davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
STRIKE CALMLY FACED
BY RAILROADS IN CITY

orders for a general railroad strike found
Philadelphia calm and optimistic today.
The nationwide walkout of railroad
men, scheduled to begin at p. m. tomor-
row. is due in Philadelphia Monday. It is
a progressive strike, T. e., employees of vari-
Gus groups of railroads at intervals of from
twelve to twenty-four hours will be ordered
by the brotherhoods to quit working
Philadelphia is preparing and waiting for
the event.
An optimistic view was taken by Agnew
T. Dice, president of the Philadelphia and
Reading Railway.
The Philadelphia and Reading is pre-
pared as well can be expected and does
not anticipate any serious delay in the
movement of its cars during the strike" he
said. II believe the majority of our men
viii remain loyal to the company"
Determination to continue operation Of
its trains was expressed by an official of
the Pennsylvania Railroad.
I'VE intend to operate our trains in pro-
portion to the number of men who remain
with u.s." he said Naturally, IL we are
faced with a strike of our men we are
going to fight to win"
Declarations of embargoes on certain
kinds of freight by these two great terminal
railroads are expected today. The Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad, which does a large
passenger and freight business here already
has announced an embargo on pershable
freight and live stock that cannot be de-,
livered before o'clock tomorrow morning
This railroad is in the group first to be
affected by the walkout.
Orders of the strike were received by the
brotherhood officials at the local offices in
the Parkway Building last night No COM
ment would be made upon them
Preparations to swear in extra policemen
are being made by Director of Public Safety
Wilson, who announced that the force of
1000 men was prepared to cope with pos
sible rioting. He added that he believed
he would have the cooperation of the strik-
ing brotherhood men in maintaining order.
Last fall when a strike threatened. the
brotherhood men offered to volunteer as
special policemen to prevent disorder in the
strike said Director Wilson. II assume
that the offer still holds good"
No one is minimizing the seriousness of
the situation should the railroads be COM
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
COMPENSATION DENIED
IN SUBCONTRACTING CASE

HARRISBURG, March I6--The State
Compensation Board, in an opinion filed to-
day respecting the claim of Anna Jordan,
Of Dunbar, against the State worltmen's
Compensation Fund, settles a point of re-
sponsibiity of a contractor for the death Of
George Jordan.
The dead man was engaged by a sub
contractor for firm which was drilling a
well In Westmoreland County. The board
says:
His relation to the main contractors was
that of an independent contractor engaging
to do specific casual service for them. He
was left free to do the work in his own
way and had direct personal supervision of
the instrumentalities to be used
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
}, PLANS DRASTIC ACTION
TO PREVENT RAILWAY STRIKE

rledly went into conference shortly after
w. q. Lee, speaking as president OF the
| brotherhood OF Railway Tranmen, sug.
gested the step.
The brotherhood chiefs followed the ex.
| ample OF the managers and also went into
an informal conference
Lee made his statement in talking with
| newspapermen and the qulckness with
| which the railway managers went into con-
| ference led to the belief that 1t was being
| favorably considered
From the railway managers conference
shortly came unofficial word that Lees
request for President Wilson to mediate
| amounted TO approximately the same thing
as the managers suggestion yesterday that
the Goethals eight-hour commission. ap-
pointed by the President settle the whole
controversy. The opposing camps were ap-
parently much nearer together than during
yesterdays peace conference"
CHIEFS FEAR JAIL
Lee today charged disloyalty to several
minor leaders in the brotherhood councils
and admitted that, through fear of pos
sible imprisonment on conspiracy charges,
the brotherhood chiefs have passed the
strike order to the men By spoken word
The customary written order was aban-
doned, he intimated, because of the fear that
il might be construed as "a violation of the
law forbidding interference with interstate
traffic. lie would not admit however that
a written order would constitute con-
spiracy.
Speaking of dsloyalty, he said.
Don't forget history says our Saviour
found one Judas among the twelve he
selected. We. therefore, do not hope
to beat his record, and we took for at
least one in twelve
Lee declared that one man was known
to have gone to railroads with information
and to have received "a pay for his service
800 n month. Others. he declared, are
known.
CONFIDENCE IN WILSON
"The only way we can determine these
things" said Lee, "is to count noses Sun.
day and thereafter
Don't forget we left the entire matter
to President Wilson last August and agreed
to abide by his proposals then. The rail-
roads refused to accept his recommended
tons to settle the question then. | have
since publicly proposed to leave the entire |
to President Wilson personally |
TO say whether we should have the eight |
hour day in freight and yard service with |
out reduction of present daily rates The |
railroads seemingly prefer a strike rather |
than abide by President Wilson'S sug-
gested methods Of settlement Who IS dis |
loyal TO the Government"
iHc eittl VI tile SNIlhe on tHt Guy loou |
supply was Il matter Of grave speculation. |
In some quarters it was declared that five |
days. at the most. would see the city in
conditions.
Chairman Lee says ninety-fve per cent
IF the men called out Saturday night will
strike.
THE railway managers cannot get it into
heir heads that this strike is real and ap.
)arently, they will not believe IT until they
wake up Sunday morning and find their
rains stopped" he said
The railroads say at least twenty-five
Der cent of their men will remain loyal
his group being composed of men who
lave long service behind them and are
rearing the time when pensions would he
'ome operative
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16

