Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-05-31
m,ADoo SCORES STRIKERS.
Railroad Shopmen Declared to Have
Committed Hostile Act.

/
! WASHINGTON. May 31.-Railroad en-
ployes were reminded by Director Gen
eral McAdoo last night that they are
employees of the United States in time
of war and that a strike means blow
at their own government and INT
lhanlpering of transportation essential
to protect the hundreds OF thousa nos
of American boys lighting on the battle
| fields OF Europe.
| In a telegram to the heads OF all
abor unions having shopInen among
their members Mr.. McAdoo gave no.
tjce that the government cannot De
coeNed or intinidated, and called
upon railroad men to remain at their
duty. His telegram follows:
The strike Of certain shopmen. ma
chinists, etc, in the railroad shops at
| Alexandria, Va, has created very
painful impression on the public MIND
| l cannot believe that these men knew
what they were doing. They are all
employees now of the United States gov
eminent. They are not, employees o.
any railroad corporation; therefore
this was a strike against the govern
ment OF the United States. So
1T is the first time in the history OF
our government that any OF its en-
ployes have attempted strike against
their government Such action !s in
credible. FOR the seed Ok c:- beloved
country, and for the honor of railroad
men in the service everywhere, I hope
that there will be no repetition OF what
every one must condemn as unpatriouc
in the highest degree.
The government cannot, Of course,
be coerced or intimidated by any OF
Its employees It IS anxious to 90 justice
TO all and will do justice to all as Tar
as It is possible to measure justice.
Recognizing that there are prob
able inequities in the recommendations
OF the wage commission which should
be inpartially considered and dealt
with. appointed in my general or
der No. y, dated May %. board OF
railroad wages and working conditions
composed OF three representative labor
men and three representative railroad
men. whose duty 1t is to hear and pass
upon all petitions and complaints.
Every class of employees or parts
OF classes of employees who feel that
they have just ground for complaint
under the wage decision should sub
NIT their cases promptly 10 this board
and they will Be given Just and I'M
partial consideration.
The American people have Just been
called upon TO pay largely increased
freight and passenger rates for the
purpose Of paying IN part the increased
wages, amounting TO more than $780,
600 900, awarded to railroad employees.
Suppose they should strike against
the government because they do not
think they are fairly treated in being
forced to pay these increases for the
benefit OF railroad labor what would
happen to our country? Suppose that
railroad officers should strike because
they disltked the orders Of the govern
nent and should refuse 70 obey them,
what would happen to them?
Suppose that railroad employees
| should strike against the decisions OF
their government and hamper the
| operations Of the railroads at a time
when the transportation Is essential to
protect the hundreds Of thousands Of
American boys now fighting on the
battlefields Of Europe to save the lives
and property and liberty Of railroad
employees serving here at home, what
would happen to our country"
Parcel Post Modified.
Washin gton, May 31.-Postnaster
General Burleson issued orders yester-