The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-08-18
PRESIDENT WILL / DELIVER STRIKE
 MESSAGE TODAY
Text of Address Placed in Printers HandS-LegisIa- ton on Coal Strike to
 Be Suggested
By Associated Press

Washington, August 17.-Presi- dent Harding was said by adminis- tration advisers late today to have decided virtually to go before Con- gress in joint session tomorrow with his statement of the industrial situa- ton. Indications were that the chief executive would deliver his message by noon. He was known to have con- cluded the writing of the message, which was sent to the public printer tonight.
 The decision to address Congress-
 tomorrow was reached after earlier
 reports had indicated that the Pres
 ident might defer his statement on
 the strike situation until after the
 railroad conference in New York had reached some definite conclusion.
 Administration advisers said tonight,
 however, that the President felt he should delay no longer in presenting
 the administration case to Congress and the country. regardless of the status of strike negotiations now in progress.
 Legislation Needed The Presidents message. it is said,
 will suggest the need of legislation
 to strengthen the governments coal
 distribution system, and to prevent profiteering from the shortage
 brought about by the coal and rail
 strikes. In addition. it Is under stood, he will sketch a complete his-
 tory of his attempt to settle the In dustriai tie-ups by negotiations dur
 ing recent weeks and 1t is believed will assure Congress that the fed < eral government intends to give it's aid and protection to maintenance of
 rail operations. 1t is doubtful 1 whether there will be any sugges-
 tions for Legislation affecting the rail situation.
 Lodge COnfers
 Administration leaders, including Senator Lodge and Representative
 Mondell, republican spolxesmen in Congress, consulted today with the President on the terms of his mes
 sage and Secretary Weeks was clos eted witah him at the executive of
 fices late today Tor study of the message.
 Before going to the White House Secretary Weeks received from tho legal department of the army a for. maj opinion of the effect that the strike situation did not constitute ar emergency which would authorize the recruiting of the army to war ! strength. or to allow the drafting | of men in time of peace. While nc | such action was contemplated, MT 1 Weeks said the opinions were asked
 from the judge advocate general tc 1 settle any doubt In the minds of of | ficials and the public as to the power 1 of government in the circumstances 1 Both Houses in Session
 Both the Senate and House were l in session today in readiness to heal
 the President. but the House ad. ! journed when it became known tha | hos intended to delay the presenta ! ton of his message another day. Rep resentative Ward. democrat, Nortf Carolina, introduced bill to give tn.
 interstate commerce commission
 wage-fixing authority in railroa.
 employment and providing system 1 of making public wage rates simila, | to that now operative for new freight I schedules.
 The Southern railway began re. | ceiving contingents of new workmer | at shop points today to replace
 striking shopmen. according to al
 announcement by w. Fl. Miller, it. vice president. Striking shopmen or 1 the Southern. he said as distnc
 from all other large railroad sys. | tems. have the opportunity to regain | their positions with full seniorit,
 status, even though the roa is now
 attempting to break the strike.