The New York herald., 1921-10-16
HARDING ACTS QUICKLY
TO AVERT A BIG STRIKE

cept for some union workers, represents
in round numbers the number Of men
available who might be called by the
roads to assist in train operation In the
event of a walkout, he said.
The Council of National Defence plan
for mobilization of majority of all the
automobile trucks In the country could
be put into execution by the Govern
ment TO combat the possibility Of q
shortage OF food. 1t Is not hoped that
mobilization OF the trucks would result
In the moving of all goods needed. That
the nation would suffer many inconven-
fences Is foregone conclusion. But the
Interruptions to business and general
comfort would be minimised by the use
of trucks
Thousands Of trucks are owned by the
Government, and these could be put into
regular freight and passenger schedules
on short notice.
Motor trucks for months have been
operating on regular schedules In fleets
between Washington, Baltimore, Phila-
delphia, New York and other Eastern
cities. With the possible stoppage of
trains large amount of tonnage could
be diverted to these lines.
To insure the delivery of perishable
foeds to the big cities an appeal could
be made to farmers who own trucks
Instead Of Transporting their produce to
the nearest railroad station the farmers
could drive into the city markets. This
they would find 1t profitable to do be-
cause of the higher prices that would
surely accompany general strike OF
railroad workers.
Government Not Courting Strike.
OAlcials were anxious to make clear
here to-day that the Government Is not
counting a general strike OF railroad
workers.
But at the same time certain de-
partments of the Government are look
ing ahead to the situation as 1t may
develop. The plan is to have everything
in readiness II the worst develops.
Supplies of food now are In storage
in ali large cities. In some cities the
supplies are sufficient to last sixty days.
records of the Bureau of Markets show
In some lines of food the supply would
give out In the second week OF gen
eraI rail- strike. Storage holdings In
clude eggs, butter ana al dairy prod
nets. cheese, all kinds Of meats, vege-
tsbies and some canned goods. In gen.
sral the stocks are lower than at this
time last year. But ofnctals or the
bureau of Markets belieye the stocks
are sufficient to prevent anything ike
general shortage Of food.
Goyernment operation of the roads
might be resorted to in case Of gen.
eral strike. Under the transportation
law authority is given to the Govern
rnent to take over and operate the lines
In an emergency. Officials. for the time
being, however. are not even considering
this phase. The Harding Administra-
ton. it Is well known, would be most
reluctant to resort to such move ex-
cept in the most unusual circumstances.
Railroad managers are understood to
be ready to make almost any sacrifice
rather than have the Government step
into the situation and operate the lines.
II might be years before the roads could
be returned to private management, they
recognize.
Union leaders would welcome opera
ton of the lines by the Government, ac-
cording to recent statements of Secre-
tary e. c. Davison OF the international
Association OF Machinists and other
leaders. The railroad shop machinists
and the four big brotherhoods, through
the Plumb Plan League, long have been
working to bring about Government con-
troll and operation Of the lines.