Hammond Times, Volume 15, Number 309, Hammond, Lake County, 19 May 1922 — Page 1

DEALS IN NEW WAY WITH BIG BUSINESS THE WEATHER LAKE corar TY TIME Fair tonight and Saturday, not much change In temperature, moderate west winds. VOL. XV. NO. 309. FRIDAY, MA Y 19, 1922. HAMMOND, INDIANA FfBl AGRICULTU L222

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ESTABLISHES - FRIENDLIER

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TESTIFIES AT SECRET NIGHT GATHERING

Wonder Man of Century Makes Rush Visit to National Capital WAREHOU SE CREDIT PLAX Under this plan, Edison explained, the farmer would be offered (smnment storage for hi eotton nnd grain rrpa. The government would then Issue certificate of credit against the crops stored la Its warehouses. Armed with these certificates, the farmers financial difficulties would he solved through his ability to borrow at any national bank.. In explaining this plan, Edison said i "The warehouse credit system would provide adequate credit facilities so that the farmer will not need to dump his crops on the market until he fan receive a fair price for them.' The effect of this suggestion, It was Indicated by senators attending the conference, would be to give the farmer an almost monopolistic control over the prtce of his crops. By WEBSTER K. NOLAN STAFF CORRESPONDENT I. N. SERVICE (Copyright 1922 by International News Service) , WASHINGTON. May 19. Thomas A. Edison, the world's electrical genius, appeared before a secret night session of the senatorial agricultural inquiry committee and recommended establishment by congress of a. titantio government -warehouse system for solving the nation-wide agricultural depression. It wti learned by International News Service today. HERE'S EDISON PLAX - The plan which Edison urged congress to adopt would give American farmers almost & monopolistic control over the price of their products, through operation of a "full year" storage provision. Edison urged passage of the proposed legislation "as soon as possible" In order to give the farmers relief before the next crop is reaped. The Wonder man of the century made a rush visit to the national capital last right and appeared before the committee for two hours in executive session. Edison came to Washington "as a favor to the committee." his secretary informed International News Service. APPEALS TO SENATORS The warehouse system, which Edison recommended, appealed tremendously to the senators. He was frequently Interrupted during the session by his deeply Interested auditors for additional details. Edison proposed that the warehouses be used as the axis of farm credits under which farmers "could get a fair return on their products." He speclflclally urged that the farmers be given permission by the government to store their products for a full year "if necessary" in order to insure the fair return. This suggestion, senators believed, would give the farmers practical price "flxinar power over their own products, inasmuch as they could wait for a favorable market in which to sell. rOMMITTEE EXPLAINS BILLS Edison discussed at great length tContinued on page five.) J5PEC1AL TO THE TIMES WHITING, IND.. May 19 The Congregational conference now in session at the Plymouth Congregational church of this city, where many representatives and delegates are gathered together from all over the state are enjoying splendid meetings and very helpful programs will continue tomorrow and Sunday with the following schedules: ;arday morning. May 20th: 9:00 a. m., Devotional service. Rev. Martin Lee Grant, Marion, Ind. 9:15 a. m., organization; 9:30 a. m. reports registrar, trustees, treasurer of Benevolences and Superintendent: 10:00 a. m.. Dr. C. E. Burton, of Mew Tork City; Dr. English, Jr., of Chicago, Dr. Voelker, president of Olivet College; 11:00 a. m.. Woman's Hour, of the State Conference, address. Training For Christian Leadership," by Miss Margaret Taylor, dean of Congregational Training School in Chicago; Address "Ideal State Organization for Efficient Service," Miss Lydia Lord Davis. Saturday afternoon session: 2:00 p. m., devotional. Rev. J. W. Herring, Terre Haute; 2:15 p. m., business, Mr. F. E. Reeve, Chicago, Dr. Nash, Chicago; Dr. G. T. McCollum, Chicago: 3:45 p. m.( business. Saturday evening. 7,:30 o'clock: De votional, led by the Moderator. Program to be determined by vote of the conference at the Saturday raornlng business session,

