Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-14
Menace to the Whole Land

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uon supplementary TO the Adamson law
which President Wilson urged to eouip the
nation TO dcal with interstate strikes leaves
the public nearly helpless If the traiumeu
call strike as now seems probable only
woodrow Wilson will stand between the PEG
pie and widespread suffering
II is true that the President ON an earlier
occasion. found means to prcyent sucb :,
strike. and so 10 avert the catastrophe which
impend"d, but this time he may not have
the same success. The case now in tho Su-
pTeme Court. involving the constitutionalitv
oi me Acaihson law. affects the issue only IN
directly. That measure required the rail
roads 10 put the eight-hour dav in onoration
and IT is the legality of this Federal mandate
"hich IS brought into question OF course
II - iesal Tor the trainnlcn to obtain the same
dement's ny agreement with tho railroads or
Tor that matter, by means of a strike
Legality. however. is not synonymous with
nroPrlct! IL would be an unsecmy abuse
OF power for the brotherhoods. in this time
OF food scarcity and high prices when already
lherc Is suffering in many cities. to take such
drastic steps TO advance their cause That
they announce their purpose to stand with
the President and the country in case Of war
ana in that event to call off their strike
lessons the gravity, but scarce improves tho
quality. OF their ofcnsc
The tranmcn among the hest pa id
shllled "orkmen in the country They and
lhc'r families are not among the thousands
ana tens OF thousands who suffer now from
lack OF tho actual necessities OF life Their
desire IL Win the cight-hour day or higher
compensation. or both. is human and natural
and may bc justified but this is moi tho time
10 push their claims in the manner which
reports describe
ihoS" arc critical days i'm tho history OF the
rephnhc We have severed diplomatic rcla-
''ohs with great and martial nation. Our
mo, sl,-r,, 4l,S
merchant SHIPS arc being armed and other
wise prepared 10 resist "A destruction which
that nation has threatened VIC stand on tho
very verge OF war II is The duty OF All
patriotic citizens. AS Well now as amid tho
irahker hostiiities which mpcnd. 10 stand
shoulder To shoulder in the common cause
Nothing should be done ny any patriot TO
weaken American solidarity. lessen Ameri-
can preparedness or dscrcdit the American
government,
The statement OF principles adouiod on
Aiohda! by the representatives OF the labor
movement well defines the solemn obligation
OF this hour. II the United States is drawn
INTO the war, the statement declares I'VE
win these ideals of liberty and justice herein
declared as the Indispensable basis OF M
tional policies. ofcr our services Ia orr conn
Try IN every field OF activity. to defend sa fe-
guard aud preserve tho republic OF the United
states O, America against its enemies whom
soeVer they may be, and we call upon orr
ieiio"-"orhcrs and fellow citizens, in the holy
name OF labor, justice. freedom and humanity.
10 devotedly and periodically give like ser
vice
ne leaders OF the railroad brothcrhoods
heiped 10 adopt that declaration Surely it
shoulu appl! 10 the country's present situa-
tion almost as completely IA TO a time of war
II 1t is not recognized and strike results. the
broiherhoods Will share with Congress. which
refused 10 unite the nations hands. the blame
ana the shame for the suffering which will
cnsue.