The Washington herald., 1922-09-03
U. S. Agents Investigate
Interviews Given by
Strike Chiefs.
GOMPERS REVIEWS
PLEDGE TO JEWELL
President Ready to Call
Troops to Support
Order of Court.


night to invoke broad powers from
the conspiracy statutes to enforce
the Chicago injunction obtained
against rail strikers, in a desperate
effort to support the transportation
system Of the nation. Believing
that only the most drastic steps can
tration has decided to supplement
its injunction proceedings with ap-
plication of the conspiracy laws, ii
was learned.
In invoking the conspiracy stat
utes the administration believes it
will have the double effect of re-
straining leaders of the big four
brotherhoods from permitting their
men to aid the shopcrafts and gen.
eral labor from going out on a
sympathetic strike.
Prepare to Make Arrests.
Arrests were understood TO be
planned by Federal agents for vio-
lation of the injunction obtained by
Attorney General Daugherty re-
straining the shopmen and their
leaders from interfering with trans
portation. Department of Justice
agents are Investigating statements
and interviews given out by strike
leaders and others which are held
to be in violation of the Injunction.
In the meantime, the government
is prepared to combat interference
with transportation with every
agency at it's command. President
Harding made 1t known that he is
prepared to go even further than
injunctions, and this was construed
as meaning that Federal troops
would be called into service II the
present protection afforded the rail-
roads proves inadequate.
Leaders Defy Injunction.
Defiance of the Federal govern
ment's injunction against the rail-
road shopmen's strike came from
the American Federation of Labor
yesterday. when il telegraphed re-
newal of its fullest support to the
strike leaders in Chicago and ex-
pressed n wish for the success of
the struggle.
Samuel Gompers, president of the
Federation. who announced Friday
that the executive council next Sat-
urday would consider the question
of a general strike call in retalia-
tiOn against the governments in
junction move, sent the telegram
renewing the pledge of support to
the entoined strikers on behalf of
the Federation.
May Make Gompers Liable.
Although Department of Justice
officials here would not discuss
Gompsrs' telegram. it was believed
here that the renewal of the fed
GRAFTON pledge to support the strike
might automatically bring Gompers
and his associates within the scope
of the injunction which specifically
enjoins anyone from aiding in the
obstruction of railway operation.
Actual support of the strike, IL is
contended. could be construed as
violating the terms of the injunc-
ton
Gompers' telegram, addressed to
B. NJ. Jewell. president of the rail-
way employees department, A. F. of
l.. was as follows:
AT the meeting of the labor leg
islative representatives. July 21, a
resolution was adopted conveying
TO you and through you to the
striking railway shopmen, the
pledge of our sympathy and sup
port to the fullest extent within
our power. At the meeting of the
same conference this evening IL was
decided to ratify and emphasize the
declaration made July 81, and
pledge anew our sympathy and
support and the best support and
the best wishes for the success of
the striking railroad shopmen in
the attainment of their cause"
Seen as Resistnnee Act.
The telegram was signed by
Gompers as chairman. conferences
labor legislative representatives
The dispatch of this message was
regarded here as signalling the first
formal act OF the American Federa-
tion OF Labor In pursuance Of a
policy OF resistance to the in1unc-
ton Within few days plans
probabiy will be announced for legal.
attack upon the injunction. The
federation is considering the legal
course IL will pursue in an effort
to have the injunction set aside
when the hearing is held on Sep
tember IL on the motion to make
the temporary restraining order
permanent.
Primarily the labor leaders will
maintain that the injunction is in
direct violation of the Clayton
antitrust act. which holds that
there can be no enjoining of peace
full picketing. The Chicago injunc-
tion even goes SO far as to enjoin
"oral persuasion" to induce railroad
workers to leave their tasks.
Forces Issue Of Picketing.
This provision Is regarded here
as forcing the issue directly be-
tween organized labor and the gov
ernment on the question of peace
fui picketing and It Is believed IL
will precipitate a stupendous legal
struggle.
That portion of A ttorney General
Daogherty's address to the court in
which he says he will use all the
force Of the government at his
comr7~ "a to prevent the overthrow
OF .ae open shop has also aroused
Contained on Page Three.