The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-29
ASK PRESIDENT

CONTINUED from Page One.J
The executive council of the American
Federation of Labor is negotiating for a
conference with President Wilson today.
The steel companies show by their action
determination to force the issue before
the president has had chance to pass on
the merit of the controversy. We are doing
all possible TO secure justice for the men
and to prevent the national disaster of a
not strike under any circumstances until
the strike date has been set by your COM
mittee.'
The. telegram is signed by John Fitz-
patrick, d. ]. Davis, Il. J. Evans, William
Harmon and William T. Foster.
Two Ultlmatums to Men.
Two powerful forces were being
brought to bear on the shopmen to
maintain at least a ninety-day truce,
while attempts are made to lower the
high cost of living.
The first was the letter sent out by
the railway employees department of
the American Federation of Labor
urging such truce pending outcome
of the H. c. L. fight.
The second was the telegram of Rail
Director Hines clearly showing that
the government is ready to invoke the
law and take extreme measures to pre-
vent strikes on the railroads. now that
the labor leaders have gotten behind
the administration in its program.
Shopmen Leaders Hopeful.
Leaders of the shopmen. other rail-
road men and workers of other indus
tries are hopeful, but by no means
certain. that the program will be ac-
cepted.
AS the executive council of the
American Federation of Labor con-
tinued its deliberations on the critical
situation today, its efforts were en-
leaders are relying on the common
sense" appeal Of the letter to the shop
men to obtain its adoption. They do
not believe public sentiment would
support a strike.
Demands of other railway workers
are still pending, or will soon be pre-
scented, and the answer of the shop
men is expected to have important
bearing on all of these.
Votes Now In Favor Strike.
! It was reported today that partial
returns on the referendum which was
taken, following President Wilson'S
| appeal, show that so per cent of the
votes received favored going ahead
with the strike. despite the appeal
| The letter sent out yesterday, there
fore, must be relied upon to tur the
| tide.
Leaders expect considerable radical
| reaction from the letter but believe
| will assure favorable response. The
referendum will be by secret written
ballot and complete returns are no;
expected for more than a week.
Unions Back Hines
The Hines telegram was sent to the
| Pacific. coast, not only with the ap.
prevail of President Wilson. but with
the approval OF Warren S. Stone. head
| of the Brotherhood OF Railway Engi-
! neers. The strong measures threat
/ ened by the government, therefore
/ have the union forces back of them
and the brotherhoods had previously
| threatened the coast strikers with
suspension unless they returned tc
| work.
One big homespun stationary engi.
neer. while voicing the viewpoint OF
the leaders in the hope and expecta-
ton that the program of moderation
will carry. also voiced the viewpoint
of the men.
They stood by the president during
+, the war" he said. and want to con-
unue to stand by him. / think they
will. But when you can't buy shoe:
for your family it's pretty hard tc
think only of patriotism"
Wherever you go you C. NJ. Hill &
/ Scr -Adp