The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-10-18
R. R. EXECUTIVES
PLAN TO APPLY
FOR WAGE CUT
Immediate Action VIII Be
Taken, Says Thomas Cuyler.
Benefit of Reduction To Be
Passed to Public.
OFFICIALS LOOK FOR STRIKE
''ThiS Is Time and Place for It."
Says Erie Head.
Marine Engineers May Join
Railroad Men in Tie Up.
Immediate Action win Be
Taken, Says Thomas CuyIer.
OFFICIALS LOOK FOR STRIKE
'This Is Time and Place for It,"
Says Erie Head.
Marine Engineers May Join
Railroad Men in Tie Up.
CBy the Associated Press.l

New York, Oct. 1S.-Undeterred by
threats of a general railroad strike
the railroads of the United States.
thru the Association of Railway ex-
ecutives, were pushing plans today
to apply to the railroad labor board
for an additional 10 per cent reduc-
ton in wages. Determination to press
Immediately for the reduction was an
nounced last night by Thomas De-
witt Cuyler, president of the associa-
ton, in a statement which said that
concurrently with the reduction the
benefit of the reduction shall, with
the assent of the interstate commerce
commission be passed on to the public
in the reduction of existing railroad
rates except in so far as this reduc-
ton shall have been made in the
meantime"
Referring to the suggestion OF the
public group of the railroad labor
board that the IL per cent wage de-
crease granted in July be translated
Immediately into lowered rates Mr..
Cuyler declared much of the decrease
had been so translated even before
the new wage scale became effective.
He also cited a list of reductions
announced since July 1, which he
said, on some roads, have amounted
to more tlan the reduction in wages
SO far made" while on other roads.
the wage reductions allowed no net
return on operations but merely pro-
vided against the further accumula-
ton of u deficit"
Prepare To Meet Strike.
Despite the note of optimism sound
ed in administration quarters at
Washington. many railroad officials
here appeared convinced that the
strike would become effective and
were preparing to meet it. Some well
coined it.
This is the time and the place for
it." said f. D. Underwood, president
of the Erie railroad. Mr.. Underwood
declared the strike was against the
railroad labor board rather than
against the lines involved, and de-
clared it was. designed to bring about
government control, the desire of all
labor bodies, some part of the public
and some members of congress-"
Marine Engineers May Join.
The problem of feeding and fuel
ing New York in the event of a ral
tieup has been complicated by the
announcement that the Marine Engi-
neers' Beneficial association. whose
one thousand members operate harbor
boats and lighters. plying between
New York and New Jersey railroad
terminals, would meet on November 1
to decide on the question Of joining
the railroad men. The engineers say
they are affected by the railroad wage
cuts.
Health Commissioner Copeland said
he entertained no apprehension re-
garding the ability of municipal au-
thorities to feed the city in case the
strike comes.
At least rs commercial aircraft are
available thruout the country for
transporting passengers. mail and ex-
press in the event of railroad strike.
the Manufacturers Aircraft associa-
ton has informed Secretary Hoover in
a telegram.
One commercial company here has
placed twenty-three planes at the dis
posal OF Mayor Hylan. estimating that
they could bring 250,0OO pounds OF
foodstuffs into New York daily.