Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-10-27
EFFORT TODAY
Continued from Page Ors)

Throughout the hearing today the
changes in rules and fear of further
wage reductions had influenced their
men in voting to strike. The board
is understood to be prepared to urge
that this fear of something which
may happen in the future is not suf-
ficient grounds for a strike and that
the men cannot lose anything by
waiting. for those decisions to be rem
dered.
The unexpected ending OF the
boards hearing after little more than
an hour had been devoted to taking
testimony of the railroads side fol-
lowed series Of whispered confer
enccs among the union leaders.
w. g. Lee, president of the train
men asked permission to make an
announcement to his general chair
men, 100 of whom were present. He
called them to meet here at nine
o'clock tomorrow. Warren s. Stone
of the engineers. l.. z. Sheppard of
the conductors: w. S. Carter OF the
firemen; and T. c. Cassen of the
switchmen made similar announce
ments and after brief statement
from Judge r. M. Barton, chairman
of the labor board, to the effect that
the boards decision as to whether
the unions had violated the July 1
wage cut order would he handed
down either tomorrow or Friday. the
meeting adjourned.
whether the proposal which the
board is expected to make tomorrow
can prevent the strike was a ques-
ton no union official would comment
on Throughout the hearing today
they reiterated their previous declar-
ations that they could not call off the
strike unless a satisfactory settle
mcnt" was reached, and they defined
such settlement as revocation of
the wage cut of July !. payment to
the men of the wages they have lost
as result of that cut. and n promise
by the roads not to seek further wage
reductions or changes in rules for
stated period
Board members declined to COM
iilCIiL VII lHc IltGtlIl5 W NC hcIu "
morrow, but others pointed out that
the general chairmen. grand officers
and executive committees who will
be in attendance have the power to
cali off the strike without reference
to any other body.
Throughout the hearing today Mr..
Hooper, chairman of the boards jul
dietary committee, developed in his
examination of the union presidents
that fear Of future wage cuts or
rules changed was the impelling
motive behind the overwhelming
strike majority. rather than opposi-
ton to the II percent wage reduction
Of last July. Each president declared
he did not accept the July cut. but
that it alone would probably not
have been enough to cause strike.
The board announced at the con-
vefling of the night session that no
further representatives of the union
would be called to testify. Mr..
Hooper announced that the board
considered it had sufficient informa-
ton from the labor chiefs although
they might be recalled for some addi-
tional questioning.
T. Dewitt Cuyler. chairman of the
Associa ton of Railway Executives
acting as spokesman for the rail off
ficiaIs. then presented a summary u
events leading to the present crisis,
insofar as the railway executives
were concerned.
Mr.. Hooper inquired IL any road
intended to make any change in
wages or rules without taking the
matter to the board.
NO sir" Mr.. Cuyler answered.
HAS. any change in rules or wages
been pht in effect in any. class of en-
ployes without bringing it to this
board or by agreement with Its en-
ployes?" Mr.. Hooper asked. direct
ing his question to the executives
generally. ts@
F.. A. Worthington. president of the
Cincinnati, Indianapolis 6 Western