Evening star., 1937-01-14

promise and settlement of the strike.
After approximately an hour, the
conferees divided temporarily into two
groups. Representatives of the union
went into separate office to confer
with their board of strategy" which
alone is empowered to act for the
U. A. W. A, in the dispute.
Gov. Murphy and the General
Motors officials remained in the ex-
ecutive Office awaiting their return.
In another part of the Capitol State
Senator William Palmer, Flint, Demo-
crat, said he would favor a recess of
the Michigan Legislature, now in ses-
sion, pending strike settlement. A
food of petitions and requests to
legislators, he said, interfered with
their normal work
The majority floor leader of the
House, Representative Joseph C. Muir
ply, Detroit, Democrat, proposed that
the State set up three-member per-
manent strike arbitration board, en-
powered to hold hearings, subpoena
witnesses and investigate labor dis
putes.
Michigan's new Governor had
labored more than week to arrange
such conference. During this time
nearly 80 persons we're injured in
strike rioting at Flint, prompting Muir
ply to dispatch approximately 1900
National Guardsmen and so State
policemen to that city.
General Motors representatives at
tending the meeting are William S.
knudsen, executive vice president;
John Thomas Smith, legal counsel,
and Donaldson Brown, head of the
corporations Finance Committee.
Representing the union are Homer
6. Martin, president; Wyndham Nor
timer, first vice, president, and John
Brophy, director Of the Committee
for Industrial Organization. which
has supported the U. A. w. A. in
its strike
Meet without. Prejudice"
Two days ago Gov. Murphy re-
duested each side to send three repre-
sentatives to confer with him and
James F. Dewey. Federal labor con-
clllator, on prompt conclusion Of the
bloody labor dispute.
Gov. Murphy invited the represent
AtiveS to meet without condition or
prejudice" saying objections raised by
each side last week had prevented q
Joint consultation.
I'VE are glad to accept and to re-
state our position, given you in my
letter Of January g." Knudsen wrote
in accepting the Governors invita-
ton. I'VE are keenly alive to the high
concept you hold in regard to your
duties in behalf of the citizens of
Michigan and anxious to extend what
ever assistance we can toward the
accomplishment of your objectives
without sacrifice of principles which
we held to be of vital consequence to
our industry and the State"
Firm Maintains Position.
In New York spokesman for Gen.
eral Motors said that Knudsen,s ac-
ceptance of the governors invitation
should not be interpreted as meaning
the corporation was receding from its
position concerning the sit down"
strikers. He said the company con-
sidered today's meeting merely a ses-
sion to ascertain what might be worked
out and not conference for collective
bargaining with workers representa-
tives.
Martins acceptance informed the
governor that union representatives
would attend the conference without
any condition or prejudice"
THE United Auto Workers have
been ready at all times, through con-
ference and collective bargaining" he
said, ito arrive at settlement which
would be fair to all parties concerned,
including the public"
Continuance Of the present strike
situation in the automotive industry
will mean complete suspension Of
General Motors deliveries to dealers
In about three weeks, it was indicated
In authoritative sources at Detroit
Heavy demand greeted the intro
duction Of all new models throughout