C0NGREGMI01L CONFERENCE AT WHITING

CROWDS WITNESSED CEREMONY

The new unit of the Hammond high school building, completed after a series of discouraging delays, were dedicated this morning. Mechanics were sill working on some parts of the large auditorium as the crowd gathered for the exercises and the clatter of hammers did not cease until the orchestra struck the opening notes of "America." The great hall was crowded with hlgrh school students, their paren.ts and friends. On the stage were nwiy of the leading citizens of Hammond Principal A. L. Spolin had charge of tho program and in his brief opening remarks stated that the building represented the realization of a dream which he and O'thers ha1 had since he became connected with the Hammond schools a number" of years ago. He said that recently a committee of prominent educators had, after exhaustive study and investigation, set down In detail the features which they thought should go into an ideal high school. Checking over their features point by point, he said, the new Hammond high school comes -uip to every specification. It is now one of the finest in the Central West. Edwin S. Monroe, superintendent of schools expressed satisfaction that at least the Hammond high school was centralized and had a common meeting place in the auditorium so that school spirit, which has waned for a number of years. could once more tie developed. The speech of L L Bomberger, president of the Board of Education, was brief. In substance he told them that the auditorium and oth er parts of the high ecliool were the people's gift to the cause of education. The building merely represented the material part of It. The vital asset is1 the boys and girls. It is up to them to prove the worth of the investment of nearly a million dollars. "Here it Is," he said in closing, "it is yours. Whatemre you going to do with it? Make the best of it." Mr. Bomberger's appearance brought prolonged applause. He has been member of the board since additions to high school were wjg--gested and on him has fallen much of the work in putting it over in spite of obstacles which at times appeared almost insurmountable. This morning's ovation was a public expression of appreciation of work well done. W. C. Belman who came to Hammond thirty-eight years ago and organized the first high school classes and served for years as school superintendent gave an Inspiring address in which he reviewed the trials of the past and gave some advice In regard to the future. The high school has grown since then from a group of students which could be numbered on the fingers of two hands to the present attendance of close to 1.000. Mayor Dan Brown called attention to the necessity of having on the Board ,of- Education men who were qualified to handle the big business which the Hammond system has now become. He showed that the people were entrusting to the members of the board the expenditure of millions of dollars . At the same time these men are paid the small salary of $300 per year. The musical part of the program was furnished by the high school orchestra of thirty-six pieces. Miss lone Reynolds who sang several solos and a trla composed of Mrs. Geo. Hannauer. Mrs. L. I,. Bamberger and Miss Trenberth. The assem"blasa sang "America' end 'the "Star Spangled Banner." Rev. Peter Jjingendorf rendered the Invocation and Rev. Benjamin R!st. the benediction. Following the exercises students were dismissed for the day and they started making final preparations for the annual fair which win be held this evening. DRUNK GIVES NAME OF GEORGE STANTON A Dodge automobile driven by a drunken man, ran wild on Broadway between the Michigan Central tracks at Eighth avenue in Gary yes tardily afternori endangering the lives of citizens and damaging three machines. The driver of the car who was arrested by officer Weil and booked at the police station on a charge of driving an auto while drunk gave his name as George E. Stanton, of Valparaiso, Ind. ""Hie, wheresi'm I at" he stammered to the officer when the zig-zagging machine became to a stop. According to the officers' story the Dodge first crashed through the' Michigan Central gates and swerved over on the wrong side of the thoroughfare north-bound. Running squarely Into a Ford truck and hitting it with such compact that it knocked it clear around and tore off the wheel, the Dodge zig-zagged its way into an Oldsmobile of P. R. Patton, 712 Broadway where it finally came to a stop. In court this morning Stanton denied that he was Intoxicated and the court with-held the sentence for investigation and more evidence. During the commotion Officer Weil had a narrow escape from injury, when he was nearly run down 4jv a motorcyclist.

