South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-06-21
U. S. OWNERSHIP OF
RAILROADS NOT TO
BE STRIKE ISSUE
Unions, However, Announce
They Will Not Allow Plan
10 Grow Cold.

CINCINNATI. o., June 20.-(By
A. P)-Government ownership and
operation of the railroads will not
be an issue in the threatened strike
of l 900, 600 shop workers and Others,
spokesman for the, rail unions Tues
day told the American Federation
of Labor convention. which respond
ed to their request by Withholding
a reafirmation of the federation's
stand in favor of the adoption of
such a policy.
THE rail unions have not aband-
oned the program of public owner
ship or grown lukewarm or indiffer-
ent, . declared William H Johnston,
president of the machinists union, in
explaining the request. I'VE ask no
declaration, however, because we
have a most unfriendly and I'M
sympathetic administration at this
time. Our enemies would say if the
strike occurs in the very near future
that the fight was for government
ownership. 1 believe the strike is
inevitable for there is no other way
out and we want the issue clear out.
The issue is the ameIorating of the
wrongs committed by the railroad
labor board"
Similar plans by others, who are
the prospective leaders in the threat
ened walkout, LED Max Hays of
Cleveland 10 withdraw his motion
for a redeclaration of the govern
ment ownership policy. The ques-
ton was injected into the conven-
/ tons work when 1t fer a second
! time during the day went on record
as favoring repeal OF the transport
alton act, in which connection it de-
nounced the railroad labor board for
its orders. especially those reducing
/ the wages and changing working
/ conditions.
Consideration of the strike threat
in connection with the resolution for
repeal of the transportation act pro-
vided the only discussion of Tues
days sessions, which were crowded
with business. More than a score of
subjects were dealt with by resolu-
ton, in most instances the delegates
voting approval Of committee recon-
mendations without dissent.
Lewis Clashes
Early in the day the convention
was marked by an oral clash between
Pres't John L. Lewis of the United
Mine Workers and Joseph Lynal
| representing the Peoria Trades and
sought TO force consideration of a
| resolution cOngratulating Alexander
Howatt and August Dorchy, leaders
\ OF the Kansas miners. for their stand
! against the Kansas industrial court
! When Lynal accused Lewis CT hav-
/ ing double-crossed Howatt and
\ caused the Imprisonment the miners
chief retorted the gentlemen is a
{ liar" which brought the rejoinder,
so are YOU" from Lynal The
The trouble ended when the con-
vention refusing TO act on the reso-
| luton and its reference 70 the min
I er's union for consideration.
In addition 20 its big program OF
work the convention was marked by
| the beginning Of movement to run
Mr.. Lewis as a candidate for presi-
\ dent OF the federation in opposition
/ 10 the reelection OF Samuel Comp
ers. Although Mr. Lewis declared
I he was 'in no sense" a candidate
! efforts were pushed in his behalf
/ during the day and Tuesday night a
! second meeting OF officers Of the rail
unions was held 10 consider what
| progress had been made by them.
Some OF the leaders in the building
and printing trades participated in
\ Tuesday nights meeting.
| During the discussion OF repeal OF
the transportation act. Joseph A
+. Franklin, president OF the black
! smiths union. described the railroad
workers as the only labor group
/ that is tied 10 its job" He declared
\ that Pres't Harding had told B. NJ
Jewell. president OF the railway em-
ployes department OF the federation
\ that national agreements had to
/ go"