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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (April 9, 1920)
It I The Omaha Daily Bee 4 VOL. 49 NO. 254. Eattnd ti Mcona-tliu matter 21, I9M. it Oaiht P. 0. dr act at March S, , 179. OMAHA, FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1920. Mall (I yaar), Oall. M.N: aaa'ay. U.M. Dally Ml Sua.. 17.00: aattlaa Nak. oataa atra. TWO CENTS IGHT OPENS IN HOUSE ON PEACE PLAN No One Questions But That 1 Proposal Will ie Adopted Number of Democrats Ex pected to Favor Resolution. novemberILTctions have place in debate Democrats Repeatedly Chal lenge Right of Congress to Enact Legislation Declaring War at an End. Washington, April 8. The peace resolution had passed the half-way nark on its way through the house when echoes of the storm of oratory and dchate faded away tonight. For six hours it was the center of dis cussion on the floor, yet no one questioned that it would he accepted. The final vote will come late tomor row. " There I was a vote today on adop tion of the special rule limiting de bate and preventing amendment of the resolution as drawn by the com mittee on foreign affairs. The rule was carried,' 214 to 155. seven demo crats joining the republicans' in its support, and one republican oppos ing if. This was taken to indicate action rn the resolution itself, but republic an leaders sarrl more democrats would join them on the final vote. One of the democrats. Representa tive Huddlestcn of Alabama, who voted against the ru1 announced that he would support the resolu tion. Charge Partisanship. Charges of partisanship ran through democratic comment on the resolution. Representative Hud t'leston noted these, but insisted thai conscience would not let him "trot along" with his party majority and oppose the peace proposed what fver "company" his decision forced h:m to keep. The November elections figured almost as prominently in the debate a.s did the international situation, wartime legislation or even President Wilson's share in the treaty fight. A statement by Representative Toil, democrat. North Carolina, tnat tne president had been without personal ambition in his actions brought a roar of laughter from the repub lican side. It was echoed fronrthedeindtratic side a moment later when, to Support charges of partisan purpose, Representative Montague, democrat. Virginia, asked Chairman Campbell of the rules committee, why peace with Austro-Hungary had not been proposed. Challenge Right of Congress. " tU. tmfhn'xrt a'tAr of the dlS- 1 cussion, the democrats repeatedly challenged tnc constitutional nSm of congress to pass such legislation, insisting it was a contemplated in vasion of the treaty-making powers conferred on the executive branch and tlie senate. Historical and legal precedents were marshalled to sup port this view and the writings of authorities on international law quoted at length. The republicans (Continued on Pf Two. Column Three.) ' Pershing Accomplished Tremendous Task and Should Receive Honor Washington, April 8, "Popular favor is ephemeral," says the Mem phis Commercial Appeal, in discuss ing the Pershing candidacy. "Months ago the Appeal prophesied that when the American people of this country began to measure the things that were accomplished under Per shing they would realize what a tre mendous task he had accomplished in a soldier-like way. The penalty of failure would have been assessed .rrolns K'm Therrfnre lie is en titled by right to all the honor and all the gratituae tnat must come fmm 9 fMi'r.miinlpH neonle to a man who sticks to his job and makes a success of his work. 'Tershing deserves honor and gratitude as Jackson deserved it, as Lee deserved it, as Grant deserved it and as Dewey deserved it." r Soviets Restore to Chinese ! Property Taken by Kerensky Peking, April 8. (By The Asso ciated Press.) Restoration to China without compensation of the Chinese Eastern railway and all mining and forestry concessions and privileges seized by the former Russian im perial regime, Alexander Kerensky. Generals Horvath and Semenoff and Admiral Kolchak, is announced in a note to the Chinese government from soviet authorities at Irkutsk. . The note also renounces indemnities arising out of the boxer rebellion. Proposes Stiff Tax for Political Expenditures Washington, April 8. A tax of 100 per cent on political campaign contributions or expenditures ex ceeding $1,000 was proposed by Senator Thomas, democrat, Colo rado, in an amendment to the pend ing tariff bill. Publicity of cam paign finance by requiring state ments of expenditures in all income tax returns also was proposed. Oil Company Elects Officers and directors were chosen at the first annual meeting of the stockholders of the Commerce Oil and Gas company, held inXDmaha Tuesday as follows: H. L. Alleman, president and treasurer; Robert Maybier, vice president and gen eral manager; C. E. Lambert, sec-ictary England Protests