ROBERTS RENEWS i ACQUAINTANCES i IN LAKE COUNTY

V 31 " rfwai; r.m. ,c-m hm. vy .am Z.f5. t at - -". HEXRV A. ROBERTS Henry A. Roberta of Indianapolis has been in Lake county yesterday and today renewing old acquaintances and making new cnes. He is considered the most popular traveling man In the state. Recently he announced his candidacy for the republican nomination for Clerk of the Supreme and Appellate cotirts before the state contention. May 2 and 25. For the last two years Mr. Rob erts has been fluid ' director of the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce. He was recently elected president of the Indianapolis division of the Travelers' Protective Association. He is a member of the Indiana Republican Editorial Association and publishes the Carmel Standard at Carmel Hamilton County. " Mr. Roberts Is a member of the Columbia Club. Marion Club and the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and the Elks lodges. He is a blrth-rlrht member of the Friends ohurch. He has adopted the slogan, "Oh Henry"" POLICE TO CARRY FIGHT TO "No Status" Rule Declared by Officers to be Unjust. BY THX POLICE BJGPOHTX Throwing luto tha lockers of the squad room their revolvers and "billies," Hanmond police, armed alone with, facts and an appeal to Justice and equity, are preparing to carry their fight to the highest courts of the state to dissolve the state imposed ruling making six months' probation period of "rookie" officers non-lncluslve In the total service period of police officers and eliminating the alleged unfairness of the proviso which refuses policemen in training the family safe guards of the pension laws. At an enthusiastic meeting of the department called by Chief Bunde, the sentiment expressed was virtually unamimous in favor of pushing to the limit the battle to remove the discriminating Injustice of the "no status" ruling which accords the policeman on probation no protection under ths pension laws, yet lemands of him an oath of loyalty and places him in the same dangers of life and limb as other men already accepted. Detective Sergeant Sandor Singer and Officers Reckler and Funk were selected as a committee to engage

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attorneys to carry the fight into the courts. The city will be made defendant. Co-defendants will be the police commissioners. Officer Adam Funk will probably be made chief complainant. WHIU XS AST OmCESt His application accepted more than a year ago, he was placed on the usual six months probation. During that period he attained the age limit for officers eligible to the police pension fund. When his probation period was consummated he was accepted as a regular officer. Then arose the question of whether or not he was disqualified to partiripate in the advantages of the pension fund by reason of his acceptance as a police ofTicer after he had passed the age limit of 35 years. The trustees of the police pension fund (brother officers), found themselves confronted with a ticklish situation. It was without precedent. They felt Impotent to establish a precedent and pointing to the statutes' of the state governing the metropolitan police department, declined to admit Funk to the benefit of the pension fund. F&OBATXOST DOESN'T COUNT It developed also that' police officers in reckoning their tenure of membership in the department found that the sfx months" probation period was not to be counted in total time served with the department. In other words before they became eligible for retirement under the pension they must serve an additional six months in lieu of the probation period. Officers will be assessed to provide funds to engage lawyers. The case will be filed in the superior courts at an early date. Police point out that incurring: all the dangers of their profession during the probation period they shoula also 1m accorded all the Benefit.

