The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-07-16

were described as fundamental
 Western carriers tonight issued a virtual ultimatum to the strikers asserting they will not agree to any plan inconsistent with decisions of the labor board and will not con- fer with tho strikers while the walk out continues.
 B. NJ. Jewell, head of the shoprnen. indicated yesterday that working rules and wages. both based on the boards decisions. must be settled sat- isfactorily before he will consent to call off the strike and take the mat ter before the labor board.
 Virtually abandoning hope Of an early settlement, many roads, accord ing to a labor board official, are ure- pared to make a determined effort to reopen their shops next week with non-union employees. The ranks of the strikers were expected to be aug mented Monday by walkout of fire men and oilers. while at Cleveland the American Federation of Railroad Workers have voted to strike at the same time
 Grable Meets Harding
 After conference with President Harding today. E F. Grable. head of the maintenance of way organization. said there was no prospect of an inn mediate authorization of a strike Of his 100000 men but added that 4s hours might change the situation. X White House statement said Mr. Grable brought to the President the first official protest that railroads are Ignoring decisions of the labor board and expressed the opinion that proper conference would end ir settlement.
 Senator Cummins, chairman of the interstate commerce committee, said that hearings will bs held soon look ing toward revision of the trans- portation act and to deal with prob lelns developed by the strike, one of the matters to be taken up, he said. being penalties for violation of the labor board decisions
 Chicago, the hub of the strike. was quiet. Mir. Jewell and members of the labor board declined to comment further.
 In Washington. official circles were said to be hopeful for a settle. ment but the administration was pre- pared for emergency action should the occasion arise. Motor transports 10 carry mail were inaugurated be- tween Indiana towns where trains were annuiled
 Federal Orders Granted
 Federal court orders restrainiru strikers from Interfering with the petitioners continued to be granted. The Virginian railroad at Roanoke the Erie at Cleveland. and the Penn syivania at Toledo. obtained iniunc- tions against the strikers The Ball. umore and Ohio applied for an in- Junction at Cleveland and the can- n a A14
 asked a court order at Indianauolis.
 Troops were requested at San Ber- nardino. Cal. to protect railroad prop- erty, and representatives of Secretary Of War Weeks and Governor Neff o< Texas were Investigating the need fox. troops at Dsnison. Tex. Disordern oo- cured at Scranton, Pa, where ona man was shot, and at Ennis, Ter.
 Indication that the strike weuSa have an carly sffeot on crops was seen In statements from Fresno, Cal. that yzoo,ooo.o0o worth of fruit is sn- cangered. and from Macon, Ca. that railroads have begun to wfthdrav their solicitors from tho peach and melon districts.
 The statement by rail sxsou&fvaa here today said that reports from rn1l> ways in all parts of the oountr showed gains in the number of man Tn the shops since tho strike sksrteA,
 Protection Needed
 Developments show" the Dents- ment continued. that tho main thina needed to insure the return of normal conditions Is protection of men who want to work from violence br strtca enforcement of the lava"
 Where inJunctions have been fsxu a men have returned to work in largo numbers, the statement said, and add ed that the policy of the carriers so protect tho seniority and other rights Of men who remain at work has had beneficial effect. The executives, the statement said, will accept any qualifications of it's decisions that the ia5or board makes after hearings.
 They cannot. however. agree to any conference with representatives of the strikers" the statement con- tinued. because the very purpose for which such conference Is sought by representatives of strikers, as avowed by B. M. Jewell. Is to procure a set- clement contrary to the decisions of the board, and for the railways to agree to this would be to undermine the dignity and influence Of tho board. just as the unions are trying to do by this strike"
 The facts show clearly" the state- ment concludes. that the executives of the railways have shown willing ness to do everything that is reason able to end the strike. while Mr. Jew ell has indicated that only by the railways surrendering to his demands and disregarding the decisions of the labor board can 1t be ended. This leaves responsibility for continuance of the strike solely upon the lsedsso of the strikers"