Denver labor bulletin. [volume] (Denver, Colo.) 1915-19??, 1918-07-06
WILSON URGES
u. S. CONTROL OF
ALL WIRE LINES
ACTION MAY BE TAKEN BY
CONGRESS THIS WEEK.
Defiance of Western Union to Ruling
of War Labor Board and Threatened
Strike of Telegraphers Results
in Government Action.

Legislation to authorize government
control and operation of telegraph and
telephone systems during the war was
approved Monday by President Will
son, and leaders at the capital pre-
pared for its immediate consideration,
with view to action if possible be-
fore congressional recess this week.
Secretaries Baker and Daniels and
Postmaster General Burleson, all of
whom have Endorsed the pending bill
by Representative Aswell of Louis
lana, proposing this authority, were
invited to appear before the House
interstate commerce committee.
No Reference to Strike
There was no direct reference in
any of the correspondence to the call
sent out by the Commercial !Telegra-
pliers Union for strike of Western
Union operators on July 8. Mr.. Burle-
son, however, wrote that he deemed
the legislation necessary Eat this mo-
ment, when paralysis of large part
of the system of electrical commune
cation is threatened with possible
consequences prejudicial to our mill
tary preparations and other public
activities, that might prove disa-
strous."
1t was said that on the Senate side
at least there probably would be
strong opposition to the bill that
might make it difficult for the ad-
ministration to get action before the
recess.
Text of Resolution.
The resolution introduced by Rep
resentative Aswell reads:
aafThaf tba l., l. a
erection, it is deemed desirable, in or
der to insure their continuous opera
ton or to guard the secrecy of mill
tary and governmental communica-
tions, or to prevent communication
by spies and other public enemies
thereon, or for other military or pub
lie reasons, shall have power to take
possession and control of any tele-
graph, telephone, marine, cable or ra-
dio systems and operate the same
subject to those conditions of law, so
far as applicable, which are in force
as to steam railroads while under fed
eral control"
Secretaries Baker, Daniels and
Burleson appeared before the Senate
committee and urged adoption of the
resolution.
Strike Order Issued
~ a. nohemhamP' president OF the
Commercial Telegraphers Union of
America, announced that he had is
sued call for a strike of members of
the union employed by the Western
Union Telegraph Company, effective
at a. M, Eastern time, Monday,
July 8.
The announcement in part follows:
THE strike against the Western
Union Telegraph Company will be eff
fectlve at a. m. Eastern time, and
at the corresponding hour of a. m.
Central time, ETC., Monday, July 8.
Official announcement of the time has
been sent to the Order of Railroad
Photographers and the international
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for
their information and guidance
The Grievances.
1.-THE grievances to be adjusted are
those set forth in President Wilson's
letter to the Western Union Telegraph
Company as % the reinstatement of
over 300 Western Union employees
locked out contrary to the terms of
his proclamation of April 8, 1918, and
~ to enforce the decision of the
national war labor board dated June
1, 1918. In this letter to the West
ern Union, President Wilson asked
officials of that company to cooper
ate with him by accepting the labor
boards decision. This the company
declined to do. Similar letters adj
dressed to the Postal Telegraph Com
pany and to your union brought forth
an expression of their willingness to
comply with his request.
Fighting Annihilation.
"The strike against the Western
Union alone is necessary because of
that company's determination to de-
stroy our organization. AS Ameri-
cans we have no desire to be subjects
of tyranny and this strike will be JUS
titled to the boys at the front because
of its purpose. 1t is the last resort
to preserve our organization from an
Inhalation"
Call Special Convention.
A special convention of Order of
Railway Telegraphers has been called
to open in Washington next Monday,
July 8, when the telegraphers will de-
termine their position toward hand
ling commercial business in the event
of strike on the Western Union lines.
Latest news in the moving picture
world is to the effect that camera
squadrons are busy taking war pic
lures on the Flanders and Picardy
fronts in the outskirts of Los Ange-
| leS.-Rochester Post EXPRESS