The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-09-06
IS
PLEDGED TO
RAIL UNIONS

MI " E|4A4SAA - ~ ~ "
Leaders to Consid-
er General Strike
Washington. Sept. "A renewed
pledge Of sympathy and support
to the fullest extent within our
power" was given to the striking
railway shopnen tonight by Presi-
dent Samuel Gompers Of the Amer
lean Federation Of Labor.
Without making direct mention
of the Chicago injunction pro-
ceedings or discussing in detail its
possible consequences, the labor
leader telegraphed to B. NJ. Jewell,
head Of the federation's railway
employees department, announcing
it had been decided to ratify and
emphasize a previous pledge of
support by the labor legislative
Representatives Of the national or
ganization.
The telegram sent after a con-
ference of the legislative repre-
sentatives at federation headquar-
ters. constituted virtually the only
comment on the strike situation to
come from labor union officials
here during the day. 1t was sign
ed by Mr.. Gompers in his capacity
as chairman of today's conference,
at which it was indicated the re-
straining order issued at Chicago
was studied minutely.
Road representatives and officials
of the government likewise were
reticent in discussing the injunc-
ton suit. Although for three hours
the Senate gave its full attention
to coal distribution legislation
drafted to meet the strike emer-
gency, there was not a mention of
the Chicago proceedings in the
whole debate. and officials of the
executive departments indicated
that they preferred to let the At
torney Generals Injunction peti-
tior speak for itself.
Freight Cars.
AS bearing on the strike situa-
ton generally, the Association of
Railway Executives announced
that despite the absence of the
striking shopmen from their jobs
the number Of freight cars in need
of repairs decreased 9,43s between
August 1, and August Is, although
the total on the latter date was
10,a92 above the figure for July 1,
when the strike began The num-
Der listed as needing attention on
August Is, was 335,575 or 14.S
per cent Of the whole number on
all lines.
The associations statement did
not cover the condition of motive
power, nor did it show how many
of the cars out Of commission Were
of coal-carrying types. It was
said at the organizations head
quarters, however, that association
reports from throughout the coun-
try indicated that there were ups
wards OF 100000 surplus coal cars
in good condition.
1t was said at labor federation
headquarters that Mr.. Gompers'
telegram to Mr.. Jewell was all the
federation president cared to add
to his statement of yesterday, in
which he pronounced the Chicago
restraining order an "outrageous"
invasion of the rights of organized
labor, and declared the unions
would stand upon the guarantees
of Industrial freedom given them
under the constitution.
In view of talk of possible gen.
eral strike. it again was pointed
out today that the American Fed
Grafton had authority to call for
such action, although it was said a
number of resolutions and petitions
from local unions and others adve-
eating a nationwide walkout would
be laid before the meeting Of the
federation's executive council to be
held here next Saturday.
The telegram sent by President
Gompers to Mr.. jewell tonight was
as follows:
".At the meeting OF the labor leg
islative representatives July 21, a
resolution was adopted conveying
to you and through you to the
striking railway shopmen the
pledge of our sympathy and sup
port to the fullest extent within
our power.
'At the meeting OF the same con-
ference this evening it was decided
to ratify and emphasize the dec
laration made July 2l and pledge
anew our sympathy and support
and the best wishes for the sue
cess of the striking railroad shop
men to the attainment OF their
just cause"
Washington. Aug. 4.-The gov
ernment is paying no attention TO
the loose and irresponsible talk
about the injunction procured in
Chicago against striking shopmen,
Attorney General Daugherty said in
a telegram to the New York Her.
aid. That paper invited him yes
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