Indianapolis Times, Volume 34, Number 135, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 October 1921 — Page 1

THE WEATHER Generally fair tonight and Tuesday. Cooler Tuesday.

VOL- XXXIV.

PRESIDENT AND HIS CABINET PREPARE FOR RAILWAY CRISIS WHILE ‘BIG 4’ UNION CHIEFS SEEK COMPLETE TIE-UP NOV. 5; ROADS, MEN, SPURN LABOR BOARD PLAN FOR MEDIATION

HARTMANS ENTER NOT GUILTY PLEAS IN FEDERAL COURT Cecil Williams, Also Under Indictment as Result of Francis Confessions, Denies Charges in Jury’s Report. CARL KUNKEL SAYS HE IS GUILTY Pleas of not guilty were entered by J. Herbert Hartman, Republican nominee for city judge; his wife, Laura, and his brother, Fred, and Cecil to all charges against them when arraigned before Judge Albert Bb. Anderson in Federal Court today. A surprise was sprung when Carl Kunkle, who is awaiting sentence under a plea of guilty to vehicle taking in Criminal Court, was brought in and entered a plea of guilty of violating the national prohibition law and the national motor vehicle law. He entered picas of *ot guilty to the conspiracy indictments, however.

J. Herbert HRrtman Is charged In fonr Indictments with violation of the national prohibition law. the national motor vehicle lav and conspiracy to violate these laws. His brother, Fred, is charged only with conspiracy in two indictments, and his wife, Laura, with violation of the prohibition and motor vehicle laws and with conspiracy to violate the motor vehicle law. HARTMAN ATTORNEY DISPLEASES JUDGE. When called before the court Ira M. Holmes, attorney for the Hartmans, brought down the wrath of Judge AiA derson upon his head when he attempted to file a demurrer. While Judge Anderson was asking the defendants if they understood the nature of the charges against them, Mr. Holmes made several attempts to break in and was told to wait by the court. Finally he said: “Your honor, at this time I desire to Interpose—” but he got no further. "You wait a minute." Judge Anderson said. ‘‘Just remember where you aro. If yoti try to Interrupt me again I will have you removed from the room." When court adjourned at noon the demurrers had not been filed. It Is usual for demurrers to be filed before the pleas are entered. When asked If they were guilty or not guilty, J. Herbert Hartman, I red Hartman and Cecil Williams answered “Not guilty" In firm, strong voices, while Mrs. I Laura Hartman entered her plea of not Fuilfy in a tone so low It w a t>e heard ten feet away. Kunkle, when asked for his plea, said, “Guilty to violating the prohibition law•nd selling one stolen automoTuli-." HARTMANS PROVIDE BONDS. The Hartmans, all of whom were indicted Saturday by the Marion County grand jury on charges of concealing stolen property and violating the t*r< hibltlon law, were released on bond by the local authorities. As in the Federal cases Fred Hartman had some difficulty in providing bond and he spent one hour in jail before a bondsman was found for him. Finally he was released on $6,500 bonds signed by William M. Howard a 1 Alex Alexander. The bond of J. Herbert Hartman of $3,500. of Laura Hartman of SI,OOO, was signed by Nick Hantzis. proprietor of a restaurant In the Lorraine Hotel. ths total bonds of the trio in both Felofg] and County charges is $32,000. Prosecutor William P. Evans announced that the grand jury, which will convene tomorrow, wili resume its investigations into the Franeis-Uartman case. "There will be no indictments tomorrow," the prosecute- said, in reply to a question, ‘ for there are a lot of things to be done in this case.” Judge Jamea A. Collins of Criminal Court said the Hartmans would not be arraigned until the first Monday In November, the day before election. lie said all defendants who are out on bond will be brought into court at the same time. The postponement of today’s session was . (Continued on Page Nine.)