tion 10 push the bills !rresn.o.,.. Z. IT.
developments may follow pub,,ea
Directors analysis Of the ns.n
Rapid Transit company's proposItinsa s'14e
Interest in the transit s,,us,.
present centers In the debate =, uoh Tor tks
OF the City Club tomorrow betw.. luncheon
Twining and Ellis Ames BaIlsrs" Director
counsel for the Philadelphia Rau,s chief q
Company. Mr.. Ballard is expsc,os transt
fend the lease. while the Directos % Dc.
line some of his objections to il. '' VIII out.
In order to get the entire leo..
before the public as soon as poss,t, Question
smith is planning to call a snec,as' Mayor
OF Councils for March 22 instesS " session
20. as was first announced nra,,, 1i March
printer has completed the work 'ued ON ,s The
reetors report and the analysis - 'b me D..
Bacon & Davis by that time W Ford
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
RAIL MAGNATES MEET
TO FORMULATE PLANS

NEW YORK, March 16.
Every preparation is being made today
Tor the greatest clash In labor history,
q Railroad officials and railroad employees are
planning for the strike which will go into
eject at o'clock tomorrow afternoon and
by progressive stages become nationwide on
Wednesday night At that time 100000
railroad workers will have been ordered
TO strike.
Despite the fact that session of Presi-
dent Wilson's Cabinet has been alled to
discuss the railroad situation. executives
are going ahead with their plans. Heads
of more than twenty roads were in session
ut the Grand Central Terminal laying
plans for coping with the strike.
Brotherhood leaders conferred with more
than 100 local chairmen of the eastern
lines at the Broadway Central Hotel These
chalrmen represent the men who will be the
hrst called out on strike and are receiving
INSTRUCTIONS for the conduct of the war for
the eight-hour day.
All hope of Government Intervention is
not gone but in spite of the Cabinet ses-
sion neither side is relying on action by
the Administration, at least not until the
strike is under way.
EXECUTIVES IN SESSION
The railway executives later adjourned
until o'clock this evening when II is
understood, sealed orders will be issued to
the heads of the roads TO be first affected
by the strike
w. G. Lee. president of the trainmen,
when told the railway managers had not
yet dissolved, said: .'If they have anything
~ yet we have heard nothing from the rail-
road managers and nothing from Washing
ton"
Indications that President Wilson may
~ asked to mediate in the threatened strike
4eveloped when the railroad managers hur-
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16

was decided that a station be established
in City Hall and at any point In the central
section Of the city later decided upon.
Plans for the first meeting were COM
pleted today and Mayor Smith issued orders
to the Bureau of City Property TO have
decorated with national flags and bunting
his reception room. where the meeting VIII
be held, and the corridors leading to II from
the main entrance OF City Hall
George Wentworth Carr. of the National
Preparedness League, is In charge of the
preliminary plans, and Is acting for the
Mayor In assembling those interested. The
speakers Tuesday will be Mayor Smith,
Commandant Russell, Mr.. Carr and others.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16

