The Washington times., 1916-08-30
n. Y.FEELS EFFECTS
Of STRIKE THREAT
Many Lines Put Embargo on
Freight Which Cannot Be
Delivered by September 4.

NEW YORK. Aug. 30.-First effects
OF the impending nationwide railroad
strike. which will tie UP the COM
merce of the country. were being felt
today. before the walk-out of the 400.-
900 members OF the big four brother
hoods Is scheduled.
Probably never In the history OF rail-
roading have the big lines OF the
country faced such a situation as Is
now presented. Many lines have al
ready put an embargo on all freight
which cannot be delivered before Sep
tember I. Shippers and buyers are
making frantic efforts to move goods
or lay in an extraordinary supply be-
fore the tie-up becomes effective.
Thousands OF persons on vacation.
away from home on business, are cutA
ting their trips short. Warming has
been given by one road in the Middle
West that passengers may suffer in
convenient delays once the strike is
In effect. and reports here today in
dicate a country wide scramble to
get back home"
The New York. New Haven, and
Hartford railroad was the first to de-
clare an embargo on freight in the
Eastern district. The New York Gem
trail, Pennsylvania, Lackawanna, Erie
and New York. Susquehanna and
Western were expected to follow SUIT.
The passenger departments of all
| lines today reported heavy demands s
being made upon them from all points,
by the thousands OF summer travel
ers. NO attempt Is made by the roads
to minimize the probable effect OF n
strike on passenger trafnc
announcement of an embargo on
| freight, which cannot OF certainty be
rom tSe b Eri. sc, ens d5 f, efssS
freight carrying roads in the coun
try. before today is over. At the
Erie ofices 1t was stated a meetinp
was held during the morning, but nc
definite decision was reached. A sec.
ond meeting is to be held later in the
day. when 1t was said some actor
Will probably be taken, 80,
\ the effects Of the impending strike
but banks are also being flooded with
demands from big business houses
endeavortng to purchase supplies In
| practically "train-load lots" In some
| instances.
Creates CONSERVATION.
| The embargo announced by the New
Haven. and the possibility that othe
roads would take similar action. created
the greatest CONSERVATION among ship
pers. Owing to the heavy traffic an,
car shortage under normal conditions
It 10 realized that the railroads may no
be able to handle any more freight tina,
is now actually on hand. This woul
mean business houses which failed L
get in their extra orders prior to thi
week. will probably be caught short.
All produce houses and other firm
dealing in perishable goods were max
Ing frantic efforts to get shipment
now en- route delivered. Once the strik
Is In effect. the food supply In a ma
pority of the larger cities OF the countr
will probably not hold out more than
week unless some way Ia found Of get
ung foodstuns to them, 1t is estimated
! Prepare for Strike.
In the meantime Eastern roads ar
making preparations for the strike. en-
deavoring to arrange for men to operat
trains. All workers not affiliated wit
the brotherhodos are called upon (
stand by the companies. The Erie ha
Issued a notice that employees remainin
loyal will be put at the head of thei
service rosters and will be regarded a
senior employees OF the company. War;
Ing Is also given that men Joining tn
strike, leave the service OF the com
pany. and lose all rights and privileges
Despite the orders of the four brothe,
pass and interference with property
the strike. the New Haven road ,hs
asked sheriffs and police officials
towns along Its lines to he prepared
protect the railroad property. II necei
| sary.