Ruhr Occupation by French France Acted Upon Her Own Initiative Forces to Be . Increased Belgium Sides With France Amer ican Rhineland Agent Resigns Order Restored HOWE FIGHTS HIS REMOVAL DV Chorus: "He's Good Enough for Me!" In Frankfort. London. April 8. It is stated that the British government tonight sent a protest to the French government with regard to the occupation of the Ruhr region. Both the Central News .md Ex change Telegraph company state to day that the British and associated governments have been opposed throughout to French occupation, of German towns and that France acted on its own initiative. After a long conference which the French ambassador, Paul Cairibon, had with Premier Lloyd George to day, and a full discussion of the Franco-German incident by the cabinet council, at which the French view was fully explained to the British ministers, an authoritative statement was issued to the effect that France acted entirely on her own initiative in deciding to occupy German towns; that Great Britani, the United States, Italy and Belgium were alt opposed to the plan, and that France's action has caused a delicate situation. Suggest Expedients. The matter is under discussion of the British and. French governments and the hope is expressed that the situation may be eased. The state ment recites various expedients sug gested for dealing with the Ruhr situation, among others the sending of allied officer with the German troops to supervise ' the German withdrawal. Another alternative was that the decision should be left with the German government, with the stipulation that unless the status ciuo was sufficiently restored the al lies themselves would occupy Ger man points to enforce their de mands. Germany has been granted a week's additional grace for the withdrawal of her troops from the neutral zone, the Evening News says it understands. This would extend the time to April 17. In August of last year the su preme council consented to a pro visional increase of the German gendarmerie troops in the neutral zone beyond the Rhine tor three months after the peace treaty should go into effect. Increase French Forces. Paris, April 8. The French forces 4 . fttVVand tstvul be re- SKIiiEflS which have occupit other German citi inforced. the Temps says today regiment has been at Mulhouse since Sunday ready to reinforce the French Rhine garrisons. The first battalion will leave Friday morning, while the remainder of the regiment will depart during the day, the newspaper adds. Belgium Takes Stand. Brusse'e, April 8. King Albert presided "at a cabinet council at which it was decided, as a token of friendship to France and of solidar ity with the allies, that Belgium be prepared to send a detachment into the Ruhr region. U. S. Agent Resigns. Hamburg, April 8. A special dis patch from Frankfort to the Ham burger Fremdenblatt reports the resignation of the United States rep resentative from the inter-allied Rhineland commission. This action, the dispatch says, followed an inter change of communications with Washington. A dispatch from Coblenz on April 6 said it was learned at the office of Picrrepont B. Noyes, the American Rhineland commissioner and repre sentative of the State department in the American occupied area, had several days previously formally dis associated himself from any action the high commission might take in volving it in any way in a French advance into unoccupied territory. The dispatch added that Mr. Noyes had notified Washington of his ac tion. Frankfort Quiet Again. Mayence, April 8. Complete or der has been restored at Frankfort, the authorities having succeeded in quieting the students. The municipality has posted bills requesting the people to keep calm. The security police who were made prisoners at Frankfort will be re moved from the occupied territory by rail today. Dusseldorff Is Bombarded. Paris, April 8. (Havas.) Ger man regular troops have bombed Dusseldorff with gas shells, accord ing to a Mayence dispatch to the Martin. OPEN SHOP NEXT GRAVE QUESTION SAYS DR. EATON Thinks Custom of One Group Telling Another When to Walk Not Tolerated. Pittsburgh, April 8. The next im portant conflict in this country will gather about the question of the open shop, said Dr. Charles Audrey Eaton, New York City, addressing more than 800 railroad men from all parts of the United States, who at tended the annual dinner of the Traffic Club of Pittsburgh, here Thursday night. "The labor union has performed a very successful function in Amer ica," said Dr. Eaton, "and is capable of still further service, not only to the workincr man. but to the nation as a whole. The closed shop proposi tion, that one group of private citi zens have the right to tell another group where and when they can work, will not be considered. Noth ing could be more un-American." A. De Witt Foster, of the Can adian National Railway system, and J. F. Townsend of Pittsburgh, also made