The New York herald., 1922-08-29
Harding Sees No Cause for
Alarm in Rail Strike
Situation.
70 HURRY LEGISLATION
Congress Will Take Up Bills
to Curb Profiteering
in Fuel.
Special Dispatch to THE New York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington. u. C.. Aug. 28.

Special Dispatch to THE New York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. p. C.. Aug. 28.
President Harding and members of
his Cabinet are convinced that the
bituminous strike has largely settled
itself and that there is nothing to
occasion public alarm In the railroad
strike.
At the same time that the Adminis-
tration felt that the bituminous strike
had practically settled itself informa-
ton reaching the President pointed to
the probability that the anthracite
strike would be settled within the next
mite announcement of a conference
was made, 1t is understood that the
President has been informed that the
way has been cleared for rapproche-
ment between the anthracite operators
and the miners.
Senator Pepper (Pa.). who. with
Secretary of Labor Davis, has been
trying to pave the way for confer
once, declared to-day that he was very
hopeful OF a settlement. and Indicated
that ne believed a conference might
be called within the next twenty-four
hours.
Definite Program Mapped.
This statement from the Pennsyl-
vania Senator, together with intima-
tions from the White House. strength
ems the belief prevalent to-day that
developments Of the week would be
such as would obviate the necessity or
extreme measures such as the seizure
by the Government of the anthracite
mines and some of the railroads.
In this situation the. executive and
judicial branches of the Government.
so far as the Administration leader
ship is concerned. have united on
definite program to meet the impend-
Ing anthracite famine.
The President, Secretary of Com
merce Hoover and Secretary of Labor
Davis are optimistic. They expect
settlement OF the anthracite strike at
conferences TO be held In Philadelphia
this week No official statement viii
be made on the prospects of such a
conference. or any understanding
reached.
Secretary Davis made long report to
the President this afternoon Of his con-
ference with leaders among the United
Mine Workers and the anthracite goper-
ntors. Upon leaving the White House
the Secretary refused TO make any
statement. but 1t was made known that
the President was very hopeful.
To Curb Prontcering.
Senate and House leaders have agreed
with the President 10 present legislation
n Congress to curb profiteering in coal
and TO authorize the President to take
over the anthracite mines II the walk
ont does not end soon Senator cum
MINIS Iowa), chairman OF the senate
Interstate Commerce Committee, tenta-
lively prepared n bill TO authorize the
President 10 take over all the mines
and railroads.
Following a twenty-four hour confer
enca on the Presidential yacht May
flower IL has been agreed among Ad-
ministratlon leaders that such broad
powers are not necessary and the leg
islatIon when presented VIII empower
the President TO take over only the an
thracite mines.
The attitude of the Administration
toward the strike situation Is reflected
in the action to-day Of the Federal fuel
Distributor In withdrawing the NO.
priority order. In future all coal VIII
he permitted to move as Tar as prac-
ticabie under the Interstate Commerce
Commissions classified priorities. No.
| prioritiee will not be used except pos
sibly for lake shipments.
Announcement was made tonight
that the Hoover fair price agreement ex-
plred tonight. Price control VIII be
sought through state action and through
broadening OF the powers OF the state
Commerce Commissions and creating an
official status for the Federal Fuel Dis
tributor.
Agreement has been reached among
Administration leaders that coal Will
be moved at all costs TO prevent suffer-
ing or industrial shutdown.
Thousands of Cars Idle.
Reports received by the President
show that thousands OF cars OF coal are
on short lines and on sidings and that
thousands OF others have not been moved
from tho sIdings of trunk roads feeding
the mines
CurtalIment Of railroad passenger
traffic and embargo on general freight
movement will be laid down If such a
course becomes necessary TO move this
coal TO the delivery point and to keep
flowing toward consumers the large
production which is expected in tho
bituminous mines.
Transportation Is regarded as the
neck OF the bottle. not only by the Pres