Evening star., 1945-11-21

walking distance of most homes, re-
ported Is per cent absenteelsm.
Glasses at the Health School, Thir-
teenth and Allison streets NV,
were closed because 40 crippled chill
dren were deprived of rides usually
afforded by the Capital Transit
buses.
But for the most part, incon-
venience caused by the tieup did
not appear as great in the early
rush hours as during the earlier
walkout. Many workers, learning of
the situation by radio at breakfast
tables, put into motion a plan of
transportation preconceived in event
the truce" ended on a sour note.
Congestion Lessened by Rides.
This "share-the-ride' program ap-
peared to have lessened the conges-
ton at streetcar and bus platforms
but taxicabs were pressed into serv-
ice by many who were at loss for
other means of transportation.
AS workers began improvising
means of reaching their jobs, it ap-
peared to one observer who toured
Northeast traffic arteries between 7
and 9 am. that fewer persons than
usual were on the streets.
From Rhode Island avenue to the
business district, groups at corners
waiting for a lift appeared much
smaller than those ordinarily await
ing streetcars and buses.
Transfer Point Deserted.
The corner of Fourth street and
Rhode Island avenue, a transfer
point ordinarily teeming with per-
sons hurrying to work, was prac-
tically deserted. Only five or six
persons were thumbing rides at the
Mount Rainier streetcar terminal al
Thirty-fourth street and Rhode
Island avenue NE. at am.
But automobile traffic was so
dense during the rush hours that at
many points 1t was at virtual
standstill.
Taxis at Union Station were un-
able to accommodate the hundreds
of commuters from Baltimore and
other points who ordinarily use
streetcars and buses. While travel
ers with suitcases waited in long
queues for taxis. many Of the un-
burdened commuters started walk
ing.
In telegram to President Tru.
man, the Montgomery Hills Cis-
zens' Association of Silver Spring,
Md, through its president, J. B.
Cullins, $500 Columbia boulevard,
condemned the loss Of transporta-
ton facilities to the Nations Capt.
tal."
I'VE therefore strongly urge that
the Federal Government take such
immediate steps as 1t may deem fit
ting and proper to bring about re-
sumption of transportation service. y
the telegram said.
Hoffman Attacks Strike.
Resumption of the strike brought
an attack on the strikers from Rep
resentative Hoffman, Republican, OF
Michigan, who declared the time has
arrived for q Showdown" He
called for action on his bill to au-
thorize use of men in the armed
forces to operate streetcars and
buses.
1T Is time for. showdown anG
the Federal Government here ir
Washington should, as an example
authorize the Capital Transit Co. te
employ the necessary help, to use
the armed forces of this country te
operate the system here, which must
function If the Government itself Is
to transact its business"
u. s. Action Expected
One source close to the strike said
he expected the Government soon to
set in motion machinery leading tc
seizure Of the utility by a Federal
agency. Such procedure might orig
mate in the Labor Departments
Cancellation Service, since efforts te
arbitrate now appear exhausted.
If effected, the seizure would b.
ordered by the President, who woule
direct Federal agency, possibly tn.
ONCE of Defense Transportation, t.
assume control.
A Federal administrator appointed
to direct transit company opera
tions would order all strikers bacl
to work and they would be bouns
to return under provisions Of tn
Smith-Connally Act or subjec
themselves to possible fines or jai
sentences, it was said.
C0nciliator Stunned"
| Decision of the union men to ig
more the arbitration offer stunned
M. J. O'Connell, chairman of th'
conciliation panel which has me
for the past two weeks with repre-