The Washington herald., 1917-05-30
Of Mechanics at
Newport News Threatens
to Throw War Program Sc
riously Out of Gear.

Wholesale registration troubles, SPY
plots, and antI-war propaganda we're
complicated yesterday by a strike which.
threatens to throw out Of gear the en-
tire program for speed in naval con-
struction.
Despite the utmost efforts Of the gov
eminent, large group OF skilled ma
chanics and mAchinists, who cannot i'm
medlately be replaced. quit work on the
wsrships being rushed to completion IN
the yards Of the Newport News Ship
building and Drydock Company on
Hampton Roads.
They turned down the efforts OF Samuel
Gompers, president Of the American
Federation OF Labor and a leader OF the
Council Of National Defense, and OF F. G.
Lewis conciliator rushed TO the scene
by Secretary OF Labor Wilson, TO brinE
about working agreement
The Newport News yards are handling
more government work probably than
any other shipbUilding company in the
country. The navy, because Of their
great facilities, awarded them scores Of
contracts on the understanding that not
a moment would be lost in getting the
ships into the water. Especially was this
so OF number Of destroyers needed i'm
mediately for submarine hunting in
European waters and OF other craft de-
n'ahoea Tor patrol work along the coast
Made secret Demands.
In addition the Newport News Com
pany was at work on several larger
ships-super-D r-Dreadnoughts and ths
great battle cruisers which are o.,
vital need should the American Fleet
become engaged In any major en-
gsgement
The men made secret demands upon
the company, which are understood
70 have included higher waEes. Ev-
cry effort to bring about an agree
ment was made. When the situation
began TO take on serious aspect
the Department OF Labor rushed Mr..
Lewis TO the scene.
The Navy Department let the com
psny understand that the work must
go on. Samuel Gompers also brought
his influence TO bear. II was stated
here last night.
Mr.. Gompers. In a public statement.
had pledged the aid OF labor to the
government and declared there would
be no slaCkers within the ranks Of
organized workmen.
A lengthy conference vas held lat.
yesterday afternoon in the office Of
Secretary OF the Navy Daniels IN an
ehort to bring about an end OF the
strike.
The Newport News Company was
represented by Fred J. Gauntlet, It's
resident agent
Other government representatives to-
night were reported ON their way %
Newport News.
Not Due 20 Enemy Plotting.
The Shipysrd strike Is not laid 10 en-
emy plotting, but il is the only one OF
the manifestations which is not In
stead, IT is blamed on the fact that
America has not yet awakened 70 what
is required Of her and TO the sacrifices
which she must make and which oficlsls
fear she seems unwilling TO m-'-
1t became known Yesterday that the
government is preparing for wholesale
arrests on June s and for evasion
Of the registration law. The situation
will be handled by loca, and Federal
authorities. The Department OF Justice
working in conjunction with State and
municipal authorities. and uron the ad-
vice Of the War Department. will put
out dragnet for all men subject to
registration who do not register Indf-
cations are that in some localities.
where organized efforts 10 defy the faw
are being preached and made. troops
may be called out 70 assist in making
arrests.