LEADERS SAY , BARE MARGIN FOR TREATIES German, Austrian and Hungarian Pacts to Come Before Senate. WASHINGTON", Oct. 17—A proposal by Senator Walsh, Democrat, Montana, that the United States bind itself under the German-American treaty to protect Germany from aggression tvas defeated in the Senate today by an overwhelming vote. The vote was 71 to 7. WASHINGTON, Oct. 17.—8 y n bare margin of only three or four votes will President Harding bp able to secure ratification of the German, Austrian and Hungarian peace treaties by the Senate. Republican leaders estimated today, when final consideration of them was begun. But for the support of a little group of Democratic Senators, led by Senators Underwood of Alabama a ndHitchcock og Nebraska, ratification by the necessary two-thirds vote would be impossible. So dangerously close do toe Republican leaders admit the vote is going to be, that they are seeking to have Governor Sproul of Pennsylvania fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Knox without delay so they may be sure of another vote. They predict, however, that by tomorrow or Wednesday or possibly as late as Thursday, ratification will win ‘‘if only by a nose.”

WEATHER

k Forecast for Indfhnapniis and vicinity Pfor the twenty-four hours ending 7 P. ra„ Oct. 18, 1021: Generally fair tonight and Tuesday: cooler Tuesday. HOURLY TEMPERATURE. 6 a. ru 36 7 a. m 8 a. in 2i9 ft a. m 04 10 a. m 70 11 a. m 73 12 (noon) 70 1 P m 78

Pub’lened at Indianapolis, Ind., Dally Except Sunday.

HOPE Tt) OBTAIN RESIGNATION OF HERB HARTMAN Republicans to Hold Session Tonight Over Candidate for City Judge. Workers at Republican headquarters were in hopes today that a meeting, which it was reported will be held tonight, will result In the resignation of J. Herbert Hartman, under indictment in Federal and Criminal Courts for violation of the motor vehicle and liquor laws, ns a candidate for city judge. Officials of the city committee and backers of Hartman will go into the conference which Republicans hope will result in Hartman's withdrawal, it is said. With circulation of this report the Republicans who would like to replace Hartman on the ticket renewed activities. It was reported that Irving W. Lemaux, city chairman, who has the exclusive power to name a substitute, la In favor of offering the nomination to Hartman’s opponents In the primary In the order of votes received. This would give Harry E. # Yockey, assistant city attorney, first call, and Delbert O. Wllnieth second. Mr. Yockey has not been particularly active iu the preseut crisis and It is understood he Is not anxious for the place unless It 1* given him without any great effort on his part. Some of his friends say he would not. accept it. Friends of Wiltueih and John F. Engelke. vho finished third aud fourth, respectively. lu the primary, have been pulling wires ever since the Francis con(Continued on Page Nine.)

General Pershing Forges New Friendship Bond by Decorating Soldier’s Grave

LONDON, Oct. 17. —The decoration of the gTave of Britain’s "unknown” warrior at Westminster Abbey, by General Pershing today, forged anew bond of friendship between England and America, declared Premier Lloyd George. General Pershing conferred the congressional : medal, the highest military honor In America. General Pershing, in a brief speech, Preferred to the Importance of the occasion, as cementing Anglo-American unity. Aflpr referring to the honor as binding together two great peoples. Premier Lloyd George added : “It will have great significance to all I the people of the British empire and will form an indissoluble bond of unity between the two peoples of the English race. I’nlty of two such peoples bei comes tho best guarantee of the world's peace in the future.” General Pershiug was moved by the ! demonstration of friendship. "Let us profit by this occasion.” said the American general. “Ender its inspiration let us pledge anew oty trust in the God of our fathers that lie may guide and direct our faltering footsteps In the path of permanent neHce. Let ua resolve together in friendship and con flrlence. to maintain toward ail peonjes the Christian spirit that underlies tl.e character of both nations.” General Pershing in his personal tribute to the “unknown soldier," saidt “it was he who. without hesitation, bared his breast against tyranny and injustice. It was he who suffered dark days of , misfortune and disaster, hut always with admirable loyalty and fortitute. Gather ing new strength from the very force of his determination he felt the flush of success without unseemly arrogance. In the moment of his victory, alas, we saw j him fall, making the supreme sacrifice to humanity.” George Harvey. American ambassador, read the congressional resolution to confer the medal. Then he continued: “This medal comprises In addition to the high military tribute, a message of : fraternity direct front the American people to the people of the British Empire.’ Ambassador Harvey eloquently pictured two soldiers who/ while fighting uuder TO RESUME CABLE SERVICE, OVER YAP Territorial Dispute Still Unsettled. WASHINGTON, Oct. 17.—-Arrangements : for the temporary resumption of cable ] service over the Island of Yap cable virtually has been completed, it was said | at the Plate Department today. Officials said that the resumption of | service did not mean that the Yap con- : troversy is in its final stages of settlei meat. j A formal announcement la expected ■ooa.