addresses. Mr. Townsend, dis cussing the railway situation, pleaded for heavier loading of cars, declaring that while the average load in 1917 was 29 tons, it had sunk to 27 tons in two years. $4O,000.Paid for Hog Recently Purchased By Iowa Man for $265 Villisca, la., April 8. A pure bred Poland-China hog which Williams Brothers, breeders of this place, bought about IS months ago from L. R. McCIarnon of Braddville. Ia., for $265 has been sold by them at private sale to W. H. Ellsworth of Goldfield, la., for the record price of $40,000, declared to be the highest price ever paid for a hog in the United States, if not in the world. Marine Strike Is Called In All Ports of France Paris, April 8. A .strike of mari time workers has been ordered by the Marine union in all the ports of France. The strike is already in effect at Marseilles and Dunkirk. The strikers demand the liberation of the sailors who mutinied in the Black Sea in 1917 and all persons condemned for military or political offenses or for acts committed while participating in strikes. Damad Ferid Pasha Takes Office as Turk Grand Vizier Constantinople, April 8. Damad Ferid Pasha was formally inducted into office as grand vizier Monday and announced he would, in addi tion, hold the portfolio of minister of foreign affairs. The new Sheik-Ul-Islam. or the sultan's representa tive, in direct charge of religious af fairs, is Durrizade Abdulla Effendi. FORD ASKS PROBE BY U. S. SENATE OF FRAUD CHARGES Defeated -Michigan Senatorial Candidate Calls for In vestigation of Election. Last Chance to Register Today is the very last day In which to register To vote at the primaries The Registration office will be open Until 9 p. m. Detroit, April 8. A telegram urg ing an immediate and thorough in vestigation into the charges of fraud in conection with the Newberry Ford senatorial campaign in Michi gan in 1918, was sent to the United States senate elections committee by Henry Ford Thursday after noon. That the investigation is particu larly urgent now, because of counter charges growing out of the recent Newberry, trial "that I also expend ed large unlawful sums" was the contention of Mr. Ford. "These charges are being pub lished broadcast," the message stated. "For more than a year I have urged this investigation and now I appeal to you personally to order the immediate taking of testi mony." The elections committee, which has already ordered a recount in the Michigan senatorial election, is scheduled to meet Friday. Turks Bum American Orphanage as They Attack Harouniyi Constantinople; April 8. (By The Associated Press) Turks have de stroyed the village of Harouniyi, northest of Adana, and burned the American orphanage there. Two thousand Armenian orphans were removed under fire and taken to Adana in safety bv William Gilber, jr., of Yonkers, N. Y. They will probably be sent to Cyprus, as the Adana district in much disturbed. Railway communication has been tcstored between Adana and Aleppe. Turkish nationalists have taken over control of the village of Bar dizaj, on the southern side of the Gulf of Ismid, about SO miles from Constantinople, but there, are few indications of trouble in Anatclia. Hadjin, north of Adana, is still cut off from the outside world and other Armenian villages are being be sieged by the Turks, according to advices received here. Hundreds of refugees are arriving in Adana daily. The railway between Adana and Kenia, to the northwest, has been cut. American Aid Basis of New Plan to Finance Europe Washington, April 8. Secretary Houston, said he had been furnished informally and individually a docu ment which purports to be the plan evolved by Sir George Paish for financing Europe "wih American aid, as the basis." He declined to discuss the reported plan, saying he had not given it any study. American Sugar Company Announces Raise in Price New York, April 8. The Ameri- j can Sugar Refinery company today i announced an increase of one-half j cent a pound in the wholesale price ; of sugar, making the present price i 15 1-2 cents a pound. Another ad i vance is predicted by the company unless there is a drop shortlv in the price of the raw product Obtains Temporary Injunction Restraining Packing Com pany Ousting Him as Presi dent and General Manager. DENIES CHARGES THAT HE TRIED TO GET CONTROL Deposed Head Issues Written Statement That Stock Shares Were Offered Him, But That He Refused Them. R. C. Howe, "deposed head" of the Skinner company, who was granted a temporary injunction in the district court yesterday re straining Lloyd M. Skinner, vice president of the company, from ousting him from his position as president and general manager, charged in a written statement is sued late yesterday afternoon that Paul F. Skinner, chairman of the board of directors, recently at attempted to sell him his stock in the company. Mr. Howe declined to consider the offer, he says. Mr. Howe stated that he was loyal to