The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-05-24
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unions.
 There was no indication that the two sides were any closer to agree ment than they were yesterday, when the 15O,O0O Trainmen and Engineers walked of their jobs at { ?. M. G P. M. DT) ct the end of Q five-day truce.
 Railroad traffic was reduced to a trickle of emergency trains manned mostly by suervisirs and railroad white collar employees. Many large cities suffered short ages of meat and fresh foods.
 Coal IndusIries Hit
 The coal industry estimated % percent of bituminous production would be stopped by tonight.
 Steelman's new negotiating Ses- sions began at 12:3O F. M. (EDT).
 White House Secretary Charles G, Ross said there had been no overnight developments in the sit- uation as far as he knew.
 Asked whether the President planned to go directly to the people about the strike, Ross said, T won't make any forecast on that"
 In response to another question, Ross said the Presidents speech before the governors conference in Oklahoma City next Monday is "stil on schedule" He had not heard of any plans to cancel the conference.
 Expects to Merge Two
 Steelman started with separate meetings with both sides, but expect ed to merge them quickly into a joint conference.
 Asked about Q rlTnor in New York that the strike had been settled, Steelman said, "I would appreciate it if whoever mas that information would pass i& on to me-" He did not expect the negotia- ting committees to return to the White House at any time today. President Truman summoned his cabinet to morning meeting 1O A. M. EST) to analyze the strike.
 It struck its first staggering blow at { P. M. (ESD yesterday and hour by hour, spread like 8 wither- ing plague across the land until virtually every train came to a StardStill.
 Within six hours, the strike was reported nearly 100 percent effec- tive.
 Only . few passenger trains kept moving. They were manned by IT. regular crews of supervisors and other non-uni0n engineers and trainmen. Rules Cause Snag Settlement efforts snagged on union demands for rules changes which were described as the most important issue" The railroads and l0 other brotherhoods accepted. but the Trainmen and Engineers rejected MT. Truman's compromise proposal for a $1.48 a day pay raise but no rule changes.
 The Engineers and Trainmen are willing to settle for an 18 percent raise, with 8 minimum boost of $l.44 8 day. But they are holding out for some. rules changes hclud- ing overtime and extra night pay, which would mean more money to the workers.
 The worst traffic tie-up in the natioRs history stranded thousands of passengers. Commuters were cut off. But these were lesser ef- fects of the first nationwide rail strike in 24 years.
 The paralysis in freight ship. ments was even more complete Except for milk trains, little or nc freight moved.
 Carriers MObilized
 The Government promptly mobil- ized ell of the nations planes buses, trucks and boats to carry the most essential cargo.
 They could not meet the needs of 8 nation geared to mass movement o fgoodS by rail.
 Mail service was curtailed. Non- essential cargo was banned.
 Priorities were clamped on cargo shipments. Top ratings went te food, fuel and medical supplies.
 Hours after the strike began there was no evidence of violence. But Army troops stood ready to carry out all necessary orders to safe. guard life and property. The Fed. eral Bureau of Investigation watch. ed for any violations of the Smith. Connolly Anti-Strike Law or any laws phrohibittng treSpassing ol Federal property.
 Army May Not Be Called
 The Smith Connolly Law actually does not prevent Q worker iron striking, but provides penalties fol anyone encouraging or melting . work Stoppage in an industry tha has been taken over by the Govern. ment.
 There was little prospect tha Army troops would be called upon except possible on a limited basis to run the trains. Only two Arm, railroad battalions are in the Unitet . States.
 All told, the strike immobilizet practically all of the T,5OO pas senger and 24yOOO freight train which operate daily over the na ? tions 227, ,OO0-mile network. Onl, milk, Army hospital and trool trains were exempted from tn, strike order of the Engineers an, Trainmen.
 The rail shutdown parlayed witt the coal crisis, brought the natiol face to face with economic stagna | %la,a vnnaec ,xoaa,.nvNIoVy,.nov4& oSoA ina