Entered as Second Class Matter, Jr.fs 25, 1914, at Poatoffice. Indianapolis. Ind.. under r.ct March 3. 1879

Uxtra! Man Going to Finish Senate Avenue Bridge! Extra. Ultra. The Marion County’ commissioners today lifted their voices,to Inform the? tax payers that after months of delay an order bad been n.nde by the commissioners putting a "man to work” on the concrete sidewalks over the Senate avenue bridge. "And the material will be out this afternoon,” President Carlin Shank assured the reporters toc.ay. The bridge, built at a tremendous cost, has been unused for months bocause the officials have failed to complete proper appjroaches.

CHURCH UNION CLAIMS JUST ONE SOLID FOOTING ‘No Other Foundation Is Laid,’ Declared World’s Greatest Teacher. George Shaw Cook, C. S. B , of Chicago, delivered a Christian Science lecture to a big audience at the Murat Theater yesterday afternoon. The lecturer was Introduced by John R. Browne and the meeting was given under the auspices of the Second Church of Christ, Scientist. Mr. Cook spoke ns follows: ‘‘Much Is said and written about a proposed union or reunion of the church**. In several recent denominational conventions considerable time was devoted to discussion of a possible basis for chur.-h unity. To one v. ho will give this question sufficient thought, it will become nppar ent that there is but one basis for real Christian unity, that basis being a common. demonstrable understanding that God Is Truth, or Principle. This Is the base upon w hich Jesus built his church, and ’other foundation can no man lay than that is laid.' "Christian Science has come to reveal that God Is divine Principle. Love, and to show mankind that knowledge of Goa Is demonstratde. Thus Christian Science Is reinstating primitive Christianity, and re-establishing the teachings of the Mas ter-Chrlstian as demonstrated by him and by bis early followers In the healing of sickness and slu. "In an audience of this kind there are, without doubt, those who entrtaiu widely divergent views on the subigrts of re HsrhoTh of p Tis? dv o ■ qfv‘*'T , TnlV itrctl- "Some of those opinions are. doubtless, opposed to (he teachings of Christian Selen"e. I trust, however, that ns this lecture pro reeds we sha’l find that there are mnny points on whi -h w< can agree, and some points, at bast, on which we are already in agreement. For example, we arc all agreed that we exist. Everyone present admits, without argument, the fact of his conscious existence. "Since we are agreed that we exist, we can easily proceed to the next point of (Continued on Page Eleven.)

