Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-08-01
Chairman of Rail Execu-
tives Says Report Is
Incorrect
ATTITUDE UNCHANGED
Harding Said to Have Been
Given Assurances of
Support by Railroads

New York, Aug. 1.-The 14S rail-
way executives who came here to-
day to consider President Hardings
peace proposal TO settle the strike of
the railway shOpmen, adjourned at |
o'clock until 3 this afternoon with
out accomplishing anything. There
dre many who believe that the rail-
way heads, at least part of them.
will refuse to consider the proposal
that the men go back to work and
retain their seniority standing with
the roads. This seems to be the really
great stumbling block, though there
are some who believe that because of
President Harding's urgent request
majority of the roads may give way
on this point.
Philadelphia, Aug. 1T. De Witt
Cuyler, head of the railroad eXecu-
tives' organization, said yesterday
that "it IS not true" that the rail-
road employers had given assuran-
ces they would support President
Harding's proposals for an immedi-
ate ending of the strike.
Mr.. Cuyler made this statement
after he was shown a dispatch from
Washington, which said advisers Of
President Harding had stated he
had received assurances from Mr..
Cuyler and W. W. Atter6ury, vice
president Of the Pennsylvania Rail
road, that they. would support the
Presidents proposals for immediate
ending of the strike.
Mr.. Cuyler said that there has
been "no commitment of any kind"
He added that the understanding
was to await the Presidents pro-
posal, which had not yet been re-
ceived.
Mr.. Cuyler would not amplify
his denial as to whether he was
speaking for himself or for the ex-
ecutives. Asked whether he would
personally support President Hard
ing's plan, he said he had no fur
Their statement to make.
Mr.. Atterbury is in New York at
tending a meeting of the Eastern
railroad executives at the Metropoli-
tan Club. In his absence it was
given out by the general Offices that
the Pennsylvania Railroad had not
changed its position since the state
mret by Mr.. Atterbury at the
White House last Wednesday after
seeing President Harding. In this
statement General Atterbury said
the questions of seniority should
properly be determined by the en-
ployes of the company. and that it
would be guided by what the em-
ployes thought wise, fair and equit-
able.
Washington, Aug. President
Harding was said today by close
ersonal friends and advisers to have
received assurance from Chairman
Cuyler. Of the Association of Rail
wav Executives; Vice-President At
terbury. of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road. and p. NJ. Jewell, head of the
striking shopmen's organizations,
that they would support his pro-
posals for immediate ending of the
strike.
These assurances were understood
70 be the basis of the Presidents
hoe for successful termination of
his arbitration efforts. They have
been the subject of discussion. it
was reported. between the Presi-
don't and his immediate advisers. in
cluding some members Of the Sem
ate
The President has been told, it
was said, that Mr. Jewell. in the
union conference which Is beng held
today at Chicago. would give his in
dorSement to the settlement pro-
posal.
Mr. Cuyler and Mr.. Atterbury. it
is said did not 90 50 far AS the
advised pc President that thew
would at least vote for rs accent
ance. II was said that Mr.. Cuyler
ted the President he would aQree to
present The Executives proposals to
the railway heads conference today
at New York. and in doing 80 ex-
pressed the personal belief that
they ought 70 be adopted. The IN
ducnce Of Mr. Cuvler and Mr.. At
terburv is counted upon bv the Adj
ministration TO have a large influ-
ence at the railway executives
meotin0.
Administration leaders said they
expectod spirited debate in the sos
sion Of the executives, but that the
final result would be reluctant ac-
ceptance Of the Presidents pro-
nosaIs It might be according 70
Administration advisers, that the
executives would go on record
against accenting the proposals and
Welding 70 the union demands for
waivino the mems seniority rights.
hut nlace themselves in position Of
vieldin@ under protest to virtual
"order" from the President At the
same time il was thou"ht nrobable
4hqt the executives would teke ac-
tior declaring that the President
and not thew themselves were re-
suonsible for waving the seniority