pieteIy tied up without the relief Of even
emergency schedules. The supply Of food
in the city is admittedly low and the mill
tary arsenals would be compelled to shut
down for lack of supplies
"A strike would cripple the arsenals, !"
said Colonel George II. Penrose, command
ant Of the Schuylkill Arsenal. I'VE would
have to quit"
The same conditions obtain at the Frank
ford Arsenal. Inquiry among dealers
showed that the city was not plentifully
supplied with fpodstuffs. Cold storage
products are particularly scare. Retail
flour would disappear within one week after
food trains stopped running II was esti-
mated, and the flour mill and bakery sup
ply would be depleted within another week.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
DEFENSE OF CITY
PLANNED BY NAVY
National and City Govern
ments Form Committee for
Protection in Wartime
ARMED FLEET OF YACHTS

officials of the Navy, Mayor smith and
citizens interested In the National Pre-
paredness movement today decided 10 form
Home Defense Committee, not only 10
protect the immediate coast line and water
ways, but to provide a military force for
use at home and an emergency navy OF
yachts and motorboats for use on the
Delaware and along the Atlantic between
Barnegat Bay and Cape May Point
As n first step invitations were prepared
TO be sent to ocean yacht clubs, motorhoat
clubs, national defense organizations, semi.
military organizations, civic bodies and
big employers OF labor, to send represen-
tatives to the first meeting. to be held In
city Hail Tuesday afternoon when Home
Defense Committee of 200 composed Of
yachtsmen and those interested in pro-
tecting city and port from possible invaders
will be formed.
At this meeting plans for recruiting forces
and detailing records OF vessels that may
be used for scout duty on rivers or on the
sea coast will be gotten under way and
arrangements will be made for the co-opera-
tion of every club and civic body in Phila-
delpha in the scheme to raise both naval
and military forces
MANY OFFER AID
Mayor Smith and Commandant Robert
l.. Russell, of the Philadelphia Navy Yard,
have already received offers of cooperation
from members of civic bodies. and at to-
days conference it was declared that the
5000 men wanted for naval coast and river
defense could be quickly raised and that
Phtadelphias share in home naval defense
will soon be complete.
Active cooperation of members OF Yacht
and motorboat clubs is expected and IL ad-
vance plans are carried out motor patrol
of river, bay and ocean will be the first
4.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
Recruiting Stations at City Hall

Mayor Smith announced that stations
will be opened at City Hall for the re-
cruitng of from 1000 to 5000 men for the
coast defense of this naval district. The
Mayor has pledged the aid of his admins
tration to the Federal Coast Defense Re-
serve in enlisting recruits. The naval dis.
trict extends from Barnegat Bay, N. T..
to Ascateague. Va, and includes Delaware
River and bay.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
Falls Three Stories; Little Hurt

Falling to the pavement from the roof
OF a three-story building at 1924 Ridge
avenue today, Cody Drenner, twenty-five
years old, an employe of the Essick Con-
struction Company, of 1345 Arch street,
is in the Hahnemann Hospital with numer-
Gus cuts and bruises. Several hundred
workmen and passersby cav Drenner fall
and all expected to see him crushed on
the pavement. Women tainted and the au-
tomobile patrol Of Tenth and Buttonwood
streets station was called
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
Wills Admitted to Probate

Wills probated today were those OF
George Goetz. S43 North Eleventh street
which. in private bequests, disposes Of
property valued at s1S,70O; Sarah Lang.
ham, 1919 North Frazier street S4S57
James S. Nixon, 2025 East Madison street
$4,000; Mary Felten. $40 North Sixty-third
street, s4150; William Rddiough, 3527
Ainslie street. $500, and Annie Brennan
1903 North Tenth street, $500.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
BOSTON. Mass. March 1s.

