The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-12-27
ALL INDUSTRIES
ARE AFFECTED
CONTINUED from page L,

lens and other matters affecting
labor, will be discussed at confer
ence between the president and the
brotherhood chiefs this afternoon.
"The presidents action was abso-
lutely the only solution to bring an
efficient administration Of the roads
during the war We are gratified at
his action" said A. B. Garretson,
spokesman for the brotherhood lead
ers today.
Capitalization of authority over the
roads will have far reaching erect
on the people of the country 1t
promises immediate relief to districts
suffering from coal famine and many
points destitute of needed supplies.
1T is absolutely essential for relief
of congestion" said Fuel Administra-
tor Garfield today II look forward
situation as result of the new con-
troll
In the far reaching order of the
president there was seen today the
first move toward eventual govern
ment ownership of the nations rail
ways. Officials in confidence admit
ted the possibility. Railroad laborers
were outspoken in their prophesies.
"If the government shows it can
| operate the roads more efficiently IN
! the public interest than can selfish
| private interests, it isn't likely the
roads will be returned to private man
! agement," said A B. Garretson, CHIEF
Of the railway conductors. The his
! tory Of the world doesn't show any
retrograde movements"
The nature of railway legislation
which the president is expected to ask
soon of congress has not been dis
closed SO far as it affects labor,
Garretson and officials refused to dis
cuss it until after conference between
brotherhood leaders and the president
this afternoon.
| The status of railway employees is
not altered by the change of admins
tration, Garretson said. The employees
have the same status as when the rail-
road goes into the hands of a federal
Receiver. Strikes will not be treason
able under existing laws, he empha'
sized.
No legislation to alter or strength
en- the present standing Of railway
workers will be asked Garretson
said, because none is necessary.
While details of the government s
procedure must be worked out, the
railway war board stated today thai
the roads have been preparing for the
presidents action and are ready fol
prompt and effective cooperation.
Measures to further travel econom!
and strict rulings ruling supplies
and transportation facilities first t.
1 those industries contributing to tht
3 war will have the effect of PLACING
Americas commercial enterprises al
h tomatically under the direction an
n their existence at the disposal Of tn
government.
McAdoo, it is understood, will de
vote most of his time to his new work
q with the probability that Controller Q
n the Currency John Shelton William
r. will act as his right hand man.
conference with railroad executive
d probably will be called immediatel
n in connection with the organiZatio
n work
The method of securing the final
cial obligations of the roads has ne
been determined upon, and is left el
y tirely in McAdoo's hands.
1t Is probable the financial end (
the railway operation will be handle
ID by existing treasury department b
Slreaus Recent filling Of all vacanci'