E CALL PUZZLES COPS ATE. No Policeman by Name of O'Brien Was Ever Killed in Calumet District A tantalising mystery cam to the East Chicago police station this morning Jn the form of a telephone conversation from Lt. Kennedy of the Chicago Detective Bureau, who informed the police here that a man by the nxtne of Barbar. alias Davis, had been arrested there yesterday, believed to have murdered an East Chicago policeman. In the telephone conversation, Capt. Wm. Hughes of ths East Chicago police department, was advised that during- a search of the alleged criminal's rooms yesterday a letter was found saying that the prisoner had murdered a policeman in East Chicago by the name of O'Brien. An investigation by the police here shows that no policeman by the name of O'Brien either in East Chicago. Indiana Harbor,. Whiting, Hammond or Gary has been killed. However, an East Chicago police officer by the name of Charles Rajehlnlts was shot and killed on August 1, 1818. and as yst no one has been arrested or convicted of his murder. While this arrest may solvs the murder of Officer Rajehlnlts. Chief of Police Struss does no believe there is any connection. COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR Community service is assured for Hammond! At a meeting of representative cltisens held last night at the room of the Chamber of Commerce after a thorough explanation of the purposes of Community Service by an executive official of the national organization, a resolution was adopted to extend an, Invitation to Community Service, Incorporated, to assist in promoting the activities of a Community Service program in this city. Financial backing was pledged by a group of Hammond business and professional men. A. R. Wellington, of Chicago, addressed the meeting, setting forth in clear terms the objectives of Community Service and what it stands for, and showing how through the medium of leisure time activities In community-wide athletics, music, community dramatics, pageantry and singing, there will be opportunities for every man, woman and child to enjoy this facilities of the community, bringing about the participation of every person who will become Interested. A better community morale is engendered, civic spirit is aroused, play ground opportunities are sponsored and through community recreation, a spirit of neighborliness Is fostered by ths uniting of the forces of the community for better citizenship. Mr. Wellington is an executive official of the national organization, having charge of the middle western states for the organization work. START IN" SEPTEMBER The local committee extending the invitation to the national body requests that the organisation period begin September, thus avoiding the hot weather months of July and August for the demonstration' of activities which will be conducted by experts from the national- staff and who will assist in developing volunteer recreation leaders from the local community. Thomas E. Pickerill, the Indiana representative of Community Service, Incorporated, who has made several visits to Hammond in the interests of the invitation, will remain here a few da-s to look tftJr the details of the vreilmlnary organization. A few more names of representative citleens ana desired on the invitation, which will be forwarded to the national headquarters at New York City, to be acted upon by the national isxecutlve committee. This action Is necessary because of the fact that the national organization Dears one half of the expense of the organization and demonstration of the work. Mr. Pickerill feels confident that sufficient interest is shown to make possible the accetpance of the invitation. Among those who sponsored the meeting held last night are: C. B. Tinkham, H. A. Lamprell, Jo TT. Todd, R. H. McHlo. C. L. Surprise, Ralph Plsree, Jesse Wilson and V. J. Cupp. When the organization period begins, every organization and every citizen having the Interests of the community at heart, will be asked to co-operate and participate in the Community Service movement. WASHINGTON, May 18. The Interstate Commerce Commission today issued a certificate authorizing the abandonment of the Chicago and Indiana coal railway division of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois rail road. The read to f bandoned

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lie entirely In Indiana.

Here's Hamrfiond's Young College Complete

This sketch gives an excellent Idea of Hammond's nig-h school building with the newest additions Just completed. The drawing was "made by Peter Bornejko, a member of this year's graduating class.

GIGANTIC SCHEME FOUND TO

$1,500,000 Loot Already Rev'aled by Secret Service Operations t INTER NATIONAL NEWS SERVICE NEW TORK, May 19. A gigantic and highly organized scheme tor robbery of the mails of Liberty bonds, the operation of which Is said to have resulted already In thefts totalling $1,500,000. was believed to be revealed here today in

