New-York tribune., 1921-02-03
Rail Unions
Again Seek
w ilson's Aid
Continued from page ons)

the railways increased under govern
ment control by 2s1, 1,oOo," according to
statement issued by Mr.. Atterburg
tonight, which added:
1T ~ fact of the highest signifi-
canoe in its bearing upon the matter
OF agreements, rules and working con-
ditlons, swhose nullifcation we have
asked the Railroad Labor Board to ap-
prove. that Of this increase 232,5 1853 oc-
| Cured in shop employees, clerks and
maintenance Of way employees with
whom the railroad administration
made the three national agreements.
The transportation act requires eff
! flcient and economical operation Of
the railways. Efficient and economical
operation cannot, however, be secured
without removal of the great re-
| strictions and obstacles in the way of
efncient management which are set UP
by rules and working conditions which
Were adopted as war measures.
"The. railways desire to treat their
| employees with entire fairness. All
| charges to the contrary are baseIess,
They cannot, however, assume the re-
sponsibility for consenting any longer
| to continuance of conditions which
make efficient and economical opera
| ton impossible."
/ Mr.. Jewell, who will appear before
| the board tomorrow to present the
workers side of the case, in a state
ment to-day differed with w. w. After
bury, vice-president of The Pennsyl-
vania Railroad, as to the financial con-
dition of the roads.
"f the transportation industry is in
the deplorable condition stated by Mr..
Atterbury," said Mr. Jewell, "no time
should be wasted in applying to the
Railway Labor Board, because it is pow
| erless to act. Application should have
been made at once to those public
agencies which could prevent such a
catastrophe as the bankruptcy of the
roads which he predicts.
Why isn't application made to the
Interstate Commerce Commission !?
Why don't the banking and bonding
houses appear before committees Of
the House and Senate Why aren't
the railway presidents, who are now
compelled by the bankers to appear
before the country practically as beg
gars seeking pubic charity. put to
work on this problem of proper agen-
cies?
Unions Reply Ready
MY own opinion is that if general
and searching investigation of the en-
tire transportation question Is ordered
by the President or Congress it will
reveal inefficiency and deliberate
wastefulness by the present railway
management and control"
Mr.. Jewell practically has completed
his reply for the brotherhoods after
three days of conferences. Labor lead
ers generally believe that the board
will refuse the request of the railway
executives.
Decision by the board is expected
Friday, although members of the
tribunal have indicated their unwil-
lingness to be forced to take any seanu
immediately. The board will hold no
hearing Friday, and probably will meet
in executive session.
| WASHINGTON, Feb. 2-Decision o1
/ the Railway Labor Board to admit ts
hearings on rules and working o ~
tions seven independent employees or.
| ganizations was characterized to-day
by Samuel Gompers, president of the
| American Federation of Labor, as the
beginning of the disintegration of the
boards influence and usefulness.
Mr.. Gompers called at the White
1 House and conferred with Secretary
Tumulty. He refused to say what was
] discussed