New-York tribune., 1918-07-08
Union Head Accedes to
Request for Delay by
Secretary Wilson
Men for Adoption
Of Federal Control
Compers Adds to Pleas Not
to Embarrass Government
During Wartime

WASHINGTON, July 7.-Indefinite
postponement of the strike of teleg.
nphers employed by the Western
Union Telegraph Company, called to
begin tomorrow, was announced to-
night by Secretary of Labor Wilson
after he had conferred over the long
distance telephone with S. j. Konen-
kamp. president of the Commercial
Telegraphers' Union.
Secretary Wilson said that Mr..
Konenksmp. who is in Chicago, had
gwen him assurance that the strike
order would not be put into effect to-
morrow and that any walkout would be
postponed indefinitely.
1t was understood that the union
president agreed to this course be-
cause Congress now is considering a
resolution authorizing the President
TO take over and operate during the
war all telegraph, telephone, cable and
radio systems.
Gompers Asks Delay
In a final effort to avert the str;ka
Dir. Wilson sent Mr.. Konenkamp q
telegram to-day urging delay, and later
called in Samuel Gompers, president
OF the American Federation of Labor.
who also sent telegram to the union
president urging postponement of the
strike. Later Mr.. Wilson got into COM
munication with Mr.. Konenkamp on
the telephone.
Secretary Wilson's message to the
union president said:
II earnestly request, in view of
the general situation and the impera-
tive necessity Of avoiding interfer-
ence with the prompt transmission of
communications which may be of
vital Importance in the prosecution of
the war. that steps to prevent any
strike be taken until I can have
conference with you and others
Since the strike vote of your organi-
zatlon was taken, the circumstances
surrounding the situation have
changed materially. You know that
It is generally agreed, and that the
President has several times de-
ciared. that in this crucial time
no strike is justified if any
other mans of adjusting grievances
are available or in sight. Congress
Is now dealing with the subject. and
unooubtedly exact justice will be
done all the parties at interest. This
request is made in the interest of our
country. feel sure it will be needed
by you"
Gompers for Adjustment
Mr. Gompers's telegram follows:
This afternoon Secretary Wilson
OF the Department of Labor invited
me to confer with him in regard to
the threatened telegraphic situation,
and he showed me the telegram he
sent you. / am in entire accord with
the views he expresses. A strike of the
teiegraphers at this time and while
there is fair chance for an early,
iah and honorable adjustment would
De most unfortunate and generally
he,d to be unjustifable, and perhaps
de,eat its vesy objects.
You, as we'll as the telegraphers,
hhow how thoroughly I am in accord
win you and them in the proven ard
admitted wrongs the telegraphers
nave endured, and my earnest desire
ehe wrongs rectlHed, and to
avoid any hindrance to our govern
sIsehts war programme, sven in the
sAgntest, IS my warrant to urge YOU
~ at once exercise your every power
'c postpone the stl Ike for time and
give every agency the opportunity Of
making good and doing justice"
.ea Inc strike of the telegraphers was
sa.led after the Western Union Com
sssny mad refused to accept decisions
VI me National War Labor Board on
t.II,apialrts .I of employees of the company
tha' aav lney Ty had been dismissed because
tCEN aSnllafad init