Evening star., 1946-05-26

| Johnston, head OF the englnet
man and A. F. Whitney, head
ton of when the signing took place
was $50 pm.
In Interest of Public"
/ Said Mr. Whitney: I'VE took this
course in the interest of the public
realizing that strike could not be
continued indefinitely because of the
need of foods and the many other
provisions necessary in our economy
I'VE regard the Presidents state
ment of last evening as very unfair
to our respective groups
Some one wanted to know if Pres
ident Truman had been informed.
I'VE will get the word to him right
away if possible" said Mr.. Steelman
At that time the voice of the Presi-
dent, addressing a joint session OF
Congress, was heard over a radio.
( Truman Interrupts Speech.
! Within few minutes the Presi-
dent broke into his speech with a
dramatic announcement Of the
strikes end.
| Mr.. Johnston said the code word
that sent the engineers back to work
was Division"
! Shortly after the President con-
cluded his address Mr. Whitney
stepped to microphone set up in
the pressroom. Addressing his re-
marks to esteemed engineers, train
men and yardmen," he said the
strike was called off due to the
pressure brought upon us by the
President of the United States in
his address last evening"
Admitting we lost our case" Mr.
Whitney said he sincerely hoped lin
the near future We will be able to
prosecute the rules program which
you are so much entitled to and to
gain these rules for you.
The Infamous Smith Connally
Act played large part in this pic
ture in defeating our cause. These
men worked long hours during the
World War. They were Loyal to
their employers and patriotic to the
Nation. When the war was over
railroads showed their appreciation
of the fine service rendered by de-
nying you consideration in connec-
tion with your rules program"
Urges Restraint by Congress.
Urging the men to restore con-
fldence in the public, the union
leader said "let us pray that the
men on the Capitol Hill who would
cruelty labor at this time by the
enactment of more vicious legisla-
ton cool off and refrain from acting
while they are mad"
Mr.. Whitney concluded with the
words that he and Brother john
ston grieve for you while thousands
of railroad employees and their fam
lilies are sending up mute prayers
in the hope that the day will come
when Democracy will reign again in
America and labor can assert its
rights without being shackled by
! Government.
The settlemen was a bright eli
max to a day that daWned ominous-
ly. AS one of the first moves of
the strikes second day. the Gov
ernment broke off negotiations with
the two striking brotherhoods.
Recruiting Drive Ordered.
Charles H. Buford, manager of
the Federally operated roads, tele-
graphed instructions to all railroads
to institute an immediate recruit
ing campaign for needed employees
If the strikers had not returned by
! pm.
Ignoring Mr. Whitney and Mr.
Johnston as they sat in their May
flower Hotel headquarters, Mr.. Steel
man set out to bring the 18 non
striking brotherhoods into line.
Already they had agreed to the
Presidents May % recommendation
so it seemed a relatively simple
matter to sign an agreement that
would send more than million
railroad men back to work by the
4 pm. deadline
Shortly after Mr.. Steelman begar
meeting with the 18 brotherhood:
and the operators in separate con.
ferences, letter appeared at the
White House from Mr.. Whitney anc
Mr.. Johnston. They had PROPOSE.
ton.
Letter Left on Desk.
They said in a letter to Mr.. Tru.
man that the engineers and train.
men would work ION the basis Of
the award of your emergency boare
made last month";, that is, tn,
seven rules changes, with appropri.
ate interpretations, and 16 cents ar
hour increase to be effective Janu.
ary /, 1916, if you, Mr.. President
will allow us to negotiate with 20,
further concerning any other fail
wage increases"
The last heard of the letter, i
was lying on the Presidents desl
while he was having lunch.
Mr.. Steelman brought the 1S non.
striking unions and the carriers to-
gether on the Presidents 1872 cent
increase plan and the operators
agreed that the settlement also
would apply to other railroad en-
ployes, including the striking engi.
neers and trainmen.
Mr.. Steelman hurried over to the
White House with this news. Not
long thereafter it was announced
that he was closeted in the Hote
Statler with Mr.. Whitney and Mr.
Johnston. From 2:40 pm. until the
break shortly after o'clock, it wa:
matter of waiting until the in.
evitable came.
Truins