the company's interests and denied that he had attempted to get a controlling interest of the com pany's stock, as charged by Paul F. Skinner. Denies Statement. Mr. Howe's statement follows: "Any suggestions that I have not been working loyally for the suc cess of the Skinner company and in the interests of its stockholders is without foundation. That I was seeking to get control of the Skinner company is likewise untrue, because Paul F. Skinner suggested some time ago that I buy his stock hold ings in the company and I declined to consider the proposition. "I resigned from Armour & Co. in order to devote my efforts to the success of the Skinner company and I have been loyal to that employ ment. I have nothing further to say on the subject at this time, but will substantiate these statements by proof in court. Attornevs filed the petition at 11 o'clock Wednesday night and then drove to the home of judge Wake ley, where 'the restraining order was signed and a bond of $2,000 ap proved. Hearing of the case for a permanent injunction to keep Mr. Skinner and the two companies from interfefing-with Mr. Howe in "his po sition was set for next Saturday at 9 before District Judge Sears. Removed From Office. Mr. Howe says in the petition tiiat Wednesday Lloyd M.' Skinner notified him that he had acquired all the Skinner company stock of his brother, Paul, and therefore had controlling interest. He thereupon notified Mr. Howe that "he was dis charged and removed from his posi tion as president and as general man ager of the companies," and that "he would not be allowed to enter the offices of the president and general manager of the defendant com panies" "This controversy is simply a test as to whether a large independent packing -company which will be a (Continued on rage Two, Column Four.) Coal Prices Not to Go As High as Expected Ellis Searles Says Indianapolis, Ind., April 8. Coal prices will not soar as high as ex pected a few days ago, declared El lis Searles, editor of the United Mine Workers' Journal, in a state ment issued from the international headquarters of the miners' organ ization here. Reports and news paper comment from all over the country, he said, justified his state ment. "It was evident that a season of profiteering in coal prices was con templated," said Mr. Searles, "and that the profiteers purposed to tell the public that the abnormal prices were due to the wage increase granted to the bituminous miners. The miners, however, made it clear to the public that the wage increase would not justify the proposed boost in prices. Then Attorney Gen eral Palmer corroborated the min ers in a published interview. This has cleared the miners of the charge that they were responsible for the price boost and has had a tendency to put a stop to any reckless prof iteering." Starts Fight for More Cars For Nebraska Shippers Thorne A. Browne, member of the state railway commission, is in Omaha, endeavoring to gain infor mation which may lead to a greater supply of cars for Nebraska ship pers. 'The situation is getting rather serious," said Mr. Browne, "par ticularly because of the necessity for moving corn which heats if left in elevators at this time of the year. The state commission cannot, of course, force the sending of cars to this state from other states, but it can exert its influence to that end and we propose to do everything that can be done." Bill to Admit Paper Free Approved by Senate Body Washington, April 8. The house hill permitting the importation duty free of newsprint paper valued at 8 cents or less a pound was reported favorably by the senate finance com mittee. The meaMre has been urged by many publishers. Under the present la the duty free value is 5 cents or less. PREDICT END OF RAIL TIEUP IN 48 HOURS Situation in Chicago Shows Some Improvement, Officials Declare Traffic Still Less Than 50 Per Cent Normal. TRANSPORT BRINGS BODIES OF 87 MEN KILLED IN FRANCE Vessel Docks at New York With Flag at Half Mast. New York, April 8. Bringing from Southampton, England, bodies of 87 American soldiers who died in the service of their country on foreign soil, the army transport Nansemond docked here, her flag at half-mast. The bodies were those of enlisted men, most of whom died during the war at aviation and base camps in Great Britain. " From v this port they will be shipped within a few days to vir tually every state in the union. Each body, encased in metal-lined, flag draped casket, will be accompanied by a soldier guard made up as far as possible of men who served in the same organization as the de ceased. These guards of honor will remain with the bodies until the earth finally closes over their former comrades. Then they will return to the base here to make the formal report that will officially close the record of those who, when their country called, responded to the limit of their power. Youthful Girl Who Shot Man Sentenced To the Reformatory