The New York herald., 1921-01-30
3 METHODS DISCUSSED
Publicity Campaign to Con-
vince Public Reduc-
ton Is Just.
PLEA TO WAGE BOARD
'Uncompromising War Is a
Last and Undesired Resort,
1t Is Said.

Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD
( CHICAGO, Jan. ga half billior
dollars must be cut from the operat
I ing expenses of American railroads
, The labor committee of the American
i Association Of Railway Executives
. which resumed discussion of retrench-
nent methods to-day behind CLOSED
doors, is in quandary as TO the best
way of accomplishing that economy
W. w. Acerbury, vice-president Of
the Pennsylvania lines and chairman
of the committee, and the half dozer
railroad presidents who are associated
with him were reticent as they left
the conference, which began here yes
terday. Not one of them was willing
to discuss the progress already made
or the probable decisions.
1t was generally understood, how
ever, that the executives agree in be-
lieving railroad labor must give up
in one way or another, between $400,-
leoO,O and $5OO,OOO 900 a year if the
railroads are to earn the s per cent
return guaranteed them by the Fed
eral transportation act.
Three ways of accomplishing this cut
in wages have been suggested at the
conference, it is said. They are
I. Inauguration of publicity
campaign to win public support of
the retrenchment programme, this
campaign to include advertising OF
the secret diplomacy which is al
legged to have been behind the
Adamson law and subsequent rail
wage awards. Advocates of this
plan argue that wages could be re-
duced without difficulty once the
public had been convinced of the
Justice Of such a move.
2. An immediate ''show down" to
bring the case before the United
States Railway Labor Wage Board.
Under this plan the railway brother
hoods would be asked to consent to
a wage cut. In event of a refusal
the case could then be taken straight
to the Federal Board as an appeal
for emergency relief" 1t was in
this way that the brotherhoods ini-
tiated the proceedings which led to
general wage increase last year.
3. Uncompromising war with la
Dor in the old fashioned manner.
Such a move would be started by
suspending high priced men and cur
failing activities Then jobs would
be filled with cheap recruits from
the growing ranks Of the unen-
ployed.
The first and second plans. il is said.
are more in favor than the third, which
has few supporters. That one plan or
another will be adopted By the commit
tee is considered certain. for every men,
ber of the conference Is said TO be con-
vinced that a reduction of wages is
necessary.
From the executives viewpoint a cut
of approximately $500, 900, 900 year in
operating expenses is essential. Abroga-
ton Of the national shop agreements.
over which labor chiefs and railroad
heads arc now fighting before the rail-
way wage board. viii eliminate between
500. 1000. 600 and S150,000.000 of pres
ent expenses, IT is estimated. The rail-
road heads say the balance can be
eliminated only by reducing wages.
The committee which is now consider
ing the problem has not the right TO de-
eide for the American Association of
Railway Executives. The association Is
likely, however. TO approve the commit
tees findings.
Members OF the committee said to-
night that a decision probably will be
reached by Monday.