The New York herald., 1922-08-10
union CHIEFS DELAY
REPLY TO PRESIDENT
Fail to Hold Conference in
Washington Because Of Late
Arrival.
MAY ANSWER TOMORROW
Harding Is Still Giving Major
Portion Of Time to Rail
Problem.
MAY ANSWER TOMORROW
specioi Dispatch 70 THE NEW YoxK HErALD.
New York Herald Bureau,


New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. G., Aug. Q.
Leaders of the seven striking rail-
road shor unions failed to meet in
Washington to day TO consider and
frame an answer to President Har
diirg'5 latest settlement proposal. In
midafternoon the meeting of union
executives was postponed until to-
morrow so that an entire day could
be given TO the meeting.
some OF the union executives did
not reach Washington until late at
ternoon and they were fatigued from
travelling. A statement was issued to
the effect that their trains were late.
Bert NJ Jewell head of the affilf-
oted shop workers unions, stated to-
day that no answer would be given
the President until Friday, If then.
Some time viii probably be taken for
discussion before any action is taken,
he said.
There was a noticeable absence to-
day OF hints that the Presidents settle
ment proposal would be turned down.
There was no action IN any quar-
ter, although President Harding Is still
giving the major portion OF his time
TO the problem. This morning the
President received seven representatives
OF the shop workers on the Pennsylvania
Railroad who remained at work when
the strike was called. They explained
to tho President their attitude on the
seniority question as II affects the men
who remained loyal TO the railroads.
Speaking for the delegation. Chair
man I. ~. Davis said that the workers
on the Job wanted TO get the Presi-
dents idea as 70 how the men who had
remained loyal and had advanced in
seniority would be treated under the
latest settlement proposal. lie said a
majority OF the shop employees OF the
Pennsylvania system cast OF Pittsburgh
had remained az work.
when the strike call was issued" he
said. Approximately 20 per cent. OF tho
shop mon on the Pennsylvania refused to
QhlN WOFk ~ fIt pFNs@uA AAHAt oiAiS
about 90 per cent OF the men are on
strike and their places have all been
filled with efficient workmcn. We want
to lay before the President our views
concerning the seniority question and to
insist that whatever settlement is mad
by the railroad labor board or other
agency. or this issue. the rights and In
terests ~ the men who remained at
work should be sufficiently protected"
Asked ~ he favored the restoration Of
tho men who went out on strike. Davis
replied that that would all depend on
tho efficiency Of those who applied for
reirEtatement
"The equipment on the Pennsylvania
Railroad" he said so far m | have
been nble 10 Judge. has not been depleted
IN the least MS result OF the strike"
Davis said he would hold himself In
readiness for a further summons from
the White House to discuss tho rail
strike situation.
Leaders OF the strikers assembled in
Washington viii make no forecast OF
their action. They stress kilograms
being received from local unions charac-
teriing tho Presidents latest proposal
as unfair and urging that II he turned
down. Labor, the weekly publication Of
the sixteen affiliated standard railroad
unions. In its latest number carries a
banner headline across the front page
saying Harding surrenders 70 railroads
on seniority issue" Editorial policy Of
the paper 10 controlled by the union
leaders. who are assembling here TO act
on the Presidents proposal