different flags, were inspired by identical ideals. Each realized, said Mr. Harvey, that the downfall of hi* own free land would presage the destruction of ell liberty. "Ear h knew that obliteration of one land, would Involve the extinguishment of the other,” continued the ambassador. ”80, with consciences as clear as their eyes, and with hearts ns clean as their hands, they could and did si and shoulder to shoulder lu the common battle for the common ca.ise and the common race.’' GRAB $30,000 IN LOOT; ESCAPE Two Youthful Bandits Stick Up Des Moines Jeweler in His Store. I>ES MOINES, lowa. Oct. 17.—Two youthful bandits held up Simon Kamen. ieweier, in his store today and escaped with $30,000 worth of loot. Pre-War Prices for Coal Are Predicted CHICAGO, Oct. 17.—Pre-war prices for coal to the consumer were predicted confidently by mining officials at the opening of tho American Mining Congress here today. "The only bar to lower prices,” raid K. C. Porter, manager of the convention, is the high railro.ad tariff, and the waste and high cost due to lack of uniform operation among the miners.” Big Navy for Pacific if Conference Fails LONDON, Oct. 17.—1n the event the Washington conference or limitation of armaments and Fur East problems fails the British Dominion' governments have agreed to establish a powerful navy in the Pacific with Singapore ns Us base, the Daily Expiess announced today. Singapore is at the Southern extremity of the Malay peninsula. Bank Cashier Held on Embezzlement Count CHICAGO. Oct. 17.—L.N. inland cash ler of the Hanover Cnion State bank, at Hanover. 111., was arrested today, charged with embezzling $75,000 of the bank's funds. He is alleged to have "kited" checks. He wasUrashier of (ha bank nine mouths. ■

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, OCTOBER 17,1921.

jFAR EASTERN AFFAIR FIRST AT POWWOW Question of Japan’s Right to Expand to Come Up. U. fc. HAS PROGRAM With Pacific Problem Solved, Arms Reduction to Follow. I Special to Indiana Dally Times and Philadelphia Public Ledger. By FREDERIC WILLIAM WILE. WASHINGTON, Oct. 17.—Four weeks from today, Monday, Nov. 14, the conference on limitation of arma- [ ment will get down to business. It | is timed to open Friday, Nov. 11, bat the ceremonials of Armistice day and the intervening week-end will mean an Interval of three days later before any actual attempt to tackle the agenda. Little or nothing has been forthcoming regarding the precise pro gram and policy to be pursued by the American delegation. That dot’3 not mean that the United States will enter the conference without any definite scheme. OCR CARDS WILL BE LAID ON THE TABLE IN GOOD TIME. A S THEY ARE PLAYED THE NATION AN i- THE WORLD WILL KNOW WHAT THEY ARE. Regarding both cardinal branches of the conference the Far East and limitation of armament -the American representatives will be equipped with categorical proposals. They slr-ady are worked out In general outline. In the Interval between now and conference-time they remain only to bs broadened in detail. FAR EASTERN QUESTIONS FIRST. Pursuant to the America® tlsw that 'Wtnifakffftr'VJf aftnamFni ev-pectalty naval armament will fellow ns id,' t the day when the world’s remaining principal cams* of possible war Is removed, the conference will discuss Far Eastern questions first. That Is the proposal, at any rate, which Secretary Hughes will make to the conferen-e. If the conference adopts that procedure, the American delegation will come forward with another basic suggestion designed to clear the atmosphere aud promote progress. It will be along lines first aud exclusively revealed In Washington dispatches from your correspondent. THE PROPOSAL WILL PUT FORWARD THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE THAT JAPAN HAS A RIGHT TO EXPAND The writer stated In the dispatches above mentioned that one of the proposition* deemed essential to the success of the conference was recognition of "Japan’s necessity to find room for her surplus population." There is every Indication the American delegation will advocate and earnestly urge that cardinal solution of the pacific problem. It is not known outside of the Administration's closest circle of advisers. Including the American delegation, what specific wav* and means the United States will recommend for recognizing Japan's "right to expand,” But the scheme is certain to lie submitted to the conference In debatable form. America Is persuaded that If the (Continued on Page Six.)

