Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-08-01

rHoluihe OOjecIloHs BECAUSE Oh tHeir Dt-
lief that it would entail abandonment
of new employees who ignored strong
inducements not to accept employment
during the strike.
Personal friends of senatorial ad-
visors of the president are strong in
their conviction that this opposition
would be more than offset by those ex-
ecutives would accept the compro-
mise either as a fair basis for settl-
ing the controversy or because of their
conviction that acceptance was re-
quired as q patriotic step.
Seniority a Snag
Optimistic forecast of action to be
expected from the New York meeting
was based 10 more than a little ex-
tent. il wss indicated. on the belief
that T. Dewitt Cuyler. chairman of
the executives association. and Vice
President Atterbury of the Pennsyl
vania road were repre- esentatiyes of an
influential group of the management
side of the rail controversy. would
vote for acceptance.
At the same time the sticking point
IN the whole attempt TO negotiate q
settlement the seniority right" So
called. continued TO protrude in every
conversation and every public state
iifVbt VI tht itaNtiS NstH dS
much awkwardness as ever. even con-
sidering the presidents suggestions
for its compromise. Managements of
several of the larger systems which
now claim TO have the strike beaten.
have insisted that restoring the strik-
ers, even though they accept decreased
pay and abrogation of favorable rules.
would mean the dismissal of great
numbers of competent men employed
since the strike. II would further
mean the displacement of men who
struck by the railroads and who have
since received promised promotions
IN the service
On the union side it was held by
such spokesman for the organizations
as were still watching the progress
of events here that no settlement
would be made by the organizations
unless il took care of all of their
men. That meant that all railroads,
and not merely the largest number of
smaller roads. had 10 put the agree
ment into effect, and all the strikers
on each road had 10 be taken back.
Plan May Be Accepted
Advisors to the president had IL
that the executives of the larger sys-
TENS who have publicly stated their
positive refusal TO take back the strik-
ers on a seniority basis were willing,
in advance of Tuesdays meeting. to
say to associates that while they
thohght the policy wrong, they could noe
persist In refusing to accept plan
devised by the government Of the
United States. These advisors were
hopeful that resolution would be
passed by the executives session de-
ciarlng that shch procedure was
contrary 10 their best Judgment of the
necessities of the situation. but that
in review of possibilities of president,
they would aceed to his view of what
publlc interest required. Some rail-
road officials were very doubtful. that
this disposition of the plan would be
made
Though not officially made public
the presidents compromise campaign
as 1t applies to the original seniority
issue would place all shopmen who did
not strike first on the seniority list.
would give all returning strikers
piaces Just behind these. and would
give all the efficient men hired by the
roads since the strike began such posi-
tions on the lists as their length Of
actual service had earned
The presidents proposals were said
to be lengthy, but the only highly con
troversial matter dealt with seniority.
In general. the men would go back 10
work, accepting the railroad boards
award with an opportunity for re-
hearsss before the board. the railways
agreeing to drop all outside contract
ing Ct shop work-as practically all Of
them have already done-and agree in
addition TO set up boards of adjust
ment to consider grievances.
INSIST ON SENIORITY STATUS
Chicago. July 31.-Leaders Of the
striking railway shopmen arriving here
Monday night for Tuesdays meeting
called to consider President Hardings
peace proposals, insisted despite ali re-
ports TO the contrary that any settle
ment would restore full seniority rights
to the strikers.
THE men will go back to the exact
positions 4a both seniority lists alxs
pension rolls they occupied before the
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