BOSTON. Mass, March 16.
The Boston and Albany Railroad today
sent out an order declining to accept freight
of any nature whatsoever, TO take effect
at once. Word to this effect has been sent
railroads
BOSTON. March 16.--The Boston and
Maine Railroad announced today a freight
embargo to take place at p. m today in
preparation for a railroad strike.
NEW YORK, March 16-The Lacla-
wanna Railroad has as yet declared no
embargo, but it is understood general en-
bargoes will be announced i'm the near flu
ture by virtually all carriers in view of
the threatened railroad strike tomorrow
night.
The Grand Trunk this afternoon an
nouneed an embargo on all freight
WASHINGTON. March 16-The South
ern Railway today declared an embargo
against all live stock and perishabIe that
cannot reach their final destination by
a. M Sunday
The embargo also becomes effective
against all dead" freight for points beyond
the Southerns own rails.
Foodstuffs are being given preference
over everything under orders from the
offices here, with view to supplying cities
as well as possible before the brotherhood
strike becomes effective.
ST. PAUL. Mimi, March 16.--The Great
Northern Railway placed an embargo on all
freight of perishahle nature livestock
destined to points on or beyond its lines,
that cannot be delivered before p. m Sun
day, March 1S
NEWPORT NEWS, Va, March ia
general order was issued by the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railway headquarters here to-
day. II virtually suspends all traffic on
the road. Shipments from all points will be
rejected.
Similar action by the Norfolk and West
ern and the Virginia Railroad is expected.
Virtually all ships coming into Hampton
Roads will be held up for lack of bunker
coal Coal now on hand at the piers is
sufficient only for ships now in port.
DETROIT, Mich March Is, Offices of
the Michigan Central Railroad here at noon !
today declared a general embargo on all
freight shipments, effective Immediately |
General Superintendent Shearer transmitted !
the order to all division points
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
ROADS LAY EMRARGOES.
As STRIKE IS ORDERED

IVV .NNN n, u, MaTVH IO'
Effective today, the Erie Railroad will
refuse all freight shipments. Similar or
ders for the Baltimore and Ohio go into
force at midnight.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16

BOSTON, March 16.--The Boston and
Maine Railroad announced today a freight
embargo to take place at 5 y. m today in
preparation for a railroad strike.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-26
GOMPERS URGES
SPECIFICATION OF
HOURS AND WAGES

Washington, Oct. 25.-Inclusion In all
government contracts Of clauses specify
ing the hours of labor and wages of en-
ployes was strongly urged upon the war
industries board today by Samuel Com
pers and the executive committee of the
American Federation of Labor. The labor
leaders also proposed that labor repre-
sentatives be placed on all advisory
boards and committees as a means OF
promoting cooperation between the gov
eminent employers and workmen for war
production.
Conferences will continue and members
OF the war industries board said the pro-
posals eventually might be carried be-
fore President Wilson for consideration.
Labor federation officials complained
that in spite OF the governments general
policy of countenancing no change Of Ia
Dor standards during the war, many en-
ployers holding government contracts are
demanding that employees work longer
hours without special compensation. This
condition was responsible, they said. for
many of the 400 strikes or labor contro-
versies reported since the war was de-
clared.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-26
WAR JUST BEGUN
Northcliffe Discr e dir
Reports Of Weaken
ing of Germany

Kansas City. Mo. Oct. 25.-Disc,.
iting recent reports of internal ~
ruption in Germany as signs q, -
weakening of that nation in the w
Lord Northcliffe. head of the Br;,'.
War Mission, today told 200 edjtors !,
seven of the Middle Western s,s,
that the war had just begun.
1T is impossible that this shou,S
a short war" he declared. "Thera -
no facts-which will form the basis :.
such an opinion. The German Rei..
stag, unlike our Congress ard pe1
ment. has little or no power save w.
of the passage of a few APPROPRIATE.
While it IS possibly true that ON.
third Of the German population hash.
come sickened of war. the ruling ~,
thirds are firm in their conviction ~.
the war is being prosecuted successes
ly to victorious termination for tb.,
government.
Lord Northcliffe asserted that am..
lean newspapers are presenting -,
news of the war in an erroneous mo,
ner He said the fact that sorctb;.-
was wrong with Germany was hai,,
featured. when as a matter of fac, y,
only thing wrong with the nation w..
the Kaiser.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-26
Marie OF R1lr11dr1i1
Praises Americans for
Aid in Crucial Hour