Durango, Colo., April 8. Caroline Jones, 17-year-old slayer of Carl Bay, a Bayfield man of 25, last night was sentenced by Judge W. N. Seary to the state industrial school for girls until she is 21 years old. She recently was convicted on a charge of manslaughter. Bay was shot and killed January 29 on the street. The girl said Bay had repeatedly insulted her and spat in her face when she met him, "I want to say that I have great sympathy for the defendant and her family," Judge Seary said in pro nouncing sentence. "I also have sympathy for the other family now in mourning. "The verdict of the jury had a very definite meaning. Since the jury found the girl soundminded with no self defense and returned a verdict of manslaughter, it must have meant that the girl acted under great provocation. But it is a law of the state and the United States that a person killing another, even under great provocation, is guilty and must be punished. "I am afraid we are taking homi cides too lightly. Carrying of guns and using them upon provocation is leading to serious conditions. I commend the jury for fearlessly re turning its verdict when public sympathy was so great." Exchange Takes Up Stutz Motor Transactions New York, April 8. The New York stock exchange today directed its members to report their com mitments, both long and short, in Stutz Motor, trading in which was suspended when shorts' efforts to cover caused great increases in its value. The exchange continued to main tain silence, in regard to the condi tions which Allan A. Ryan, chair man of the Stutz board, has an nounced will be satisfactory to him for a settlement of the matter. French Tractors Hit Duds; 12 Persons Lose Lives Cambrai, France, April 8. Two fxplosions in which 12 persons were killed and two injured have occurred in the district of Villcrs Guislain, 18 kilometers from Cambrai. The ex plosions were caused by agricultural tractors coming in contact with un exploded shells in fields which were being plowed. Federal Grand Jury Opens Probe of Alleged Corner of Corn Market Chicago Tribune-Omaha Bee Ltaaed Wire. Chicago, April 8. By ordering nine of the largest grain brokerage firms on La Salle to turn over the records of all their transactions for examination, the April federal grand jury Wednesday made its first move in its investigation of an alleged "corner" of the corn market. Subpoenas "duces" tecum"were is sued for the ledgers of the Bartlett Frazier company, J. Rosenbaum Grain company, Armour Grain com pany, J. S. Templeton Grain com pany, John L. Leonard Grain com pany, Stein, Alstrin & Co., Nye & Jenks Grain company, G. B. Van Ness company and Jackson Broth ers. Judge Carpentier entered a re straining order to prevent a num ber ot banks and creditors of the Hoyne tompany, which filed a pe tition in bankruptcy, from disposing of more than 1,000,000 worth of se curities deposited with them as col lateral for loans advanced to the defunct firm. The firm scheduled liabilities of $4,220,579. with $1,589, 884 secured assets and $947,518 un secured assets. Wife.of Former Cub Ball Club Owner Is Given Divorce Decree .Chicago, April 8 Mrs. Bessie Webb Weeghman was victor today in divorce proceedings brought against Charles Weeghman, part owner and former president of the Chicago National league base ball team. Superior Judge Charles A. Mc Donald indicated that he would grant Mrs. Weeghman a decree, $400 a month alimony and custody of Dorothy Jane, 8-year-old daughter. An additional settlement was said to have been made out of court. Mrs. Wreeghman said Weeghman's rise from $10 a week waiter to mil lionaire restaurant and movie thea ter owner had "caused his matri monial failure." Soviet Troops Surrender to Japanese at Khabarovsk Washington, April 8. Fighting between Japanese and Russian forces at Khabarovsk ceased late Tuesday, the Japanese embassy was informed, with the surrender of the soviet troops. The Japanese suf fered. 260 casualties in the 10-hour conflict, while the Russians lost 408 dead, 1,500 prisoners and seven guns. Circulate Petitions To Put Taft on Ballot Portland, Ore., April 8. Petitions are being circulated for signatures here with the object of having the name of William Howard Taft placed on the Oregon primary bal lot for indorsement by republicans of the state as their candidate for president. Two Dead as Result of Ponca City Explosion Ponca City, Okl., April 8. Two persons are dead and three others received serious injuries as a result of what is supposed to have been a pas explosion in the kitchen of a restaurant here early today. Prop erty damage is estimated at $75,000. The Weather Forecast. Friday unsettled with rain or snow. Temperatures. . ..3 ...37 ...37 ...41) . . .41 . . .43 4 probably PERSHING DUE TO DRAW VOTES FROM NEW YORK Empire State's Big Vote Ex pected to Split Convention. in S a. m (I a. m 7 a. m a. m 9 a. m II) a. m It a. m I p. m . . l. m . . 5 p. m . . 4 p. m.. R p. m . . 