The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-03-16
CABINET IS CALLED :
In RAILROAD CRISIS
President Summons Advisers to
Meat Problems of Threat
ened Tie-up.
Continued from First Page)


ling. He thinks the situation calls
for drastic action by the President.
Il haven't the slightest doubt" he
said. that the President has full au-
thority to keep the trains moving,
however, he may decide to accomplish
this"
The Presidents advisers appear to
realize fully that beyond the mere
tie-up of railroad traffic, the posi-
bilities growing out of the strike are
such as might, with little more pro-
vocation. bring on a national revolu-
ton. With the stoppage of train SER
vice 1t is realized that a severe food
shortage would ensue in the con-
gested parts of the country, and that
everywhere food prices, already on a
war basis, would reach prohibitive
levels.
German Agents Chance.
Officials remark that German
agents could do no better service for
the Kaiser than to stir up internal
strife in the United States.
Macy OF the CHIEF Executives ad-
visers feel that the situation is en-
tirely too alarming for him to stand
on ceremony.
Reports from New York that were
sent to the White House this morn
ing were almost unanimous in the
suggestion that both the brother
hoods and railroad managers were
now resting on their oars, rather an
ticipating action of some sort by the
President. Apparently, the brother
hoods feel that the President will in
wife both sides to Washington, as he
did last fall, and again try his abili-
ties as a mediator. ,
Court Meets Monday.
Should the President do this, how
ever, It will be at the cost of swal-
lowing a considerable amount of re-
sentiment against the brotherhood
leaders, who, he is said to feel, vio-
lated what was at least an implied
agreement not call a strike pending
determination by the Supreme
Court Of the constitutionality of the
Adamson act.
The Supreme Court is expected to
meet Monday for the purpose of hand
ing down decisions, but 1t is regarded
as by no means certain that the
court, in face of the action of the
brotherhoods, will rush an announce
ment of its decision.
At the time of the Chicago term
inal strike, which interfered with
mail transportation, President Cleve-
land called out the United States
army to break the strike. With
similar promptness, President Roose-
welt, in connection with the threat.
ened anthracite coal strike in 1901.
threatened to use the armed forces
OF the Government to keep the mines
running, and the threat worked.
Lacked Specific Authority.
In neither instance was there spec
ific authority for the action of tire
Chief Executive. Both, President
Cleveland and President Roosevelt
justified their actions on the ground
of public necessity.
These presidents, as well as the
suggestions OF miIder methods, like
ly to come from several Cabinet Of
ficers. will be discussed at the meet
ing this afternoon.
Secretary of Labor Wilson. who has
been the Presidents personal rep
resentative in following the strike
situation. will present the facts.
In advance of the Cabinet meeting.
Secretary Wilson would make no
statement. He was noticeably con-
cerned. The Secretary had a brief
conference with the President last
night.
EmbargOes Affect Capital.
Washington and other cities
throughout the nation are already
feeling the effects of the strike order
and failure of the New York confer
ences between managers and brother
hoods. Embargo orders are being
put into effect by nearly all tho
roads. Embargoes on perishables, in
GLIDING foods, have already been de-
clared on many railroads entering
Washington.
The car service commission Of the
American Railway Association is
meeting at the Willard Hotel this
afternoon. 1t is generally understood
that national embargoes, uniform and
applying on all lines, Will be recon-
mended to the railroads. The COM
mission practically has plenary pow
ers in embargo and car shortage mat
tiers.
c. & o. Embargo Absolute.
The Chesapeake and Ohio system,
according to telegraphic reports, has
declared an absolute embargo on
freight shipments. This means sus-
pension of freight traffic. The Chesa-
peRke and Ohio is q coal CARRYING