Arizona republican., 1920-03-03
.BROTHERHOODS AGREE TO GIVE \ TRYOUT
Union Spokesmen Declare Opposition to Act, But "In Interests of Labor" Will Give It Thorough Trial
IRepubIican A. p. Leased wirel

HeEuDftCdH "A rs @CaS-A
 WASHINGTON. March 2--Definite steps were taken today toward settle ment of the railroad wage controversS which has been pending since last August. Representatives of railroad workers, with the exception of one group. agreed to cooperate with the government and the railroads in giving a trial of the new transportation act with its arbitration clauses and Presi- dent Wilson. in letters to both the Association of Railway Executives ana heads of the 15 workers organizations, requested that they select representa- tives to sit on the bipartisan wage board. Prompt action was urged by the president in order that the negotia tions between employer and employees might not longer be delayed
 Section Hands Withdraw
 The one group of workers, which has not entered into the agreement ito go along with the president was the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way employees and shop laborers, which re- centiy withdrew from tie conferences between union heads and the railroad administration. Committeeman from the locals of the maintenance union, however, will meet in Chicago Thurs day and, it was believed, would follow liit lCd1 Ol tue OlltI NOIhCfS III COiAA- pliance with Mir Wilson's request.
 In a statement tonight explaining their position, the union spol1esmen de- clared that while they could not ap- prove of the transportation act they had agreed to aid in giving the law a trial, ''in the interest of railroad labor, and as American citizens"
 Rail Men Give Views
 Notwithstanding the fact that labor in, al Taf. ticular. with the full cooperation and support of other bodies representing American citizens urged the congress not to pass the railroad bill. and the president to veto it and return it to congress- the union statement said. we are now officially advised the president has signed the bill and it fs the law"
 Labor's criticism and protest. against this legislation are matter of record and were presented to the con gross, the president and the public. We have not changed our views in regar6 to this legislation and therefore do not endorse the law: however, as American citizens. we feel that in the interest of railroad labor there is nothing left for us to do at present except to CO., operate in the prompt creation of the machinery provided for in law.
 Tn the case of the Brotherhood oi Maintenance of Way and Shop labor CTS. this organization has not had duly authorized representatives in this last conference. Therefore, in compliance with their constitution it was neces- sary to convene such representatives, which they will do in Chicago Thurs day, March A.
 Hines to Call First Meet
 The president in his letters said he had turned over direction of preliTni- nary wage negotiations to Director General Hines who was entrusted with details of the winding up of govern ment control by the president in his proclamation turning back the roads. Both the railroad executives and the union heads were asked to notify the director general of the representatives on the board and were informed that MT. Hines would arrange for the first meeting at which will be determined all questions of procedure.
 Agreement of the unions to give the law a thorough trial was regarded as making remote prospects of a strike. Certain groups of the union member ship, however, were keenly disappoint- ed and may yet assert their disappToval of and opposition to the law by strike votes but this probability was expected to be eliminated when full explanation of the leaders action is received by the rank and file of the more than 2- 000 900 workers