RAILWAY MEN TO HEAD STRIKE

—A— The announcement in Chicago by W. C. Lee, president of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, that a strike would begin Oct. 3t>, following the threat of a wage reduction, came as a distinoe shock to official Washington. Officials were chary of comment, but the Impression prevails that the Administration would act before permitting a Nation-wide industrial warfare to be Inaugurated on the eve of the international Armament Conference, and while tlio movement of the winter fuel is at its height. The Labor Committee is composed of Mr. Lee, Warren R. Stone, president of the Locomotive Engineers; L. E. Sheppard, president of the order of Railway Conductors; -W. S. Carter, president of the brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engine***, and P. C. Oashoa. &ral4nt of the Switchmen's Union of America. i ™

LEE DECLARES THERE WILL BE NO BACKING UP Head of Railway Trainmen Says Plans Call for Greatest Strike in U. S. BIG FOUR LEADERS MEET CLEVELAND, Oct. 17—“ There will be no turning back. We are going ahead with our plans for the greatest railroad strlk* in the world's history." This was the declaration this morning of \Y. G. Lee, president of the Brotherhood of Railway Tratninen, as officials of the “big four" railroad brotherhoods and of the Switchmens' Union of North America made plans for the conference of the heads of the five unions Involved in the proposed Nation wldo strike, af feeling all railroads and scheduled to begin Oct. 30 at 6 a. m. “The situation is entirely out of the hands of the brotherhood chiefs. We have no choice but to bow to the will of the men who voted overwhelmingly for a strike. If the Government should step lu. however, and rule lu our favor, that would be a different matter. "As I see It. the promise of n freight reduction If the employes would consent to another cut would be about us noticeaide as that which followed tile July cut." The hour for the beginning of the conference Wednesday, which will formulate plans for the conduct of the strike, depends upon the arrival of W. S. Carter, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Englneinen; L. E. Shep(Continued\on Page *?lx.) CITY UTILITIES MAKING EFFORT TO STORE COAL Rush Orders Sent Out in Anticipation of Railroad Strike.

Indlanapolts utilities are preparing for a railroad strike. Rush orders for coal have pone out t.oa bins are being filled as rapidly as pus Utility bonds were reticent about being quoted further rhnu as to the fact that preparations are living made. They appear to take the attitude that, while the) believe on actual tie up of the railroads la not probable. It is possible and, therefore, Just as well to be prepared. J D. Forres’, general manager of the Citizens Gas Company, said his concern 1s doing every’bing possible to prepare for a tie up. "Two weeks notice is too short to do very uiueb, but we are doing the best we can." he said. He declared a prolonged tie-up of the railroads would bs disastrous. When pressed for an estimate as to how long the gns company could hold out should the transportation of coal he stopped entlrely. Mr. Forrest said It was Impossible to make an estimate. ANOTHER SAYS 60 DAYS FAIR ESTIMATE. Another authority, who refused to be quoted, said the supply of coal in the <ity would enable operation for about sixty days, should transportation be stopped entirely. John McCardle. chairman of the public service commission, estimated that the averago out-Stata public utility would be able to operate about two weeks should Its supply of coal be cut off entirely. Indianapolis utilities, being larger and haring better facilities, usually have far larger supplies of coal In proportion to (Continued on l*u(e Six.)

Subscrtntlon Rat*. l ßy Carrler - Week. Indianapolis, 10c; Elsewhere. 12e. Subscription Rates J By Mall> 50fc P * r Motuh; J 5 00 Per ¥ear

Resume of Railroad Strike Situation in Various Cities Here are the high lights in today’s ra ilroiul strike sit Action: CHICAGO —Factional rupture threatened In union ranks. Heads of some of the eleven subsidiary unions (membership 1,630,000) demand assurances that chiefs of "big four" unions (members p 84.t)O0) will not act independent of them on Important strike questions. SI eroliants ond shippers preparing fleets ot motor trucks for transportation purp oscs in event of tie-up. WASHlNGTON—l’ostoffice and War Departments cooperating on plans to keep the mails moving at any oost. Tho public group of the United States Railway l abor Boards, suggests us a plan to avert strike, that carriers cut freight rates commensurate!) with the wage reductions already granted, the unions meanwhile to withdraw the strl ke order. CLEVELAND—“There will ho no turning back," W. G. Lee, president of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, ann ounces on his arrival to attend a conference of “big four" chiefs tomorrow. Warren S. Stone, grand chief of Brotherhood of Locomotive Englueers, says proposal of public group of Railway I vbor Board to avert strike is a Joke. ST. LOUIS —"Not feasible,” says Benjamin B. Bush, president of tlia Missouri J'uclflo, discussing Urn public group's pr uposal.

