The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1922-07-22
Strike Crisis
Badly Worries
j. 5. Senators
BY DAVID LAWRENCE
tcopyrtght by the 1ntellgonosrl

Washington. July 21.-United States
senators are getting restless and uu-
easy over the industrial crisis. Sew
eral OF them flocked to the White
House today TO find out IL legislation
could cure the trouble and bring
peace. Others told Mr.. Harding that
IL there was going to be any allocattns
OF coal they wanted to know about IT.
Senator Lodge. Republican leader.
said. for instance. that he hoped to
see that New England would get its
share.
The situation has reached a point
where tho effect Of continued indus
trial warfare may be felt in the politi-
cal campaign. The department OF
commerce issues a significant state
ment saying that the rising tide OF
business recuperation was being ar
rested By the rail and coal strikes.
The Republican party has much TO
iSss this fall II conditions approach
ing their campaign pledges are not
realized BY the rank and file.
Many OF the Republican leaders
know how close the connection Is be-
tween the industrial peace and politt-
cal success next autumn. Senator
James Watson OF Indiana came to the
White House with Senator Cummins.
and the net effect OF their visit was
a determination to reason with the
rail executives and see II thew
wouldn't waive the single obstacle
stands in the way OF agreement -
namely. a restoration OF seniority
rights to the men who return from the
strike.
Western Roads Would Settle.
The word has gone out that the far
western roads are ready 10 settle and
that many OF the southern roads
would do likewise. The eastern roads
are unfolding. Will they put the Re-
publican party In a hole BY prolong-
ing the strike beyond the point OF
political safety? There always has
been an affinity between the railroads
and the Republicans here. and the
latter now are trying TO see whether
their influence counts for anything.
Scarcity OF coal for next winter Is
making senators apprehensive. II the
house OF representatives were In ses'
sion there would be incessant pill
grimaSes from the capitol TO the
White House OF office members. AS
q Is, the senate reflects the generai
uneasfness which Is felt throughout
the country over the industrial situa-
ton.
Watching the Present Move.
The President Is listening 70 what
the senators tell him. but as for "a
tionins OF coal. that is somewhat
premature. Senator Kellogg didn't
seem to think much coal would
mined unless the strike was settled at
once. The White House Is waiting to
see what effect the invitation TO the
operators to resume operations will
have on the amount OF coal mined.
Several days may elapse before an
other movement Is made.
Some senators, like Mr.. Pomerere
OF Ohio. are inclined to think the fed
eral government could seize the coa1
mines and operate them until the
emergency Is past. Other constttu-
tional lawyers doubt 1t. There Is no
question, however. that the states eau
seize the mines and with the aid OF
the federal government arrange Tor
regulation OF interstate shipments.
These moves are largely academic as
yet. for until definite figures are avail
able on coal production In the next
ten days no drastic course Will be
adopted.
Rail Outlook Brighter.
The rail situation gives better
promise Of a settlement Pressure by
individual senators on eastern rail
executives will be followed by per.
suasive arguments from other quar-
ters influential with the railroads
Just as soon as the danger OF con.
tinued tie.up Is fully realized. While
the executives protest that conditions
are fairly good. officials here do not
share that optimism, and rather fear
q general breakdown Of the transpor'
tation OF the country unless peace
speedily obtained,
The decision OF the circuit court OF
appeals In Chicago upholding the
rights OF the United States labor
board was welcomed here as a step
forward and one which would prob
ably make roads like the Pennsyl'
vania see the necessity OF ooeying the
lnIted States labor board.
New Legislation Unlikely.
More legislation at this time is un'
likely. The settlement. when It does
come, will be along the line OF max
ins the present legislation respected.
The transportation act provided that
adjustment boarsd be set up In Yari'
pus regions The railroads have by
pnn move or anothn: delayed the es-
adjustment Of these boards. Dilatory
moves have caused loss Of faith. On
ION OF this the railway employees have
fouted the power OF the labor board
20 adjust wages when the main pur'
nose of the transportation act was to
have an impartial tribunal to tx
wages. The solution lies in making
the decisions OF the labor board re-
Enec,ed. and officials here are not yet
ready to believe this impossible.