Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-08-14

a compromise suggestion advanced BY
representatives of the four railroad
brotherhOods that the seniority ques-
ton be submitted to an impartial arbi-
tration commission rather than the
labor board.
With the executives determined to
stand pat it appeared that if the strik-
ing shop crafts refused to accept the
last proposal of President Harding.
settlement of the dispute was as far
off as ever
The unions early Sunday night had
not made public their reply to the
president. 1t was understood. how
ever, that their leaders yesterday had
voted to reject the plan.
There was a possibility that decision
of the shopmen's leaders might be re-
considered, but it was generally con-
sldered more probable that despite the
announced decision of the executives
the unions would find themselves un-
willing to accept the presidents pro-
posal. The union heads conferred
Sunday with brotherhood leaders and
could be learned of what took place.
The committee of executives was in
conference for an hour Sunday morn
ing at the White House with Presi-
dent Harding and Secretary Hoover.
After informing them that they would
agree that the labor board and no other
body should determine the seniority
question-at the same time adhering
to their original position that tthe men
In striking had forfeited their seniority
the group met for a conference by
themselves before scattering to other
cities.
Railroad executives who had repre-
sented all their associates in negotiat-
ing over Saturday and Sunday with
President Harding and railroad board
organization heads for a compromise
settlement of the strike. left Washing
ton Sunday night convinced that the
present strike would be fought out to
a finish
The executives further indicated
through an authorized spokesman that
they expected the government would
not attempt further compromise in the
situation and made public the text OF
their answer to President Harding's
final settlement proposal
Union leaders, however declared
that mediation and compromise efforts
would be continued with officials Of
the four brotherhoods of train service
men acting as a committee to 60 be-
tween the striking shop crafts repre-
sentatives on the one hand and the
government and the railroads on the
other. Meanwhile, they withheld from
shopmen's chiefs to the presidents set
tlement offers and also a statement Of
the policy which other unions intended
to pursue, though it had been prepared
for the public.
There was no statement from the
White House or from administration
as to any further course in
tended.
All the heads of the railroad labor
organizations remained at Washing
ton, agreeing to meet at 10 o'clock
Monday morning.
Officers of the four brotherhoods.
members of which are not now on
strike, declared themselves commit
ee of mediation, endeavoring to deal
With the government and the railroad
in behalf of eight unions
which have definitely ordered strikes.
II conductors, in conciliatory state
nent issued after the days confer
nces, indicated that they intended to
emain acting in that capacity until
orgress gets back into session.
Almost As hours of meetings, involv-
ng the government. unions and the
abroad officials, operated to develop
he situation as it stood Sunday night.
leads of the seven crafts on q national
trike. B. Nj. Jewell. their chairman.
nd f. II. Fitzgerald. president of the
aiway and steamship clerks, who have
trikes on two railroad systems. re-
lained away from the White House
Thile the brotherhood officials took
p the union case Saturday with the
resident.
1t was known that the striking crafts
ad rejected the presidents final offer.
hough the document was withheld
rom publication.
L. Dewitt Cuyler, chairman Of the
ssociation of Railway Executives. and
committee of railroad presidents. de-
vered the answer of the roads, which
howed divided attitude to the presi-
ents proposal. Then. after both
roups had left the, White House,
silence as to their purpose.
le brotherhood chiefs conferred with
ne rail executives Saturday night and
the discussion there appeared a p'o-
osal TO leave the whole seniority ques-
on to arbitration by an independent
while the men went back to
ork. This proposition was refused,
nd Mr.. Sheppard declared Sunday
light it had not originated with tho
mediators.
All of the rail executives went back
the White House Sunday. spent an
our with President Harding and then
ft the city. The union chiefs went
to conference by themselves and were
ept informed by Secretary Hoover Of
,e action of the executives. They
nd prepared to make public later
atements indicating complete break
it'll the executives and the govern
ent. but later after separate sessions
the brotherhood chiefs had been in
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