Distrust Between A.F.of L. Group and Brotherhoods Two Great Labor Forces Face Strike With Prospects of Having: No Central Head.

CHICAGO. Oc'. 17. Lack of unity between the "big four” brotherhoods and the American Federation of Labor railroad unions, which comprise moro than two-thirds of the 2.500,000 organized railread workers, was indicated today, with the prospect of a general railroad strike without a central head and two separate sets of demands formulated. Executives of some of the Federation groups’ demand, before calling out their men. an ironclad agreement from the t rotherhoods. specifying a basis of settlement If the strike is won and giving assurance that no one group will make separate settlement. The consensus among the lenders is that no alternative is left the .American Federation of Labor crafts, but to join i the strike. The chief executives, bowefbr, | refuse to tnke responsibility and final action will be determined at meetings to he i held In Chicago this week, to which the ■ genera! chairman and vice presidents of all the groups in the American Federation of Labor, with the exception of the Switchmen s Union of North Aanerlea.

NEW YORK WILL USE PLANES TO HAUL ITS FOOD NEW YORK, Oct. 17.—Marino engineers ore voting on a stflko to come coincident with the walk-out of railroad unions. Thomas lleuly, one of the union chiefs, said today. A strike among the marine engineers would further cripple New Y’ork’s comma nlvt ion with the outside world, water transportation having been depended upon to get food to the city in case of a rail tie-up. NEW YORK, Oct. 17.—Plans for aerial transportation of food to New Y'ork City In event the threatened strike materializes, have been completed by the Aero Club of America, It became known today. Mora than two thousand airplanes are available throughout the country to supply food to the larger cities, it was stated. The first group of Railroads In the strike leaders’ list Includes only one rail road reaching New York the Seaboard Air Line Railway. Thus New York will not be seriously affected by the strike, at least until Nov. 1, when other groups are scheduled to go out. Railroad officials hero believe the strike could not be averted. They declared there was nothing to arbitrate between the roads and the men. Dr. Royal S. Copeland, health commissioner, nunouuced completion of plans f..r seizure by the city of all foodstuffs here if he feels such action necessary. Distribution of food will be carried on under municipal supervision. Copeland appealed to the public not to hoard food before or during the threatened crisis. He declared there was sufficient food within the city to last three weeks. The chief shortage, he said, would be In fresh fruit and vegetables. The commissioner expressed some concern regarding a possible coni shortage and advised factories and homes to lay In a supply Immediately. Although officials of the big roads coming into New York admitted It would lie difficult to obtain experienced men to operate trains if the strike eventuates, they pointed out there were many thousands of men out of work throughout the country and believed these men would be glad of the opportuulty to work ou the railroads.

CHICAGO, Oct. 17.—Chicago, the granary of the world, would not suffer from a railroad strike, It was stated by the Association of Commerce today. Large stores of grains and food, out of which the Nation is fed, would be used to feed Chicago when shipments to the outside world closed. Large supplies of meats, of course, are on hand at the stockyards. Chicago is the coal center of the Na (Continued on Page Six.) HARDING CALLS DAVIS TO CAPITAL Called hack to Washington by President Warren G. Harding because of the railroad situation. James J. Davis. Secretary of Labor, who has been taking a vacation in Indiana, left Indianapolis last night. According to the Secretary, the message calling hinj, back to Washington requested him to sa ynothing concerning the strike. Secretary Davis spent the day in Indianapolis attending the Moose Initiation, In which Senator Harry S. New was initiated. Senator New also has returned to Washington. The Secretary of Labor attended a home-coming celebration at Rlwood, his home town, last week. He also visited Pt. Wayna aad ether Indians dtlem.

