Norwich bulletin., 1922-08-11

New York. Aug. 10. CBy the A. P)-I As western and southern transportation uaanaEers began 10 arrive here today for ths session tomorrow of the Association cf Railway Executives to pass on Pres | ident Hardings new rail peace plan, ln- dications were that the mo surrender policy voiced by L. F. Loree, chairman Of the eastern conference. was gaining sdherents. A concerted effort of the eastern men | lo strengthen their position was seen in several informal conferences held thii afternoon and tonight. at which the newly arriving officials were guests of local executives. The first of these conferences was held at the association of Railway Exc lives board rooms this afternoon. where l5 rail chiefs were secretly closeted for Ieveral hours. Those who attended the meetings declined to reveal what took piace. asserting they were held merely io talk over the presidents latest plan. Officials of southern and western roads were the first to arrive, of the 2OO representatives of class 1 roads which are expected to be represented when to- anorrow's conference. termed the most no1nentous in transportation history-is| ralled at the Grand Central Terminal. The last Of the delegates. coming from Pacific coast states. may not reach New York until tomorrow.
 The drift Of sentiment against accept sncs Of President Harding's proposal, which until today seemed 10 be confined 10 a few Of the more belli-erent eastern roads. now appears to dominate among HiI the executives.
 Their attitude Is that the strike is al- ready lost to the shop craftsmen and that their shop forces soon will be re- cruted to normal strength.
 Southern and western representatives ra-rs hera prepared to vote for accept H1cs of Mir HsrdinEs plan it was un- dsrstood. This was especially true of rcuthsr mines which tap the non-unic7 r~sf fields of Kentucky and Virginas where a shortage of repair forces has blocked the roadz m hauling out fuel to alleviate the impending coal famine. Similarly anxious to comply with the rresifcnt's request and throw the whole question of rsinstated seniority back 10 fhe railroad lzhor hoard,-as a-ennditfon Tor the immediate return of the strikers. we've representatives of linesN west of Chicago. narticuarly through the Mis- sissipri valley.
 Led by President Felton of the Chicago Great Western, chairman of the western
  Executives, this element for acceptance wss expected 10 put up a stiff fight against the customers.
 Although Mr. Felton has not indicated any change Of heart, many of his smaller constituents tonight gave evidence of lowing Co the expressed will of the mo surrender" group of which ". W Alter bury. vice president of the Pennsylvania, A. IT. Smith of the New York Central. Frederick Underwood Of the Erie. and Loree Of the Delaware and Hudson, are the acknowledged leaders.
 The Association Of Railway Executives, through Robert s. Binkerd. assistant to The chairman, today Issued a wholesale senisl to charges of strike leaders throughout the country that roads are using defective locomotives and cars! tndzngering the lives Of train crews and passengers
 These are the facts" said Mir. Blink srd.
 Tt is the duty of every engineer be- fore taking his locomotive out on a run 70 thoroughly inspect It, and if in any im- portsnt respect he finds it to be unfit for service he has the right to reject it. He gan refuse 10 take such locomotive out and he can demand from the road fore man Of engines a locomotives in proper shape 70 run.
 The continued daily successful opera tior Of the railroads, the failureof strikers iospecify any actual instances where de- tective locomotives are used, are sufficient proof that there Is no such general con- dition as that which the public has beer asked to believe"
 As further proof that roads are main. tslninE repairs 10 running equipment ment despite the shop crafts strike. tht association official pointed to a report Of Charles R. Vanneman, chief engineer sf the New York state public service com mission, who declared at Albany las night that thorough inspections have beer maintained on all lines in the state
 A strike ballot was ordered taken to night by General Chairman W. E. La relie of the Brotherhood of Railway ant Steamship Clerks. Freight Handlers ant station Employes of the Lackawann; railroad. It was announced that 5000 O. more employees are concerned.
 Chairman Lavelle said the strike yot aad been ordered on the alleged failure o he Lzckawanna officials to recognize th 1nlon, the roads continued policy of let ling out contract labor, and it's fallur 70 liv cup to the wage Scale decision O The railroad labor board affecting freigh Azndlers.