Evening star., 1941-04-06
Roosevelt Readyto Ael
II AIIis-ChaImers
Mediation Fails
President Is Optimistic
On Cool Shutdown
And Steel Threat
BY JOHN c, HENRY.

Optimistic at this time that
neither the bituminous coal strike
nor the threatened tie-up of the
United States Steel Corp. will reach
the point of materially impeding the
Nations defense program, President
Roosevelt is preparing to take posi-
tive action during the coming week
10 assure resumption of production
at the strike bound iS-ChalmerS
plant unless Federal mediation ef-
forts now under way are successful.
The precise nature of steps con-
templated in the final extreme by
the Chief Executive has not been
disclosed but sources close to the
White House have indicated that
men willing to work in the plant
will be given all necessary protection
for their return, that pressure will
be eXerted to reduce Communist in
fuence in the labor leadership. and
that the record of management la
Dor policy. its conduct in the present
strike and other pertinent facts in
the management background will
be scrutinized most carefully and,
If necessary. management will be
made to assume any proper re-
sponsibility for continued operation.
Near End of Patience.
At his press conference last Fri
day Mr.. Roosevelt described the
Allis-Chalmers tie-up as the only
really serious one then interfering
with the defense program. His
manner at that time made it evident
that he was near the end of his
patience with one or both sides in
the Milwaukee fight, although he
refrained from further comment in
order not to interfere with media
ton efforts begun yesterday by the
new National Defense Mediation
Board.
It has been known for some time,
however, that the President has
considered neither side in the AlliS
Chalmers deadlock guiltleSS and
that as complete a factual picture
as is available has been presented
to him relative to the labor and
management background in this
particular strike.
Constantly informed of develop
ments in each of the other stoppageS
or threatened production Interrupt
tions, the President is represented
as reasonably confident that the
bituminous coal dispute will be ad-
justed through the efforts of Federal
Conciliator John r. Steelman before
any shortage of this industrial fuel
can develop. Even if this settlement
is not effected through the edited"
contract to be submitted to the Joint
Negotiating Committee in New York
tomorrow morning, the availability
of several weeks supply of coal above
ground is believed to assure sufficient
time for further and eventually sue
ceSSful efforts.
Keeping Eye on Ford Situation.
Regarding the danger of striking
big Steel" the White House has
considered the past temper of man
agement and labor negotiators as
sufficiently moderate to bring fur
ther extensions of continuing opera
ton until basissfor a new contract
is agreed on. ts
Although he disclaimed any seri-
Gus concern in his Friday conference
about the Ford labor situation, it
is known that here again the Presi-
dent is keeping a stern eye fixed on
the conduct of both labor and man
agement.
There is little reason on the record
for the administration to have any
friendly feelings toward Henry Ford
in the light of the motor magnateS
refusal to sign the N. R. A. code for
his industry and his numerous sub
sequent criticisms of both the New
Deal and organized labor. If a
lengthy interruption of Ford opera
tions finally forces direct presiden-
t1al action, therefore, it probably
will be a step involving compulsions
on both labor and the management
President Sees Fleming.
In fact, such a possibility was be-
heved to have been discussed yes
terday at the White House when
Mr.. Roosevelt received John R.
Fleming, recently resigned United
States attorney for the northern
district of Indiana, who is shortly
to Join the Ford Co.'S legal staff.
Although Mr.. Fleming refused to
reveal to reporters just what he
had discussed with the President,
he did acknowledge that he prob
ably will serve in a labor advisory
capacity to the automobile manu-
facturer.
Mr.. Roosevelt took one other step
yesterday to improve the existing
Federal labor relations machinery
naming 10 alternates to serve on
the new Defense Mediation Board.
Appointed in order to assure avail
ability of a full complement of
board members and a continuity of
operation of the agency, the men
designated for service were:
Representing the public-George
Stocking, University of Texas econ
omist; Charles Wyzanski, Boston at
torney and former Labor Depart
ment solicitor; Walter P Stacy,
chief justice of the North Carolina
Supreme Court.
Representing employees - Robert
Watt and James Wilson of the
American Federation of Labor; Emil
Rieve and Clinton Golden of the
Congress of Industrial Organizations