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which already has cast its lot with the brotherhoods, have been summoned. After each group has made Its decision, all the chief executives will meet. I By agreement, no one group will act without the others and the majority decision will prevail over aIL Suspicion of the brotherhoods Is indicated in all American Federation of Labor quarters and their expressed fear of being “double crossed” by the "big four." * Leaders emphasize that unless the brotherhoods make an agreement for a joint board of strategy to carry on a strike aud a common settlement, the American Federation of Labor unions. If they finally determine to enter the *rrike, will carry on their end of it Independently of the "big four" aud make their own terms. A general strike with this division may result in a big labor rupture, according to leaders. It Is charged by the American Federation of Labor officials that the ‘‘big (Continued on Fuse Six.)

ROADS, MEN ARE AGAINST PLAN OF LABOR BOARD Officials Claim Freight Rate Cut on F'arm .Products Equals Wage Reduction. ST. I,GUIS, Mo., Oct. 17.—The proposal of the public group of the United States Railway Labor Board that the railroads cut freight rates commensurate with the 12 per cent cut iu wages of employes Is not feasible, Benjamin B. Bush, president of the Missouri I‘acific lines, declared here today. "The railroads already have reduced rates on grain, livestock and other commodities to an extent which more than absorbs tho 12 per cent wage cut,” declared Bush. “The railroads certainly cannot reduce rates any more, when many of the roads aro not earning their interest. “As to the snggesDon that the railroads defer their request for a further pay cut of 10 per cent, there’s nothing to that at all. “There aro two boards created for the handling of the railroads, the Interstate Commerce Commission, which regulates rates, and the Railroad Labor Board, which fixes wages. "I maintain that the employes and the railroads should abide by the decision of each of these boards. No changes should be made in either rates or wages without a thorough hearing before the boards. YVe can 7 ! raise rates without the permission of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and we should not cut rates without a hearing before the commission."

JOKE NO. 1, DECLARES STONE CLEVEL AND, Ohio. Oct. 17.—" The proposal by the public group of the railway lubor hoard to convert present and prospective wage reductions into lower freight rates is joke No. 1 that the rallwav executives are attempting to play upon the public,” declared Warren S. Stone, grand chief of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, upon his return here this morning. Erie Road Invites Strike by Wage Cut CTIJCAtfcO. Oct 17.—The Erie Railroad today opened the way for an immediate strike of its employes by slashing wages in defiance of the United States Railway Labor Board. The order cut maintenance of way laborers from .<7cents an hour to 30 cents. As soon as the Erie order was issued, the Maintenance of Way Brotherhood called a meeting of its officers for Wednesday morning, at which time, it was stated, a call to strike at once might be made. A recent vote, taken by mail, showed that the maintenance of way laborers were 98 per cent In favor of a strike. The action of the Erie came ns the heads of railway labor organizations, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, met here Informally and discussed plans for joining tho strike for Oct .30. Supreme Court Recess to Begin Oct. 24 WASHINGTON. Oct. 17.—The Supreme Court of the United States will from Oct 24, o Nov. 7, Chief Justice Taft announced today

NO. 135.

