Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-05-31
D|RECTOR-GENERAL
TAKES UP STRIKE
WITH LABOR HEADS
Points Out Meaning and
Possible Consequences of
Walkouts on Railroads.
MEN ARE NOW EMPLOYEES
OF THE u. S. GOVERNMENT
Appeals to Honor and Love for
Country That There Be
No Repetition.
ANXIOUS TO DO JUSTICE TO ALL
Pleads for Time, That Wage Com.
mission May Adjust Irregu-
laritics Found.
ANXIOUS TO DO JUSTICE TO ALL
Pleads for Time, That Wage Com.
mission May Adjust Irregu-
laritics Found.

WASHINGTON. May 5c.-Dircctor-
General McAdoo tonight addressed
communication TO the six heads of la
Dor organizations having jurisdiction
over the machin!sts. boiler,nakers and
other branches Of organized labor en-
ployed In railroad shops. pointing ou.
the meaning and possible consequences
OF strikes or waikouts of railroad en-
p!oyees during tho war. The statement
reads:
The strike OF certain shop men,
machinists. etc. in he railroad shops
at Alexandria. Va. has created very
painful Impression on the public mind
] cannot believe that these mon knew
what they were doing. They are all
employees now of the United Sta.cs
government, They arc not employees
Of any railroad corporation: therefore
this was strike against the govern
ment OF the United States. It is the
first time IN the history of our gov
crnmcnt that any Of its employees have
attempted strike against their gov
eminent. Such action is Incredible
For the good Of our beloved country
and for the honor Of railroad men in
the service everywhere. I hope that
there VIII be no repetition OF what
every one must condemn as urpa.ri-
otto in the highest degree
The government cannot. of course
be cocrced or iniim!datcd by any OF
It's employees. It IS anxious 10 do
justice TO all. and viii do justice to all
as far as &, is possible to measure
Justice. Recognizing that there arc
probable inequalities in the recon-
menda,ions of the wage commission
which should be Impartially consider
cd and dealt with, ! appointed. in my
general order No. 81. dated May 25. a
board Of railroad wages and Working
conditions. composed OF three repre-
sentative labor men aud three repre-
sentative railroad men. whose duty T.
Is 10 hear and &c pass upon all petI-
t!ors and complaints Every class Of
employees or parts OF classes of en- :
ployecS who feel that they have iust
ground for complaint under the wage
decision should submit their cases
nronptl" to this board and they will
be given just and impartial consid
Grafton. The American people have
just been called upon 10 pay LARGELY
Increased freight and passenger rates
for the purpose or paving in part the
increased wages amounting to rrorc
than $500, 100000 awarded to railroad
EMPLOYEES.
Suppose they should strike against
the government because they do rot
think they are fairly treated in being
forced 70 pay these increases fo- the
beneht OF railroad labor, what would
happen to cur country? Suppose that
railroad officers should strike because
they disliked the orders of the gov
them what would happen to them? Sup
pose that railroad employees should
strike against the decisions of their
government and hamper the operation
OF the railroads at n time when trans
portat!on is essential to protect the
hundreds of thousands OF American
boys now fighting on the battle fields
of Europe to save the lives and prom
erty and liberty OF railroad employees
serving here at home, what would han
pen to our country
The Kaiser would probably get II.
We cannot all get exactly what we
want In this world, nor can we win
this war unless each and every citizen
Is willing to submit TO the laws Of tho
land and to the decisions of those I'm
authority.
I'VE railroad men particularly mus,
give unswerrins and loyal support to
our government. no matter what our
individual views and disappoin,me,ts
may be. relying upon fair hearin.
OF our complaints and the Justice or
our cause and accepting patriotica1lv
the tna! decisions OF those in authority
Who under our laws. ere charged vim
,hc responsibility of making them.
While in the German drive now
going on the sons Of railroad men and
the sons OF Americans OF every c,as.
are dying on the battle fields of France
TO save America and democracy In ,bn
world. shall there be found among us
any man or set of men who are un,viu
ing to sacrifice something of their ner.
sonal views and individual desires ,o
support Americas heroes who are max
ing the supreme sacrifice for us?
II earnestly hope that from one end
of this great land TO the other II NAV
never be said again that any railroad
man. officer or employee was SO un
patriotic as to strike against his own
government when it is in the midst
of the most pcrilous war Of all history.
ut Is the highest duty of patriotic
men to remain at their posts with the
railroads, where they are so urgently
needed for safety of the country. and
to rely upon the board of railroad
wages and working conditions and the
director general for the just considera.
tion of their claims.
II am sure that l can count upon
you to Immediately urge upon your
men by wire the wisdom and patriotism
Of the course | have suggested
(Signed) Nv. G.. McADOO"