name Each sufferer well knows tina:
Rumania's ally overseas has come to
the rescue in the time OF trouble. and
as their Queen I voice their gratitude
TO America. which is whole-hearted
expression of the eight millions OF my
people"
The queen paid tribute to Charles J.
Vopicka. the American minister to Runa-
MIA. whose efforts in the United States
towards securing aid for our stricken
country will long be remembered" She
spoke :eelingly of Rumanian reverses
during the 10 months the kingdom has
been at war.
The noble ideals of President Wilson
with which I am in sympathy" the queen
continued. touch closely our country. for
Rumania entered the struggle in the hope
Of realizing national unity with the other
four million Rumanians beyond the Car
pathiana."
Few queens have had the privilege OF
getting closer to their people than Marie
of Rumania She visits the sick in the
hospitals daily and often may be seen
riding in the city and country in an open
automobile attended only by the ladies OF
her court. She frequently distributes food
and clothing to the peasants around Jas
sy During the typhus epidemic last win
ter she went among those most severely
afflicted. giving a cheering word and dis:
/. tributing comforts. The efforts of the
women have been most laudabe in prais-
ing the activities of the women of Ru-
mania There was complete lack OF
trained nurses. so the women of all class
es offered their aid and stuck faithfully to
their task even during the most dreadful
period of the typhus epidemic"
Tell the people of the United States. y
said the queen in conclusion, that Ru-
mania will ever remember their thought
fitness and generosity. America has lift
ed us from the threshold of despair and
doubt into the realm Of hope for bright
er future
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-26
GERMANS CLAIM Big
CAPTURES OF BOOTY
AND MANY PRISONERS

Berlin. via London. Oct. 25.-Heavy cap
lures Of prisoners and booty have been
made Ly the Austro-Cierman forces at
lacking the Italians on the Isonzo front,
army headquarters announced today. The
prisoners include divisional and brigade
staffs. The total prisoners taken exceed
1000.
The ighting on this front Is continuing.
Against Former Allies
The text follows:
In military comradeship the German
and Austro- Hungarian troops yesterday
attacked side by side in battle against
their former allies. Advancing to the as
sault on front of over 80 kilometres aft
er short but intense artillery preparation.
our tried divisions broke through the
Italian Isonzo front in the Fitch basin
and at Tolmno.
Strong enemy positions barring the
valleys were overrun in the first thrust,
notwithstanding stubborn defense Our
troops scaled steep mountain slopes and
stormed an enemy point of support which
crowned the heights. Rain rendered diff
cult an advance in the rugged mountain
land. hut its effects everywhere were
overcome.
desperate resistance by the Italians
had to be broken down many times In
fierce handto-hand engagements. The
fighting is proceeding.
Up to this evening more than 1000
prisoners, including divisional and bri-
gade stats, and rich booty in guns and
war materials had been announced
The supplementary statement this eve
ming says: IAN extension of our breach
through the enemys lines near Fitch and
Tolmino brought us further successes.
The number of prisoners and the amount
of booty are increasing
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-26
STATE OF, WAR
Brazil Parliament Is
Likely to Declare It
President erax Tells Congress Conflict
Is nevitabie-Prepeses Seizure OF
German Warship Now at Bahia

Rio Janeiro. Oct. 25.-The President
Of the Republic. Dr. Wenceslao Braz,
has sent a message to the Congress
declaring that it is impossible to avoid
already the state of war Germany has
imposed on Brazil. He proposes the
seizure of a German warship now in
the port of Bahia.
The majority leader Of the chamber
discussed the relations between Brazil
and Germany and counselled the
Chamber to approve the presidential
message.
The torpedoing of the Brazilian ship
Macau is causing considerable COM
ment.
The formal do Commerce. says: Bra
zil does not look for war and does not
want war, but Germany is driving US
into the whirl. We shall go with the
serenity of those for whom honor is
above an''
According to the declarations of va
rious members before the Chamber of
Deputies a declaration of war will be
the only satisfactory solution.
Parliament will vote tomorrow on
the question of authorizing the gov
eminent to declare that a state of war
exists between Germany and Brazil
and also on all necessary legislation
for the carrying on of war.