Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-08-15
Report of Union Heads States Proposal is lmpraticabe
and Would Create Disastrous COndi-
tCa of Affairs
DEMAND UNIMPAIRED SENIORITY RIGHTS
Sentiment In Congress Is That Government Must Soon
Seize Railroads to Protect Peoples Interests
Unless Strike Is Ended

eide upon the administration next
move with indications that the main
topic of discussion would be the legis-
lative program to meet the present
emergency.
Meanwhile, the Big Four Brother
hood leaders, working in a secret and a
mysterious manner, apparently are
striving to end the rail strike through
negotiations with various railroad
executives. The strikers have placed
their case entirely in their hands.
The Brotherhood leaders have de-
cided to make every possible effort to
settle the walkout amicably, before
throwing their powerful strength to
the side of the strikers, and in this
move they have the unqualified sup
port of Mr.. Harding.
Because of this new peace move,
Mr.. Harding may delay for few
6avs the sending of a message to
Congress, i'm the hope that in some al
most miraculous and now unforeseen
manner the menacing dispute can be
settled. In all their moves, however,
the Brotherhood leaders have made
it clear that they stand with the strlk-
ing shopmen for restoration OF sem
iority rights e.
The cabinet today had before it
a mass of data showing that the
Transportation situation is gradually
growing worse. Conditions were SAID
to be particularly bad in the Middle
and Far West. Trains are being cam
celled daily due to the refusal OF
trainmen to take out what they con-
slider defective equipment and IN tins
respect the workers have the support
Of Brotherhood leaders here.
Some administration officials who
have been laboring with Mr.. Hard
ING to end the strike Of 100000 shop
crafts workers. have given up hope
of an amicable settlement. One cab
met member frankly urges federal
seizure of the roads is transporta-
ton conditions deteriorate to a point
where the public welfare IS threat
ened.
Feeling that the public must foot
the bill no matter how the situation
is solved. this official believes the
country would find it more economical
to meet the cost growing out Of pro-
bable suits against the government
by the railroad in the event of seizure
( than TO suffer the tremendous losses
which are inseperable from partial or
complete paralysis Of transportation.
Warren s. Stone, head Of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
and /. F.. Sheppard, of the Order OF
/ Railway Conductors, said they had
not abandoned hope of a peaceful set
Element Of the shipments strike. The
two chiefs led committee OF union
heads to a lengthy conference WITH
President Harding late yesterday.
Later i'm the evening Stone confer
red with Daniel willard president Of
/ the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Neither Stone nor Willard would dis
cuss their conference.
/ Most of the returning Congressman
decline to make any statement for
publication on the situation, in ad-
vance of word from the White House
on proposed legislation. other than
general declarations that the pres
ent situation must be ended soon.
Should President Harding decide to
delay his request for rail strike leg
islation in the hope that the brother
/ hoods will be able 10 end the strike.
the House probably will take up the
/ Bland bill. creating a federal-fact
| finding agency in the coal mining
/ industry.