New-York tribune., 1922-08-19

To this call majority of the car
riers responded favorably, propos-
ing to re-employ all strikers except
those guilty of violence against work
men or property; to restore the strik-
ing worktnen to their old positions
where vacant, or to like positions
where vacancies are filled; questions
OF seniority which cannot be settled
between the employer and employees
to go to the Labor Board for decision.
The minority of the carriers proposed
to assign jobs to workmen on strike
only where the positions were vacant.
Neither proposal has been accepted.
Thus the narrative brings US to
the present moment, but it has not
included the developments which
have heightened the governments
concern. Sympathetic strikes have
developed here and there, seriously
lmpairing interstate commerce. De-
serted transcontinental trains in the
desert regions of the Southwest have
revealed the cruelty and contempt
for law on the part of some railway
employees, who have conspired to
paralyze transportation; and lawless-
ness and violence in hundred places
have revealed the failure Of the
skriking unions to hold their forces
Nv law oDStIFdNbSs
Il Men who refused to strike and who
have braved insult and assault and
risked their lives to serve a public
need have been cruelty attacked and
wounded or killed Men seeking
work and guards attempting to pro-
tect lives and property, even officers
OF the Federal government, have been
assaulted, humiliated and hindered in
their duties. Strikers have armed
themselves and gathered in mobs
about railroad shops to offer armed
violence to any man attempting to
go to work. There is state of law
lessness shocking to every conception
of American law and order and vio-
latlng the cherished guarantees of
American freedom.
At no time has the Federal govern
ment been unready or unwilling to
give it's support to maintain law and
order and restrain violence, but in
no case has state authority confessed
It's inability to cope with the situa-
tion and asked for Federal assistance.
Complete Break Down
Of the Roads rmpends
Under these conditions of hindrance
and intimidation there has been such
lack of care of motive power that
the deterioration of locomo olives and
the noncompliance with the safety
requirements of the law are threat
enlng the breakdown of transporta-
tion. This very serious menace is
magnified by the millions of losses
to fruit growers and other producers
of perishable foodstuffs, and COM
parable losses to farmers who de-
pend on transportation to market
their grains at harvest time.
Even worse, it is hindering the
transport OF available coal when in
dustry is on the verge of paralysis
because Of coal shortage, and life and
health are menaced by coal famine in
Surely the threatening conditions
must impress the Congress and the
country that no body of men, whether
limited in numbers and responsible
Tor railway management or powerful
in numbers and the necessary forces
in railroad operation, shall be per
mltted to choose a course which i'm
perils public welfare. Neither or
ganizations of employers nor work
lngmen's unions may escape RESPONSE
bility. When related to a public
service the mere fact of organization
magnifies that responsibility and
pupliC AhbSIeoL ITGHSCeHQS that of
either grouped capital or organized
labor.
Another development is so sig-
nificant that the hardships of the
moment may well be endured to
rivet popular attention to necessary
settlement. 1t is fundamental to all
freedom that all men have unques
toned rights to lawful pursuits, to
work and to live and choose their
own lawful ways to happiness. In
these strikes these rights have been