The Washington herald., 1921-10-19
FOOD
FOR CAPITAL in
CASE OF STRIKE
Chamber of Commerce
Will Organize Motor
Caravans.

There will be no food or fuel
shortage in this city even though
the Impending nationwide railroad
strike should become a reality. for
Yesterday the Washington Chamber
Of Commerce began the actual set
ting up of a compact organization
for the purpose Of insuring the
shipment of these essentials here
by organized motor caravans.
Although numerous civic and
trade bodies in the District have
already pledged their assistance in
the case of an emergency, the ac-
ton of the Chamber of Commerce
is the first to assume definite pro-
portions.
Lists Available Trucks.
A committee headed by Isaac
Cans. vice president of the cham
Der. was appointed for the purpose
of listing every available automo-
bile, motor truck or other con-
veyance in the District which could
he used during the period OF the
strike.
A communication addressed to the
District Commissioners by Albert
Shulteis, president Of the chamber
pledged the entire membership TO
assist in whatever capacity needed
in the event OF. an emergency.
We think that the chances are
better than even that the dispute
between the railroad executives
and employees will be settled In
some way to avoid a strike. but we
do not intend to wait in doubt" said
A. E. Seymour. secretary OF the
chamber "If we are ready and the
strike does not eventuate we are
no worse OF for having made
preparations"
Relieves Strike would Fall
A nationwide railroad strike at
this time would meet with almost
certain failure. owing to the present
acute unemployment situation which
exists throughout the country.
This was the opinion expressed
by Senator Thomas J. Walsh. or
Montana, of the Senate Judiciary
Committee. during a discussion OF
the threatened strike at the Capt.
toll yesterday.
Believing that the railroad execu-
tives realize that the unemployment
situation will work in their FAVOR
Senator Walsh declared that they
would make no concessions TO the
workers and would not strive for
a cancellation of the strike orders.
Predicts HardshIps to Public.
u fear that the threatsned rail-
1eFN n l..
ity On October 30" said Senator
walsh. but cannot help but feel
that Il is iIl-timed. and that 1t will
result in failure for the strikers,
besides the hardships which 1t will
impose on the general population,
With millions of men unable To
secure employment. and with the
railroad executives fully realizing
this fact. I feel certain that they
will not back down in their petit
ton for a reduced wage. and that
they will not whole-heartedly enter
into any conference working fol-
the cancellation of the strike order
They believe that for every
man who strikes there will be al
least one man in desperate need
Of employment who will take his
place. Acting on this belief. they
are anxious to bring the railroad
question to a definite Issue.
Urges sharing of Cut.
The railroads are always the
class frst affected when a move
ment to reduce operating expense:
Is contemplated. while other inter-
sxts vital to the operation Of tAe
railroads are permitted to continue
without reduction
Personally believe that the
round table plainly that I mean
all interests vital to the operation
of railroads. such as the steel in
terests. bankers and mine opera
tors-should be called together fol
the purpose of each taking a pro-
portionate share of the reduction
program. when a reduction Of op-
Grating expenses is contemplated
II is not fair that only one inter
est. labor. should be expected 70
shoulder all Of the reduction plan
I hope the strike does not ma
teriaIiZe for the sake Of the en-
ployes. for I cannot but feel that
their effnrts will meet with failure y