The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-08-01

Chairman Hooper of the rRii-
 road labor boaId, after a con-
 ference with President Harding
 today left for Chicago to be on
 hand when the meeting is cnlI-
 ed of the general policy com-
 mittee of the striking shopernft
 unions. Secretary Hoover ieft
 tonight to attend the New York
 meeting of the executives.
 There was little doubt in admin istration circles concerning ac- ceptance by the union leaders of the proposed compromlse settlement. Several railroad executives, how ever, are known to hold strong ob- jection because of their belief that it would entail abandonment of loyal workmen who have stayed on the job as well as new men.
 Objections off Set
 Personal friends and senatorial, advisers of the President wese strong in their conviction that this oppo- sitlon would be more than off set by those executives who would ac- cept the compromise, either as fair basis for settling the controversy or because of their conviction that acceptance was required as pa trlotic step.
 Optimistic forecast of opinion to be expressed from the New York meeting was based to more than a little extent, it was indicated. on the belief that Dewitt cuyler. chair man of the executives association and Vice President Atterbury of the Pennsylvania, representatives of an Influential group in the management side Of the rail controversy. would votef or acceptance The striking point in the whole attempt to ne- gotiate settlement. tho seniority rights so-called continued to pro trude in every conversation and pub lie statement of the leaders con- eerned. withs as much awkwar iness as ever even considering the Presi- dents suggestions for it's compro- mise. Arrangements of several of the larger systems, which now claim to have the strike beaten. have in- sisted that restoring the strikers. even though they accept the de- creased pay and .abroEation of fav- orabIe rules would mean the dis missal of many competent men em- ployed since the strike. It would further mean displacement of men who stuck by the railroads. and who have since received promised pro- motions.
 Must Protect All
 On the union side. 1t was held that nc settlement would be made by tns organizations unless It took care ot all their men. Tbat meant that all railroads had to put the agreement into effect and that all strikers on each road had to be taken.
 Advisers to the President had ft that the executives of the larger their positive refusal to take back the strikers on seniority basis. were willing, in advance of toner rows meeting, to say to associates that while they thought the policy wrong. they could not persist in re- fueing 70 accept a plan devised by tile government.
 These advisers were hopeful that a resolution would be passed by the executive. session declaring such . procedure was contrary to their best Judgment Of the necessities of the situation, but that in view of the responsibility of the President, they would accede to his views of what public interest required.
 Some railroad officials were vir- tually doubtful, however. that this disposition of the plan would be made.
 "stapdpatteys" Provfso
 Though not officially made public, the Presidents compromise sug- sestion as it applies to the original seniority issue. would place all shop employees who did not strike first on the seniority list. would give all re- turning strikers places just behind these, and would give all efficient men hired since the strike began
 tContinued on Page Two)