ATEST BU

BTTUXTXBr JNTIS, NATIONAL NEWS SERVICE BELFAST, May 19 Terrorism, marked by street fighting and incendiary fires still gripped Belfast today. Temporary police barracks in the center of the city were attacked, but the attackers were driven off by the police after a sharp battle. There were nearly a dozen iscendiary fires in the business district. BTTLUSTOT INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE MADRID, May 19 The leading Spanish newspaper, El Sol. in commenting today upon the refusal of the United States to participate in the Russian conference at The Hague, accuses the United States of "preferring a weakened Europe In order to strengthen America's position In world affairs." El Sol said China and Japan are urging Spain to arouse the South American states to the aid of Euope to replace the possible assistance that might have come from the United States. BTJXUiTZXr LONDON, May 19 King Contantlne of Greece has requested Premier Gounarls to form a new cabinet to succeed the Stratos ministry which quit after two days in office, said an exchange telegraph dispatch from Athens today. The political crisis at Athens arose over the near east situation and the need of Greece for money. BTJX.X.ZTX2T NEWARK, OHIO, May 19 Fire of ' undeterminen origin gutted the buslneess district of Buckeye Park, a summer resort near here this morning and caused damage estimated at more than $100,000, destroying nine business" buildings, and damaging others. The fire was unner control at 9 o'clock. BuxXiETnr r INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE! GENOA, May 19) France swung into line with the other GRADUATES HURT ON AUTO TRIP ANDERSON. Ind.. May 19. Three members of the 1922 Anderson high school graduating class were injured, two seriously, when an automobile driven by Miss Laura Fisher over-turned in the ditch five miles west of here on the Fishersburg pike this afternoon. Sheridan Prigg, 18 years old, president of the senior class, suffered a broken shoulder and was injured about the head. Glenn Brenn&n, another class member, suffered two fractured ribs and a deep gash in the head. I Miss Fisher, 19 years c-ld, a member of the class and leading lady in the class play, was seriously bruised. GARY WOMAN ON PROGRAM MONTICELLO. Ind., May 19. The second annual convention of tne White County Federation of Clubs will be held at the South Federated church in Brookston next Wednesday. Mrs. Felix McWhJrter of Indianapolis, will be the principal speaker. Mrs. Harry Little or Good land, and Mrs. Frank Bheehan of Gary, also will be on the program. One of the features of the program will be a playlet' given by the Idavllle Home Economics Club. At noon a lunoheon will be served at the Methodist Episcopal church in Brookston.

It represents a material investment of nearly a million dollars and a potential investment impossible to calculate. It stands today one of the most complete educational plants in this part of the country and is being cited as an Ideal one by leading educators.

the arrest of seven postoffice employes. Twenty secret service operatives and postal inspectors are known to have been working on the case, living lives of idleness along the gay white way, and working unostentatiously In various capacities in the postal service. Their observations of men within the postoffice and of free spending uptown by men earning small salaries led to the roundup. The air of secrecy which surrounded the arrests points to the conclusion that the ' ramifications of the "system" are not yet wholly allied powers today when Louis Barthou. head of the French delegation in the International Conference announced that be would recommend France's acceptace of the proposals for the meeting at The Hague to study - Russia and for the truce pact which will last eight months more. BTJXXtETXN INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE AMAGANSETT, L. I.. May 19 Eagle Boat No. 17, went ashore between this point and East . Hampton about 3 o'clock this monlng. The crew is safe on the beach and It Is hoped that, the craft can be floated at high tide. BULUTIM INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE CHAKLKSTOWN. W. VA. May 19 William Blizzard, alleged leader of the miners army, which marched - upon Logan county last summer and fought with state police and deputy sheriffs at Blaln Mountain, must defend himself against a charge of treason. BTXXaXaBTXH INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE CHICAGO, May 19 Declaring that he and his wife had been warned that they would be killed unless he abandoned the "open shop," B. Janovitz, head of the Crown Cut. Trim and Make Company, appealed today to the states attorney's office for protection from the terrorists. BTTUETZBINTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE WASHINGTON; May 19 Of the eight big steel and' iron companies which are contemplating the merger of their properties Into one gigantic corporation, today informed Attorney General Daugherty that the deal would not be consummated until the department of justice had been fully informed of all facts pertaining to the new combination. EVEN SHORT SKIRT IS BARRED BOSTON, May 19. Entering the Maine- woods naked, on Saturday, without food or weapons, Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Sutter announced here yesterday that they will prove that they can live an absolutely primitive life, with none of civilization's aids, for a period of six weeks. Sutter, who is 27, and his wife, who is a slight but strong young woman of 23, have picked the wildest part of north central Maine for their experiment. Their first problem, in view of the coldness of the climate at this time of year, will be I to make themselves clothing from the Inner bark of certain trees. Fish and game will be caught with crude Implements of their own manufacture. The area selected Is uninhabited and abounds with various wild animals, but the pair of nature lovers, skilled in woodcraft, express every confidence In success and scoff at suggestions of danger. If they can live in the woods six weeks, they contend, it will be proof that man oan return to primitive conditions iaad live so indefinitely.

