The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-31
MILLIONS WILL Be
IDLE AS RESULT
OF RAIL STRIKE
Feverish Effort Being Made
in New York to Prevent
Complete. Paralysis Of
Commerce

New York, August 3O.-Representa-
Industries were making feyerish ef-
forts tonight to prevent complete
paralysis Of traffic In the event Of the
threatened nationwide railroad strike.
Millions of persons, it was estimated,
may be thrown out of work almost
Immediately If the strike becomes n
reality.
With the tying UP of the railroads.
steamship service out of New York and
other American ports. particularly
freight traffic, virtually would be at a
standstill. it was admitted by repre-
sentatives of steamship lines. 1t was
regarded as doubtful whether Euro
pean freight traffic would be able to
continue any length of time.
Coastwise shipping lines announced
that as a result of the railroad freight
embargo they will be unable to accept
freight except for terminals and points
which can be reached by water. Of
fetal notices to this effect will be
issued tomorrow.
EXPECTING COMMERCE NOW
Embargoes declared by the various
railroads already are having a serious
effect on commerce. it was said. One
of the most serious problems the steam
ship lines are facing Is possible short
age of bunker coal, Ship agents say
that the reserve supply in New York
and vicinity is not sufficient to carry
the demand over any long period. the
supply companies depending in the
main on daily shipments by rail from
the mines.
While there has been accumulated
in many of the terminals here suf-
ficient cargo to load ships now in port.
vessels on their way here undoubtedly
will face an immediate shortage of car
go. The loss to manufacturers. ship
owners. charterers and labor, it was
said would be tremendous.
FACTORIES WILL SUSPEND
Thousands Of manufacturing concerns
throughout the country which have
been supplying the warning nations
abroad with foodstuffs, clothing. NUM-
tions and other articles. probably will
be forced to suspend work. 1t was said.
Shipments of grain, which are now
beginning, and for which many ves-
sells have contracted cargo space. vir-
tually would be stopped. The loss to
the farming communities in all parts
of the United States, 1t was said, might
bring about unprecedented conditions.
There were continued announce
ments Of freight embargoes by the rail-
roads.
TRAVELLERS WARNED
The Delaware. Lackawanna and
Western railroad issued warning TO
complete any necessary journeys" be-
fore a. m, September !. the, hour set
for the strike. FATS
All ticket and station agents on lines
OF the Pennsylvania railroad east Of
Pittsburg were directed tonight to post
notices near ticket windows advising
passengers that all tickets sold are
subject to restricted train service and
delay en- route and at junction points
on and after a. M, September 4.
Officials of the Mallory. Clyde and
Morgan coastwise steamship lines
agreed that although their ships would
declare an embargo on freight destined
for interior points, in the event of a
strike. there would be no interruption
OF the existing service. On the other
hand. they declare. their lines We're
prepared to add to their fleets in the
event that the volume Of coastwise
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