The New York herald., 1922-07-04
LEADERS HOPEFUL
They Do Not Believe
Track Workers Will
Join Shopmen in
the Lockout.
CRADLE is IN NO HASTE
Promises if Agreement
Fails He Will Not Act
at Once.
WAGE ONLY IN DISPUTE
Reports That 80 Per Cent. Of
His Union Has Voted to
Quit Work.
WAGE ONLY IN DISPUTE

DETROIT. July (Associated Press). -
The United States Railroad Labor
Board late to-day averted, temporarily
at least, threatened strike of 100000
| maintenance of ways employees of
the nations railroads in protest
against a wage reduction.
Just as the executive board of the
United Brotherhood of Maintenance
of Way Employees and Railway Shop
Laborers was mapping plans to send
forth strike call, the Labor Board
made request by telephone that the
union chiefs meet with the Labor
Board in Chicago tomorrow in an at
tempt to adjust the differences be-
tween the railroads and their en-
ployees. The invitation was accepted
and the five members of the union
board, with E. F. Cradle, interna-
tional president, left tonight for Chi
cago.
In addition to the invitation, the
Labor Board sent by telegraph to the
union officials a copy of resolution
passed by the board to-day in which
1t announced any organization strik-
ing against the boards decisions would
be outlawed
The Labor Boards invitation to the con-
Terence brought to an abrupt end meet
Ing Of the Brotherhood board that began
at 10 O'Clock this morning. After the
conference had progressed several hours
unofflcial word came from the confer
ence room that walk-out reasonably
might be expected"
Adjourn HurrfedIy.
When the Labor Board invitation
came the meeting was adjourned hur-
riedly.
In addition to the brief statement
announcing acceptance of the Labor
Boards invitation. Mr.. Cradle declared
that in the event the Chicago confer
ence met with failure "a reasonable
length of time would ensue before a
strike call was issued He said this
meant at least ten or twelve hours
The brotherhood chief refused 10 say
what his attitude or that Of the execu-
tive board would be before the Labor
Board tom orrcw. He also declined 20
say whether he was hopeful Of settles
nent.
The official statement Of the executive
board. issued upon the sudden halting
of the conference, follows:
The executive board of the United
Brotherhood of Maintenance Of WAY
Employees and Railway Shop Laborers
has spent the day in tabuiating the
strike ballots and in perfecting the strike
machinery. The board has been invited
TO confer with the Railroad Labor Board
and has accepted the invitation, the
meeting TO take place in Chicago to-
morrow
Would Prevent Disorder.
Mr.. Cradle explained the statements
reference 10 strike machinery by de-
claring plans had been mapped to pre-
vent any disorder in the event OF
strike. He refused to announce the re-
suit OF the strike ballot recently taken
beyond the statement that about 80 per
cent. OF the votes so far tabulated IA
vored walkout in the event other rail-
road organizations Joined in. Practically
all the strike ballots have been tabu-
lated. II was announced.
Special Dispotch 10 THE NEW yoaK HxHALp.
DETROIT. July 3.--At the int rational
Headquarters here Of the Unite rSrother-
hood OF Maintenance Of Way Employees
end Railway Shop Laborers Il was saIi
that although tabulation of the strike
vote would not be completed before to-
morrow there is little doubt the ballots
nave been 30 per cent In favor Of a
Since Mr. Cradle had pledged himself
TO abide by the will OF his membersnin
there seemed but one thing for him 70
do--issue strike orders.
Cradle with other chiefs of the ten
organizations constituting the railway
employees department OF the American
Federation Of Labor made this pledge
In Cincinnati during the recent A. F. OF
L. convention, and Mr.. Cradle confirmed
L last night when he said he would
sanction strike n from two-thirds 70
.hree-fourths OF his men voted for IL.
Appears 10 Seek Peace.
While making no dennite promise
when he attended the meeting In Chicago
Friday at which Chairman Hooper Of the
Railroad Labor Board sought TO forestaii
All strike action including the shop
mems walkout Alr. Cradle seems 10
have left an Impression In some quarters
hat he would do everything in his power
% preserve peace
Mr. Cradle declined 10 speculate as 20
nc outcome Of to-morrow's conference
1--WE have been invited 70 meet mem.
,ers Of the labor board" he said. "and
Ne feel Il is no more than our duty 20
embrace every opportunity that might
cad 10 peaceful settlement OF our diff
iculties"
DO YOU believe q settlement will re-
ult?' Mr.. Cradle was asked.
Il don't care 10 commit myself" he r..
lied
one guess in railway circles he-s was