The public will have another opportunity to look lt over tonight when the high school holds its annual fair. The entertainment will be the best that can be offered. An admission fee of ten cents is being charged. The doors open at 7:30 o'clock.

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revealed, and that other arrests may follow. The "tips" on which the secret agents have worked are understood to have come from two sources. The band is reported to have outlined the plan to a broker, offering to divide with him providing he would undertake the sale of the bonds. The broker agreed to the terms, thus obtaining as much information as possible. Then he promptly reported to the police. A confession by a man now in the Atlanta prison Is said to have contributed further clues to the operations of the gang. Doc Sharrer and Queen of Hilo Island Second Installment of A Thrilling Tale Of Romance. Junior, tell your mother to wash your hands and face. Tou can't go to bed looking like that. Do the little boys on the Island of Hilo have to have their hands and face washed? Tou bet they do and their ears too. Is everybody ready for the bedtime story? Well, daddy will tell you what the radio Is going to say tonight. Tou see, daddy has to tell you or you couldn't tell what lt was saying. That's why they print the programs in the paper, so mama can call up Mrs. Jones and say, "Wasn't that solo by Madame Whozlt beautiful?" If mama didn't have the program she wouldn't know whether it was a solo or another Chicago apartment building being blown up. So daaay will tell you what the bedtime story on the Radiophone is going to be about. Betty Jane, take your finger out of your mouth! Johnny put that dog outside. How many timos have I said he can't sleep in here. Now, children, daddy told you last night about how all the Shriners from Hammond went to the Hawaiian Islands and how Doctor Sharrer became King of the Island of Hilo and how Clint Norrls got Jealous of Doc and won the affections of the queen. Well, children It looked pretty dark for Doctor Sharrer. He was Jake with the queen until Clint cam; along with a full head of hair and vamped the queen. Doo tried to tell the queen that Clint had the rheumatism in his feet, but she would not listen and ordered him crowned, only not the way they do at coronations. The way the queen crowned Doc was over the head with a wallewooper. What is a waliewoopr? Well, a wallewooper is the same kind of a weapon that the bartenders used to use when a hobo tried to get away with all of the free lunch. So Clint Norris bcame King of the Hilolans and sat with the queen -on her throne while the hula-hula girls danced for his amusement. It was pretty sft for Clint except he got rhsumatism In the feet but he drank plenty of Wakwak and the queen didn't And lt out. Clint was getting by pretty easy. He had the queen thinking he was chicken. "What shall I do with this old geezer, your Hlghurss " the queen asked Clint, referring to Doc. The king reached out and pulled Doc's nose and said, "Throw him to thi sharks." So the queen had Doc thrown to the sharks, but he was so mad the sharks were afraid of him and he swam ashore on a desolate part of. the island and started to look for tho Fountain of Youth that he had' heard about. Well Doc found the Fountain" of Touth and after he took a bath in lt he became fifty or sixty years younger. He was a fine looking young man like your daddy, big and strong, and he had the prettiest curly locks that hung down' his back like Sir Lancelot. Well, when Doc got back to the queen's court with his flowing hair and youthful charm the queen rushed right into els arms. "What shall we do with this guy, your highness?" the queen asked Doc, referring to Clint. "Make him take one of his own prescriptions," says Doc. "Have mercy," says Clint, falling to his knees. Now go to sleep children. Tomorrow evening ths bedtime story will be about how Anton Tapper went to the Island of Hilo.

