The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-13
MUNITION STRIKERS |
TO WORK OR FIGHT
Letter Prepared by Wilson
Will Provide New War
Labor Policy.
PATIENCE Is EXHAUSTED
Attitude Of Bridgeport Men
Called Menace to
Nation.
Special DsspateA % THr SCI.


WASHINGTON, Sept IL. - President
wilson Is preparing a letter to be sent
TO the striking munition workers OF
Bridgeport. in which a new war labor
policy will be enunciated. This policy
provides that munition makers who per-
sst In their refusal to work must 30
into the trenches.
With employment in virtually every
essential industry in the hands of the
Department OF Labor, Il is proposed that
the Bridgeport strikers who have re-
fused TO accept the decision Of the Ma
tonal War Labor Board be refused ac-
cess TO other lines of essential industry.
This would cause them to lose the oe-
ferred classification in which they have
been placed under the selective service
law, and they would in the natural
course. unless they have dependents, go
into the army.
The policy has been formulated by
the President and his advisers in every
war branch of the Government to meet
what Is deemed a grave national menace,
II was ratified to-day in a general conf
ference of the war agencies. whose re-
port and recommendation were immedi-
ately laid before Mr.. Wilson. The deci-
sion as to Bridgeport has been made by
representatives Of the employers and
employees as well as by the Govern
ment.
The conference was held this after
noon In the office OF William d. Wilson.
Secretary Of Labor. II was attended
by Chairman William H. Taft and
Frank p. Walsh Of the National War
Labor Board. Felix Frankfurter, chair
man OF the War Policies Labor Board
Bernard NJ Baruch. chairman Of the
War Industries Board Edward n. Hur-
ley, chairman Of the Shipping Board
Vice-President Pies of the Emergency
Fleet Corporation Walker d. Hines
assistant Director-General OF Railroads
and representatives OF the War and
Navy departments. Provost Marshal
General Crowder and the Council OF
National Defence.
After the meeting Mr.. FrankfurteI
said the matter had been placed in the
hands OF the President. who had been
considering the situation for two days
Upon receiving the report and recon-.
Crowell, acting Secretary OF War IN Mr.
Bakers absence.
The Presidents action will probably
be made public tomorrow. In the mean.
time those who attended the conference
are observing secrecy. 1t Is believed
that the President will call upon the
munitions workers to meet their per
sonal and national obligations in the
emergency and to abide by the agree
ment to which they subscribed in order
that drastic measures may not be neces
| sary. Willingly or unwillingly. tn.
workers must do their share in tn,
| common cause
The Administration has consistent,
| met all the reasonable demands of or
ganized labor. and has sought by ever,
possible means to enforce fair wage.
and working conditions and to avoit
harsh measures But the Bridgepor
situation is regarded as very serious.
William H Johnston, president OF tn,
| International Machinists Union. VIII.
tod the Bridgeporters to go back I,
work or forfeit union membership
| called at the White House this AFTER
noon and left a memorandum for tn
| President on Bridgeport conditions
| President Gompers OF the American
Federation OF Labor is in Europe, blu
is understood to have been consulted o,
cable regarding the steps contemplated
| The Administration has shrunk from
further work or fight legislation or othe
| compulsory methods with respect {
labor. but It appears that the nationa
patience is exhausted.