The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-09-27

Because Bridgeport will playA
one of the most important parts
of the cities of the United States.
in carrying out the governs
ment's war program, the gov-i
ernment has interviewed here toi
insure absolute Industrial
peace.
With the Bridgeport manu- /
facturers, and the members Of
the Machinists' union in their
factories in a, deadlock over de-
mahds made by the machinists,
the government will attempt to
settle the dispute by compilingl
an agreement and Offering it,
for the consideration of both
sides.
apolis. has been sent to Bridgeport as
special agent of the government. He.
has interviewed both manufacturers
and machinistss officials and is prezl
pared to return to Washington with
data to be placed before the govern
ment.
IF there is any city IN the United
States where the smoke should be
pouring from every factory chimney.
it is Bridgeport Mr.. Felix declared |
L. -,
strikers of the Lake Torpedo Boat Co.,
urging them as patriotic duty to goi
back to work Immediately.
''The Lake Torpedo Boat Co. Isl
making submarines. products that the
government wants and wants badly.
The ack of men will hamper the pro-
duction of submarines. L appeal to
you men as patriotic American citizens
to return to your jobs. I promise
you that when I return to Washington
I shall lay your case before the gov
ernment, and can assure you the.l
government will do all in its power to
get you what is due"
Mr. Felix dwelled briefly on the aims
of the government in this war and his3
words brought frequent outbursts of
applause.
To a Farmer reporter, Mr.. Felix OUT!
lined the situation in Bridgeport as he
sees it, after comprehensive inves-
tigation.
This situation here seems to me to
be a great MISREPRESENTATION said
Mr. Felix However, have inter-
viewed the manufacturers and they
tell me they want to do what is right.
I have data on the working conditions
of the men, ETC., and I will present
both sides Immediately to the govern
ment Then the government will draw
UP a proposition to be submitted to
the manufacturers and the men for
their consideration and I feel sure
that the disagreement will be ADJUST
ed.
THE government wants Bridgeport
workers to be contented. It wants
harmony between the men and their
employers. The governments basis Of
settlement believe, will bring this
condition about.
There is no denying that the sit
uation here is serious. The matter
has been before the war and navy
departments already. Few people,
however, have any idea of the amount
of work these government depart
ments have before them, and the first
efforts to adjust the matter were un-
successful The whole Investigate ton
therefore was placed in my hands af-
ter the Kansas car strike settlement,
and with the comprehensive view oe
the situation now available I am cer-
tain the trouble will fbe adjusted sat-
|isfactorily to all concerned
In his address before the Lake
strikers, Mr.. Felix said he was conf
dent that not a man in Bridgeport
would do the slightest thing at this
time that will interfere with produc-
ton for the government
mo man who has any patriotic
blood in his veins will lay down his
tools while the government is fighting
to make the~world safe for democracy,
until an opportunity has been afforded
for the fullest Investigation