Campaign to Avoid Costly legigation and Assuage Bitter Feelings

(UCLLETIX) By EAR LE C. REEVES iTi,F CORRESPONDENT I. N. SERVICE! EV YORK. Mmy 10Krh from a conference wltU President Harding. In which the chief executive Is reported as giving assurance "that he did not desire to interfere witta the natural nnd legitimate progreaa of bu.lne..." E. 11. Gary, Eugene G. Grace and other retrains powers of the world of steel, today were requested to Jiott cause why their present operations nhould be considered "legitimate business," . .The flrst official probe of the partially completed and contemplated steel combines, and of charges that steel prices are being "Haed" la contravention of the Sherman antitrust law, la being made by a New York state body, the Lockwood committee. Samuel I'ntermyer, one of the keenest Investigators and most adroit cross-examtnera of the country, is directing: the attack. By GEORGE R. HOLMES STAFF' CORRESPONDENT I. N. SERV1CEJ WASHINGTON. May 19. President Harding and his cabinet advisers have embarked on a systematic campaign to attempt to secure through friendly social Intercourse with "big business" the things that would lead to costly litigation and bitter feeling if attempted through the more epectacular and drastic means of legislation and law. This was the frank explanation advanced by the president's advisers today for the aeries of White House dinners to industrial magnates, and the conference which members of bis cabinet are holding In Washington with leaders in various enterprises. GOSPEL OF rXDEHS TAKDIN G It Is a further step, administration spokesmen said, in 2r. Harding's preaching of "the gospel of understanding," to which be refer red to often during his campaign, for the presidency. "Tou might call It a peaceful penetration of big- business by the government," on cabinet officer said. The president'! dinner to forty one steel magnates at the Whit House last night, resulting in an informal understanding being reached for the 12-hour day in tha steel industry, was one notable step in the general plan, it was said. COAL OPERATORS COWEKESCH The conference between Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover and the producing non-union coal op era tors,, resulting in an informal agreement to hold coal prices at their normal levels despite the nation-wide strike, was another. Tomorrow night the third t9 will be taken at the White House at another dinner. President Hard ing will entertain a score of leading railroad presidents and dlreotors, and to them he will addres an appeal for co-operation in 4 drive to decrease freight rates. Almost daily now the Interstate Commerce Commission Is expected to hand down Its long-awaited decision ordering a general and substantial reduction of rates. That a reduction of rates la imminent la known, but the extent to which they are to be lowered is a carefully guarded secret. It Is reliably reported, however, that the cuts ar not so drastic as are expected ill some - quarters. ASKS CO-OPEBATIOX The president, it is understood, will ask the railway executives t co-operate loyally with the govern ment in maintaining the reduced rates, and to even go a step farther if the reductions fall short of expectations. It is believed he will ask the railroad heads to voluntarily make such reductions as they can. High freight rates have been the most consistently advanced cause for the general business "depression." The basic Industries of the United States are steel, transportation and coal. Thus, in a single week, the administration has had the leaders, of all these three great key industries in Washington for conferences and the conferences have been made the vehicle for remedial sug gestions, both on ths part of busU ness and the government. "BAD TIMES" BUNK That there Is a political aapeel to the administration's program u not denied. It is realized that on of the chief campaign argumenti to be used by the Democrats thil fall's ' congressional campaign il 'bad times." The Democrats will charge that the "return to prosper ity" promised by the Republicani in 1920 has not been accomplished Therefore. Republican candldatel and spokesmen everywhere are go. ing to bear heavily In coming months on the general theme thai the depression is ended and thai the famous "general prosperity" II standing on the country a thres hold. 13-HOUR SHIFT GOIXO Republican spokesmen also wlB use the promised Abolition of th 12 hour shift in the steel Industrj as a campaign argument to iaoor. The American Federation of Labor has fought for jcars to secur the abolition of this long shift. D was one of the announced cause of the famous strike In 1919. What the labor leaders have fail ed to accomplish in years of effort President Harding has apparentlj accomplished in thre and one-hal hours around the hospital Whiti House dinner table. And this fao will be pointed out to labor by Re publican leaders as proof that th Republican party is the "friend a labor" and not the foe, as chargei by the Democrat