Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-09-09
PRESIDENT OEL|BERAT|NG
The Ambassador Has Asked Co.
operation of Department of
Labor to Assist in Finding
q Work for JObless AustrO-Hun-
garians.

Washington Sept. S-Dr. Constantin
left late to-day for the summer ON
bassy at Lonox, Mass to wait word from
Secretary Lansing as to whether the
United States government is satisfied
with his explanation of his Intercepted
letter to the Vienna foreign office out
lining plans for withdrawing Austro-
Hungarian labor and handicapping Ameri-
can plants manufacturing war sup
plies.
The ambassadors statement to Mr..
Lansing yesterday that he was acting
under Instructions from his government
in all that he planned to do apparently
has made a diplomatic issue of the affair
far more serious than mere question
Of ethics or property involving only DR..
Dumha himself
Silence on the subject was observed
again today at the White House and
state department and so far as is known
no decision has been reached as to what
course shall be adopted. The President,
carrying the cabled copy of the am
bassador's letter, walked over to the
department during the morning, sur
prlsed Secretary Lansing in his office
and spent 10 minutes discussing the sit
uation 1t was the first time a prcsi-
dent had done such a thing since Span
Ash War days
Before leaving Washington Ambassador
Dumba called at the department of
labor to seek cooperation in his pro-
gram for providing new employment
for workmen who are expected to walk
out of the munitions plants. Secretary
Wilson was not in his office but he
talked with Acting Secretary Densmore.
1t is no secret in official circles that
the administration would not counte-
nance any sort of participation in such
a movement.
1t is understood that the ambassn-
dor proposes to go ahead with his plans
without regard to the attitude of the
American government. At the en-
bassy to-day it was emphasized that
the only step so far ordered i'll the in
struction from Vienna was the issu-
ance OF a proclamation calling upon all
Austro- Hungarian subjects to obey the
decree OF their government against aid
Ing in the manufacture of war muni-
tions for the enemy.
decree similar to this one, it was
recalled tonight. was issued some time
ago by Germany though it attracted
but little comment. 1t is stated that
soon after the decree was proclaimed
most of the Germans employed In
munitions plants, chiefly in execution
Of scientific departments quietly
sought other positions without wait
Ing for urging through diplomatic
agencies
GERMANS AND AUSTRIANS QUIT.
Chicago, Sept. S.--SeVenty- five German
and Austrian machinists employed by
Torris, Void & Co, tool manufacturers
went on strike to-day when they Learned
that the company had taken a contract
70 make tools to be used in manufacture
ing shrapnel for Great Britain and hei
allies.
President s. NJ. Hastings Of tho Illinois
Manufacturers association said the strike
at the Torris. Void &, Co, plant was one
OF many that had been called to his at
tenton within the past few weeks.
eve are investigating these strikes
and may report the facts to President
Wilson after he has acted in the case OF
DR.. Dumha."