The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-19


 tary commanders In the Eighth
 army corps area, comprising five
 states for soldiers experienced in
 the operation of railway trains
 and the maintenance of ways,
 have been issued at area head
 quarters, Fort sam Houston, it
 was learned today.
 Washington. October 1s-The threatened railroad strike was recog- nized in high official circles today as having developed into the first real test of the practicability of the rail road labor board. The outcome of the negotiations now in progress, 1t was declared, would determine whether an entirely futile" agency has been created.
 Prominent in the defense put for ward by labor leaders in every con- troversy in the past, it was pointed out, was the plea that there was no legally constituted body before which they could lay their grievances, or to whose impartial Judgment they could submit petitions for relief. With the labor board expressly created to fill this gap, assurance was given to- day that it would be permitted to have free hand in it's efforts to meet the initial test provided by the disagreement of the railroads and their employees over wage schedules and working conditions.
 Chicago Center of Activity
 With practically every active ef- fort toward averting the walkout. scheduled to begin october 30, cen lea, Ia Il, .,,.t 4r. day had completed its defensive plans and was watching develop ments. The cabinet gave only pas sive" attention to the subejct at it's regular meeting and there was no of ficial statement on any phase of the strike forthcoming from any branch of the government.
 While authoritative information still was lacking as to the basis upon which the labor board was proceed ing, the impression was given that it involved some features, at least, Of the suggestion put forward by the public members of the board Sundsy as "one feasible plan" for preventing the tie-up.
 The probability that official sane ton would be given to the proposal that the July wage reduction be off set immediately by proportionate freight rate decrease was discussed in high official circles. In case this was adopted as the governments compromise plan, the test of the rail- road boards authority would arise immediately. 1t was pointed out, in the question of it's acceptance by either or both of the parties to the controversy
 Consider Rate Cuts Entirely apart from the suggestion of the public group. official intima- tion was given that decrease in freight rates was being considered. There was no indication as to the factors upon which such a rate re- vision would be formulated or how soon a decision by the proper gov ernmental-. agencies could be ex- pected.
 It was indicated that the entire support of the government would be given to the labor board in it's eff forts to reach settlement of the controversy, and that other govern mont agencies would be instructed to cooperate actively. In case of the modification of schedules. the proce dure would include a petition from the labor board to the interstate commerce commission, (which has Jurisdiction for the necessary rate changes.
 Injunction Tinted
 With respect to his conference with the public group members here yes-
 (Continued on page two)