The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-03-10

such action eventually in some 5000
cities.
Mr.. Roosevelt, writing to j. j.
Pelley, president of the Association
of American Railroads, and j. A.
Phillips, Cedar Rapids, Ia, vice
chairman of the Association of Rail-
way Labor Executives, invited both
to a Joint conference if they do not
agree on a consolidation program
before June 16. The Emergency
Railroad Transportation Act expires
on that date.
Progress Is Seen
Railroad officials indicated prog
ress had been made, but that they
we're uncertain whether an agree
ment could be reached that would
eliminate the need for a joint con-
ference. Negotiations among la
Dor, capital and Mr.. Eastman still
are in progress.
1.-THE situation remains up IN the
air." one rail official told the United
Press. But some distinct progress
has been made"
This official said some labor peo-
pie felt they would be holding the
bag unless negotiations were fin
ished before June Is, when the CO.
ordinator's office goes out of bust
ness under the present law and the
Presidents letter apparently was
an effort to speed agreement.
In his letter, Mr.. Roosevelt said:
What disturbs me is the ap-
parent inability of the manage
ments and the men to cooperate
in working out such common prob
lens. Issues which ought to be
settled by friendly negotiation are
being fought out in the battle
grounds of Congress and the courts.
Legislation has it's place. Often it
has been necessary for the welfare
of labor or capital or both, but it
is remedy to be taken with great
caution or it may prove worse than
the disease.
Situation Critical
"a critical situation prompts this
letter. 1t is common knowledge
that there is much waste in rail-
road operation, caused by the great
number of railroad companies, and
that much of it can be avoided,
either by consultations or by
greater cooperation and co-ordi-
mated use of various facilities.
This waste hampers railroad
progress and is burden on the
rate-paying public. 1t ought to be
eliminated for the good of all con-
cerned, and conditions favorable to
its elimination are now develop
ing. E. :.
In the long run, the employees
will surely gain from maximum eff
ficiency and economy in railroad OPP
Grafton. But sudden steps in
this direction may cause temporary
hardships. The employees are fairly
entitled to protection against such
hardships. =.
IF they do not agree and legisla-
ton is sought as the only solution, I
fear harm to the railroad industry.
All this can be avoided if the
contending parties will confer with
each other in spirit of reasonable
ness and moderation. :.
Suggests Joint Farley
Convinced, as am, of the great
benefits which will accrue to the
railroad industry, to it's employees,
and to the country if this matter
can be adjusted satisfactorily to
both parties, 1 address you, as rep
resentatives, respectively, of the
arrangements and the men, to ex-
press the hope that no effort will be
spared on either side to reach such
an adjustment. May I suggest that
before you permit such an effort to
fail you, you confer Jointly with me?
THE Federal Co-ordinator of
Transportation, acting under the
mandate of the Emergency Railroad
Transportation Act, 1888, is propos-
ing certain orders directed toward
the uniflcation of railroad terminal
facilities. In view of the pro-
posed negotiations, I have asked the
rO-Ordina tO~ ooI I,o hoe c1peav%ori