmuCh as the unions were press
Ing strongly for a reduction i'm living
costs, officials said there was reason
to believe the president had employed
this in his answer % the union spOkes-
man.
When the railroad men greeted the
president they told him he was look
ing very well.
Il have just been shaved" said The
president. That helps a bit"
The president. sitting in his wheel
chair in a corner under the portico.
wrapped in blanket, shook hands
with the men was his secretary, Jo-
seph P. Tumulty, presented them
They stood up throughout the confer
ence with their ovsrcoats on and their
hats In their hands. The president
pressed them to put their hats on be-
cause Of the danpness, but they re-
fused.
! After reading his statement the
president asked them 70 give consid-
Grafton TO his suggestion, and they
promised to do so.
--Ihs demands for Increases made.
+
I