South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-08-14

opments since the initial effort was
made to prevent the threatened
strike. While the text of the re-
port was confidential it is understood
that il emphasized the refusal of
the union leaders TO consider arbi-
tratiOn
The president conferred with
some Of his closest advisers last
night and again early this morning.
II was announced with authority
that he had no opinion whatever on
the merits Of the controversy be-
tween the railroads and the unions
What he wanted. it was explained,
was TO avert general strike and
this ne was determined TO do If hu-
manly possible. There seemed TO he
q general feeling in administration
circles that the president would be
bile TO get the two factions together
on a compromise plan although il
was expected TO prove at least an
all-day task
GraveIy Concerned.
Omcials OF the administration
the threatened strike than over any
problem that has troubled the ad-
ministration. Ii was realized that
IL the general tie-up was permitted
10 so into effect all of the progress
made TO date in trying 10 reconcile
capital and labor would he lost Al
ready there are evidences Of bitter
l.
brotherhoods and the railway presi-
dents and officials admitted that if
a general strike were permitted no
one could guess what the outcome
would be
The president. 1t was reported. in
tended to make il plain 10 both sides
that the rights Of the public were
too deeply involved TO permit a
strike. While il was made very
plain by officials that there was no
intention OF making threats the
president has let il be known that
with congress in session. before he
will allow the traffic of the nation TO
be tied up ne will appear IN person
before a Joint session and demand
legislation that would preclude any
strike.
Could Operate Roads.
Already the president has no his
hands the authority to take over and
operate the railroads IL he so de-
sires. The Hay-Cham berlain army
bill. now a law. is drastic in the
authority il gives the president in
case Of an emergency. And with
practically the entire national guard
on the border depending for food
and supplies on the uninterrupted
service Of the railroad, officials say
the emergency contemplated by the
army bill would be present IL a.
strike were ordered. In addition
there is the matter Of interference
with the United States mails The
laws on the subject. officials say. go
rot only for first class mail. but also
for all classes including parcels
post. If he so desired the president
could compel the movement Of all
trains carrying any sort OF mail
under pain of prosecution
But officials insisted that there
was no such intention on the part
of the president Re hoped. they
said, 10 reconcile the difference be-
tween the brotherhoods and the rail-
roads SO that all bitter feeling would
be- eliminated
Presidents Position
The presidents position AS out
lined in the telegram 10 both sides
" hich resulted in the transfer Of the
negotiations 20 this city. was in part
as follows
A general strike on the railways
would al any time have a far-reach-
ing and injurious effect on the coun-
Try At this time ,he effect might
be disa stTOus ! feel thar 7 have the
right. therefore. 10 request. and I 40
hereby request rs the head ~ the
government. that. before any Hnsl
decision is arrived at. ] may have "A