Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1920-02-18

.ration during the war would con-
tinue in effect until Sept. 1 under
the railroad organization bill, the
conference report on which was
presented teday in the house and
senate
Under the wage provision, pay Of
railroad workers would be stab,
ilized al the present levels for six
months after the rail properties are
returned to private control. The
bill also seeks to stabilize rates
for the same time. providing that
prior to Sept. no rates may be re-
duced unless approval Of the inter
state commerce commission is OBJ
tsined.
Up in House Saturday.
Chairman Esch of the house man
ayers announced today that the
conference report would be taken
up In the house Saturday-and
Chairman Cummins Of the senate
managers expects to call It up in
the senate at later date. Despite
he expected opposition to the new
wage section. Republican leaders
expressed belief that the conference
report would be adopted and the
bili sent to the president with little
change.
Features Of Measure.
The outstanding points of the
measure as finally agreed upon
are:
Compulsory submission of
labor disputes to a perma-
nent federal board appointed
by the president and composed
of nine members equally di-
udad between the employees,
employers and the public.
mo provision is made for
enforcing the boards decis-
! ion.)
Adjustment OF rates by the
interstate commerce commits
sion so as 70 yield the carriers
return OF 61s per cent upon
the aggregate value Of their
property with another half OF
per cent for Improvements.
Distribution Of half the net
railway operating income in
excess Of 6 per cent of the
property value. equally be-
tween the carriers reserve
fund and the federal railroad
contingent fund which will be
administered by the commits
sion for the assistance Of weak
ef roads.
Government guarantee to
railroads against deficit dur
Ing the first six months after
the roads are turned back.
Permissive consolidation OF
railroads IN accordance with a
general consolidation plan to
be prepared by the interstate
commerce commission.
Appropriation OF $500,000, 900
to Be used as revolving funds
from which to make loans to
carriers and pay claims grow
ing out Of federal control.
! Unexpended funds now in the
railroad administration hands are
also reappropriated for that pur-
pose and an appropriation Of $780,
700 for the federal labor board is
provided.
DUTY to Avoid Interruption.
A finally agreed upon, the labor
section provides that 1T shall be
the duty Of al carriers and their
omcers. employees and agents to
exsrt every reasonable effort and
ADOPT .very available means to
avoid any interruption to the oper-
Alton Of any carrier growing out Of
any dispute between the carrier
and the employees or subordinate
o1cials."
Such dispute. the bill provides,
should. II possible, be decided by
railroad boards Of lower adjust
ment adjusted by agreement be-
tween the carrier concerned and
ne employees. No provision il pro-
ioed. however, for their organiza-
tion.
Hay Take Initiative.
The bill directs the railway board
q labor appeals. which would be
a1poanted by the president with the
senate's approval and which w0uld
have central onces in Chicago. to
consider and decide cases either
certified 70 Il hy the lower boards