The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1922-08-30

ccutlNe ActiOn Appear to be Nearing
Completion.
Washing Gton, Aug, 27-The exact
scope of the administrations policy
in dealing with the rail and coal
strikes is expected to reveal itself
within the next few days as a result
of preparations for legislative and
executive action which appeared to-
night to be nearing completion.
Whether the emergency legislation
to be definitely urged upon Congress
will include a presidential authorize
ton to take over and operate rail and
coal properties was question that
still remained unanswered, but it was
indicated that administration officials
probably would make a final decision
on the point in the very near future.
In some quarters it was believed
that the PROPOSAL to arm the executive
with these emergency powers would
be finally threshcd over among the
leaders who are with President Hard
ing on his weekend cruise down the
Potomac and that definite announce
ment of nolicy would follow the re-
turn here OF. the presidential yacht
Maylower tomorrow morning.
Those in the presidents confidence
said before he left here for the cruise
last night that although he still be-
licved industrial peace would be re-
stored without a resort to government
operation, he was inclined to feel that
as precautionary measure he should
be given full authority to act before
congress begins its contemplated re-
cess.
In addition to Secretary Hoover and
Attorney General Daugherty, two of
the cabinet members who have been
particularly active in shaping the gov
ernmeDt's course during the strike
period, the president was accompan-
led on the Maynower by Chairman
tCummins, of the senate interstate
commerce committee, who already has
drafted for introduction in the senate,
a bill authorizing the executive to take
over and operate any individual rail
road which does not adequately per-
form it's functions as a common car
ricd Before he went aboard the May
flower, Senator Cummins had indicat-
ed that his measure and a 81 ar one
relating to coal mines would form
ally introduced early this wees.
Majority leaders say they are con-
fident> that such legislation could be
passed through both senate and house,
if the president definitely requested
it, but at the same time they concede
that congressional approval would be
by no means unanimous. Although
many members in both bodies are de-
manding that the government take
charge Of the situation in the most en-
phatic manner possible, there is
recognized element Of strength ranged
against any movement that might APP
proXimate a return Of the Wartime
government railroad administration.
Particular attention was given in
congressional circles today to the pub
lie statement made last night by
Chairman Winslow, Of the house in
terstate commerce committee, declar-
ing that in his opinion the coal fact
finding and distribution bills already
pending would serve as sufficient
warning to the industries involved,
and that more drastic legislation could
safely be withheld for the present. 1t
was pointed out also that President
Harding's recommendation for coal
purchasing and selling agency had
thus far not even resulted in any ef-
fort to bring in bills for carrying it
into effect, and that even the fact-find
ing and distribution bills proposed had
not encountered perfect sailing wealth
er either in senate or house.
The senate having laid aside the
Borah fact-fnding bill entirely until
the middle Of the week because Of
prolonged attacks upon it, efforts to
deal with the strike problem at both
ends OF the capital tomorrow will be
confined to committee consideration OF