The Connecticut labor news., 1922-11-24

The statement in question was is- sued during the week and starts off with pat on the back for the man ner- in which the road Is handling the traffic but winds up with an apology to the public and asks them to con- tinue to bear with them and the ef- forts to give service. That the long suffering public is in no mood to put up with the deplorabIe conditions that exist at the present time is the state ment of the strikers who daily come in contact with large shippers and manufacturers who express great in dignation at the long delays to which they are subjected
 He also says that:
 "On July T the withdrawal of forces from the locomotive shops and engine terminals was complete The gradual filling of the ranks occupied about three months The period of
 recruiting was one of exceeding op- erating difficulty. The load was carried largely by the supervisory
 staff. There was mot only an undue burden of work devolving upon the limited forces, but the situation was still further aggravated and seriously, by intimidation and sabotage During the time, however, normal service was rendered, that IS, 1t did not be- come necessary to withdraw trains or restrict the handling of freight, and all trains were run. At that time, how ever and also at present, the service was not normal as to character of performance, delays, etc. The patience and assistance of the public during this trying period was invaluable to those who were doing their utmost under these difficulties.
 With the completion of this period the condition of power was worn down much below standard, both as to the number fengines and the in in service. With the change in con ditions about this time, it became possible to increase the amount of work that could be arranged for in outside shops, which was immedi- ately arranged. s3
 "The qualifications now being dis played by the new forces are excel lent. They are we'll handling not only the present current require ments but in addition are assisting in overcoming the very large amount of that necessarily fell be- hind during the first few months. In addition and for the purpose of re- covering not only the former condi- ton of power, but of reaching a still better standard, essential for the high character of service 1t IS the purpose of the management to afford, con- tracts are in effect with I2 outside shops which are now working on the entire reconditioning of 56 locomo- tives and on boilers of A additional locomotives. Through this program for all outside assistance that IS prac- ticable the best possible rate of pro- gress will be brought about in fully recovering from the aftermath of the strike, and the overcoming of con vice, which are of keen regret to the officers of the road, and of irritation to it's patrons whose further good will and patience must be asked.
 Occasional statements on the part of former employees, relating to fail ures in service, undertake to reflect on the competency of the present forces. Such reflections, however, are far from the facts. The present forces and supervisory staff have demon strated their competency during the active months of the strike, in keep ing the service moving and avoiding the necessity of withdrawing trains"