New-York tribune., 1922-08-20
Harding Slopes
Rise On Report
OF Farley Here
Thorn Announces Progress
in Negotiations Toward
a Basis for Settling the
Rail Seniority Problem
Congress to Delay Action
Both Branches Eager TO De-
fer Work ON Legislation
Asked Until New Session
From The Trfbune's Washington Bareau

From The Trfbuae's Washington BureGu
= WASHINGTON, Aug. 1s-The prog
ress made toward the settlement of the
railroad shipments strife in the con-
ferences of rail executives and union
leaders in New York this week was
communicated to President Harding to-
day by Alfred P. Thorn, counsel for
the Association of Railway Executives.
After the meeting at the White House
it was Indicated that the President was
keeping in close touch with all devci-
opments, highly hopeful that the re-
sumption of the discussions in New
York next week will result in reaching
plan to dispose of the controversy
over seniority rights that both sides
can accept.
While some labor leaders. among
them Samuel Gompers, president of the
American Federation of Labor, de-
nonnced President Harding's message
understanding more difficult, the gem
orable. Steps toward carrying out the
four pieces Of legislation asked by
the President to deal with industrial
questions we're discussed informally
by Senators and members of the lower
house, although it was generally con-
ceded that no effort would be made at
the present session of Congress to pass
the railroad legislation suggested.
Address Believed Helpful
The White House discussion between
&Lo Droc;IonA M Thoy, Ia aJ
that the situation was still unsettled
and that it would be premature to say
that any settlement of the seniority
issue was in sight. 1t was indicated
that the President felt his speech had
somewhat clarified the issues at stake
in the controversy and he would have
ample support in his declared inten-
tion to maintain transportation at any
cost.
In Congressional circles it was made
plain that strong effort would be
made at the new session to put through
the legislation the President asked. par
ticularly with regard to putting teeth
in the transportation act that will en-
able the Railroad Labor BOARD to en-
force its decisions.
Cummins at Work on Bill
Senator Cummins, chairman of the
Senate Interstate Commerce Commit
tee, has been for some time preparing
a bill which would penalize the rail
roads or the employees If they did not
obey the decisions Of the Labor Board
Senator Cummins, however, does not
intend to press such measure at this
time. He expects it to be taken up al
the next session of Congress and looks
for the anti-strike controversy to be
revived.
The Senate passed anti-strike legis-
lation in connection with the Cumnains-
Esch measure, but the House refused
to accept 1t.
In the present instance. it is con-
sidered doubtful whether the House
would enact anti-strike provisions with
respect to the Railroad Labor Board
and make the decisions Of that tri-
bunal enforcible under penalties
against the employees. Senator Cum.
Minis, it is understood, fully expects
that attempts to pass anti-strike legis'
lation will result in q bitter con
troversy, the outcome of which. es.
pecially in the House, is uncertain.
Both Branches Seek Delay
Neither in the Senate nor in The
House is there any disposition to take
up railroad legislation before the ad.
journment of the present session
House members, in fact, express great
unwillingness to involve themselves In
the railroad controversy just before
election.
with respect TO coal legislation, this
pressure for this is such that 1t IL
understood something will be done.
s Should the railroad situation become
such that euick emergency Legislation
lis needed it would undoubtedly bs
taken up. But so long as negotiation.
for settlement Of the strike are pend
ing and conditions do not become high
ly serious there is general wish il
the House, as well as among man.
Senators. TO let the matter alone.
Senator Kellogg. Of Minnesota. will
press his bill giving Federal protection
to aliens, in accordance with the rec
ommendations OF the President. HI
hopes for action on this early mex
week by the Foreign Relations Commit
fn8