New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-14

number than on the previous dsv. many
Of the commuters apparently obtaining
accommodations in the city.
Staten Island Hit Hard
Probably no Community has been
harder hit than Staten Island. After
several days vacillation the trainmen
on the three lines of the B. & 0. there
deserted their last train at 2:30 a. N.
The only other lines of communication
on the island are two lines Of trolley
cars, which do not run parallel with
the railroads and are far from the
residents served by the b. & 0. lines.
An attempt on the part Of citizen
volunteers to man one Of the trains dur
ing the morning resulted in running
! the train off the track Patro,man Jo-
seph Lanih. one of the passengers on
this train, was attacked by agitators as
the train drew into the Elm Park Sta
ton. where Lanin says several pistol
shots were fired into the train. Only
about 5000 of the $4,000 that usually
travel to New York were able to get to
the ferries yesterday and the return
was even more difficult.
The bus service established by the
city there proved entirely inadequate
and crowds of persons that landed at ST.
George from New York at p. m. were
still hanging around at p. m waiting
for some sort Of vehicle to take them
home.
Food Situation Critical
The food situation, too. is becoming
critical here. Milk arrived at Staten
Island six hours late and no provision
has been made to supply any at all to-
day. Only one mail train ran yester-
day. 1t was stated that no effort was
being made by officials of the lines to
obtain workers to replace the strikers,
and there was nothing to indicate that
| the trains would resume service either
to-day or tomorrow
In connection ~ith the delay Of
mails on this line. it was learned yes
terday that postoftice inspectors had
been to Port Jervis to investigate the
hold-up of the Chicago and otler eX-
press trains that carried mail.
1t is understood the inspectors served
subpoenas on several persons, calling
for their appearance to-day at the Office
of Assistant United States District At
torrey Ben A. Matthews. Should Mr..
Matthews find any evidence that would
indicate criminal obstruction of the
mails, he will present it to the Federal
grand jury.
Because of transit congestion due to
the strike, the local immigration bu-
reau at Ellis Island issued instructions
yesterday that hereafter all immigrants
will be examined aboard ship and on
the piers alongside which the steam
ships bringing them here are moored.
Examinations of tails sort were made
during the war, when the immigrant
traffic was light and Ellis Island was
being used 70: other purposes.
All examinations were made at the
steamship piers yesterday and only
such immigrants as were held for fur
Their examination before boards of spe-
cial inquiry were taken to the island.
1t was explained that this was the
only manner in which the immigration
officials could meet the situation
island is capable of caring for 5000
aliens daily, but would be taxed be-
yond its limit for accommodations if
all immigrants were taken there from
the incoming steamships.
The investigation to be started by
Public Service Commissioner Nixon is
in accordance with the provisions of
sections Is and 4S of the Public Service
Commission law, which provides for in
quiries by the commission into the
service and facilities of common car
rers.
Commissioner Nixon was enabled to
take steps last year which led to the
conclusion of the marlborough, B. R. T.
and the New York, Westchester and
Boston strikes. Hearings held at the
time of these strikes led to negotia-
tions that ended in settlements
May Use Volunteers
In statement issued last night Mr..
Mantell, spokesman for the various rail-
road managers, pointed out that the
railroads were being flooded with ap-
plications by volunteers for chance
to be of service on some indignation
special"
The situation, however, he says, is
not al present one that requires the
general acceptance of these offers, but
adds that if within forty eight hours
the situation has not been materially
improved the railroads may take ad-
vantage of the thousands of proffers of
assistance
1T is evident he concludes, chat
there is now thorough understanding
on the part of the public that this is an
assault upon law and order and not an
ordinary railroad strike"