The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1920-04-10
Intervention Likely.

Washington, April 10.-Shouid
the strike OF railroad employees
threaten a paralysis of lransporta
ton, the government would have to
intervene. it was said today by high
administration officials. The strike
is not regarded as having reached
that stage. however, and govern
ment officers who are keeping in
close touch with the situation are
of the opinion that the authorized
leaders of the unions will be able
to control without government i'll
terventi0n.
Some officials said they would
not be surprised if the rapidly
spreading strikes resulted in a
showdown between the union Of
ficers and those leading the strike.
|@,----=- - Gompers Acts.
President Gompers OF the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor, who has
been in New York, left there last
night for Cleveland. Ohio, head
quarters of the Brotherhood OF
Trainmen. Federation officials
would not discuss the strike nor
the purpose of Mr.. Gomper's trip.
President Wilson is being kept
advised as to developments. He
is still at work on the appointment
of the railroad labor board. but
White house officials said it WIS
difficult to find the right men 70
represent the public who would
give up their business to divert
their time 10 the boards work.
Senate Probe Tuesday.
Plans for the senate investiga-
ton of the strike were completed
today by Chairman Cummins OF the
senate interstate commerce COM
mitee The inquiry will begin
Tuesday and will be conducted by
the full committee with John Cru
nau. president of the Chicago Yard
mems association: A. f. Whitney,
vice president of the Brotherhood
of Railroad Trainmen, and officials
of the Chicago. Milwaukee & st.
Paul railroad. as the first Wit
nesses.
Senator Cummins received re-
ply today from W. G. Lee, presi-
dent of the Brotherhood of Tram
men. to the telegram sent last night
asking for the names and addresses
of leaders of the striking men. lie
declined to make ii public. but MI.
Lee was understood to have op-
posed anv move by the committee
which might be construed as i rec
ognition of the strikers organiza-
ton.
Senator Cummins said the calling
of the strike leaders before the
committee would not amount TO
recognition and that the hearing
would be conducted as originally
planned.
II More Districts.
The strike spread to / more dis
tricts today and in seven cities the
ranks OF the strikers were increas-
ed, news reports show.
California. Kansas City and
Champaign. H., reported 525 men
voting to return 10 work. but their
number was more than Offset by
more than 1000 additions 10 the
OUTLAW" unions in other cities.
Coal mines in southern Illinois
have practically all ceased work as
there are no cars to move the fuel.
Harrisburg. Ill. reports % of the
25 mines in the county shut down.
Twenty thousand coal miners in
this state are idle.
The state asylum al Dunning was
without lights lasi night because
of its inability TO get coal and Off
cials say the power plant will be
entirely closed by tonight.
First Accident.
The first account accident result
ing from running OF engines by in-
experienced crews. occurred today
when two switching engines, run
ming double. struck four auto trucks
and wagon on downtown cross
| ing. demolishing all five. The driy-
ers ieapel and escaped injury.
Deputy Fire Marshal Arthur Sey-
ferlich. who investigated, said the
engines were manned by railroad
Office clerks
The unrest is not confined to
swi chmen and engine crews. II is
said that al Decatur 200 shopmen
struck today.
The strike has invaded Canada,