GOVERNMENT TO KEEP ALL ROADS IN OPERATION Officials at Washington Believe Strike Will Not Be Extensive. HAYS WILL MOVE MAILS WASHINGTON, Oct. 17.—The Federal Government wilt keep the railroads la operaUon. This was the definite assurance that came today from a high Administration official as President Harding and othe* 1 Government leaders renewed their at 4 tempts to avert a Nation-wide rail A feeling pervades official Washington that the strike called will not materials lza on an extensive scale, but at the) same time the Government realizes la* transpo.ation lines must be kept In oper-j atlon, whatever happens, because the very existence of millions of people depends upon them. The Federal Government, however, has framed no program of action. Whether the Government would seize the roads ia case the strike call Is not rescinded and the walk out begins, no prominent official would say. President Harding may call a confer* ence of railroad executives and union chiefs here this week In an effort t*. avert the strike, it was learned on hlgk authority today. From President Harding down were trying to devise practical means ofs 1. Preventing altogether the strike of railroad workers now set for Oct. 30, or 2. Making such preparations that the general public and the Govern* ment shall suffer as little ax i>os* Bible as a result of the strike. Members of tue public group of th* Railway Labor Board, who last night put forward a suggested solution of the trouble with President Hardings approval, were to meet with the Interstate Commerce Commission at 2 p. m. for a general discussion of the matter. Th* railroads cannot agree to/ the labor

Mails Will Be Moved, Declares Will Hays WASHINGTON, Oct. 17.—Railroad strike or no, the United States mails w-ili _be moved. Postmaster General Hays said today. The Postmaster General made the following statement: "I am sure the parties to the co*trnversy will not permit developments which will Interfere with Government service. This is no time for statements from th(s department. A time may come for action. I sincerely trust that it will not. If it does, there will be action. The mails will b* moved."

board’s suggestion that the lines translate the 12 per cent wage cut of July 1 into immediate rate reductions, it was slated by sources close to the executive*., It would mean bankruptcy, this person said. Members of the labor board conferred at the Capitol with Senator Cummins, chairman of the Interstate Commerce committee. The Government s policy may’ be determined • at tomorrow’s Cabinet* meeting. All Indications here pointed' to an effort by President Harding to get) the railroad executives and the men together an effort to bring about an understanding. From the Capitol, the members of th*' public group of the lsbor board went’ to the Department of Justice for a con-' ference with Attorney General Daugherty" over the legal steps possible to avert' the strike, and also for a definition of tlielr exact powers under existing law. Harding has two sets of experts at work gathering Information as the basl* of proposals, which he may make to th* railroads and their employes. Thes* proposals, if made, will be of a nature to oltain the support of American public opinion generally, and this will b* counted on to force bojh the executive* and the employes to accept them. Meanwhile both sides had before theta the proposals put forth last night by th* "public group” of the Railway Labor Board In which the railroads were urged to make a rate reduction at once on tha ground that wages already have been once reduced by the board and before they are cut again rates Ehould c4BB down.

REDUCE RATES AND WAGES. SUGGESTION. The board said the rate reductMl should be measured by the wage r# duetion order *n July. "I.et the carriers give immediately a general rate reduction measured by the July wage redaction and the benefits derived from the new rules and devised under the supervision of the Interstate Commerce Commission to afford the greatest degree of relief to the public," said the board. ‘‘Let the request for further wage reductions be withdrawn until the rate re ductions have been completed. “At such time as the carriers deem advisable let them present to the railroad: labor'hoard their petition for a further reduction in wages based upon condition*' then existing. "Pending the working out of the rate reduction and the action of the labor board on such petition for a further, wage reduction as the carriers may sub-: seqnently subm.t, let the strike order b® withdrawn." Tills plan, the board pointed out. would provide time for everybody to "cool off" and would be an advance toward solution of the railroad problem, rather than a, simple throwing of the whole affair into the chaos attendant on a strike. SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING CALLED OFF. Senator Cummins called off the general railroad hearing which the Interstate Commerce Committee was to have re~i sumed today, and with other member* of Congress, will devote bis time to keeping In touch with the development o£ the wage rate controversy. It Is unlikely Congress can do any-, thing immediately, Cummins said, “although he conceded the possibility ot putting through a resolution to amend the transportation law by transferring (Continued on Pago Six.)