The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-08-15
R all Tieup Makes w. ay
 to Congress
fContinued from Page One)
 Refasal By Unions.

 persuade uinon leaders to call off the strikes on those roads that are willing to comply with the unimpaired se- niority'' proposal put forth by the union leaders assert they cannot con- sent to it, as it would mean a break in the solidarity of labor, and would result in practically tneir h hedp1ng to the roads that gained relief would help the "die hards" roads with re- paired equipment
 That the twin rail and coal strikes have actually reached the stage of constituting an industrial crisis and a real national peril was generally con ssded fss an0ag 50dag 6s WasSingoa or
 Cabinet members took with them to the White House reports from all parts of the country telling of sus- closing down for want of fuel or transportation, sporadic spreading of the strike to all classes of labor and occasional outbursts of violence. Even if the strike were settled today" said one cabinet officer, ''the country would still face one of the most severe winters in its history. once 1t is given a good start" Congress Alarmed.
 This phase of the situation also was emphasized today by members home" districts after six weeks re- cess. They brought reports of alarm and demands for action-although way from the government taking complete charge of the roads to the government keeping hands entirely off and allowing the roads and the opinions as to remedies varied widely there was an unanimity of opinion that the situation is extremely crit ical.
 While the cabinet met at the White House for a momentous session and Congress reassen1bled at the capitol to await executive action, leaders Of the 6 standard railroad unions agarn went into session at the Machinists' building for the principal purpose of considering direct negotiations with the railroads and the chances of get ting anywhere by this means.
 Optimism at Low Point.
 There was not much optimism. Union leaders said they could count on a few roads, among them the Southern, the Baltimor & Ohio. and some of the smaller roads that have been hit hard by the strike but un- less there has been miraculous change in the attitude of a. p1g ma pjority of the executives they pro- vately declared there is little hope of effecting anything like a. general set clement.
 The Brotherhood leaders are the moderating influence in the labor group. Not officially on strike them selves, yet holding the balance of power and being sympathetic with the striking shop croftsmen, they have taken over complete direction of labor's part in the situation. They have held up and prevented publica- ton of the shopmen's last reply to Harding-a complete rejection, and | they are representing the shopcrarts in all dealings with the White House and the railway presidents.
 The half dozen other unions not officially on strike, switchmen, teleg- | raphers. maintenance of way men, are mostly rearing to go'' in sympat thy with the shopcrafts. The Brother | hoods, with their banks and property | holdings, and @ wholesome respect | for the Supreme courts decision m the Coronado case - that @ labor union Is liable for damages caused by | strfkes-are counse1ling patience.