6 p. m. . 7 p. ..45 : .80 . :SS . .54 . .M ..M It noon ...........46 I 8 p. m..MM....SO New York, April 8. The 88 dele gates elected in New York Tues day will go to Nicholas Murray But ler on the first ballot. After that they will scatter among the other candidates and the final resting place of, this big chunk of delegates is the cause of much speculation in political circles. The first ballot vote for Dr. But Jer will be merely a compliment to the New York man, who made the race as vice presidential candidate with Taft in the disastrous 1912 re publican campaign. Dr. Butler was then put on the ballot after the death of Vice President Sherman. Harding's Attitude. The consensus of opinion is that on the second ballot the majority of the New York delegation will be found divided between Pershing and Harding, with scattering votes go ing to Lowden, Wood. Sprout and Hoover. If Plrshing develops strength as the balloting proceeds he will gradually gather the New York delegation around him. John son is not expected to get any of the New York delegates, as he was badly defeated where he had can didates in the New York primary race. Considerable comment occurred here in connection with the with drawal of Senator Harding from the New Jersey primaries and the fur ther' announcement that he would confine his candidacy, in the pri mary way, to Ohio and Indiana. Harding men say that instead of withdrawing from the race on a confession of poverty the senator is pursuing the course which will appeal to the delegates sitting in (Continued on Pan Two, Colnmn Three.) Richmond, Cal., Shows Population Gain of 1 47 Per Cent In 10 Years Washington, April 8 Population statistics announced today by the census bureau included: . Brockton, Mass., 66,138; increase, 9,260, or 16.3 per cent over 1910. Auburn, N. Y., 36,142; increase, 1,474, or 4.3 per cent. Marshalltown, la., 15,731; increase, 2,357, or 17.6 per cent. Mephis, Tenn., 162,351; increase, 31,246, or 23.8 per cent Johnson City, Tenn., 12,442; in crease. 3,940. or 46.3 per cent. Vallejo. Cal., 16,853; increase, 5,513, or 48.6 per cent. Richmond, Cal., 16,843; increase, 10.041, or 147.6 per cent. Absinthe Creeping Back Into Use in Paris Cafes Paris, April 8. Absinthe, forbid den during the war, has recently been creeping back into the stocks of some cafes in this city and its consumption has assumed propor tions sufficient to attract the atten tion of the police. Great difficulty has been encoun tered in the past by those fighting the use of this liquor.i which is be ing served under various names, no one being able to give an exact definition of it. Government offi cials, however, have now developed a test which police officers can ap ply on the spot and if a drink shows the presence of absinthe all stocks of the beverages are confiscated and the Vendor is arrested. Army Transport Quarantined. Honolulu, April 8. The United States army transport Logan, bound from the far east to San Francisco, is quarantined here today, owing to measles, mumps and influenza, which have resulted in seven deaths. The transport will depart tomorrow. BROTHERHOOD MEN FROM OTHER POINTS HELPING Walkout Reported Spreading In Principal Cities From Coast To Coast Commerce Com mission May Take Hand. WHAT STARTED IT Chicago, April 8. John Gru nau, wh,ose "personal grievances" precipitated the present strike of railroad switchmen, is president of the outlaw," known as the Chicago Yardmen's association. Grunau, a yardmastcr, was con ductor on a work train operated by the Chicago and Northwest ern road. i Recently the company added a passenger car to the train, mak ing necessary the replacement of Grunau by a road conductor, offi cials say. Following his dis charge Grunau organized the Yardmen's association among switchmen who formerly were members of tlie Brotherhod of Railway Trainmen and called the local strike. Chicago, April, 8. The unauthor ized strike of switchmen and rail road engine men which started in the Chicago district and spread to day to several cities will be broken within the next 48 hours, A. F. Whitney, vice president of the" Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, and S. E. Heberling, international president of the Switchmen's Union of North America, predicted tonight. The strike situation in Chicago, showed some improvement during the day, but Whitney said that the traffic handled was still less than 50 per cent of normal. One thou sand brotherhood men from other cities have answered the call to come here as strike breakers, he added. The Railroad Managers' associa tion reported that more engines were operated today than at any ... time since the strike began., ' . "Strike Spreading, t ...... .... , . f Wniie conditions here showeu improvement, the strike was spread ing throughout the country from coast to coast Reports tonight summarize the situation as follows: Chicago 8,000 men out; freight traffic 30 to 40 per cent of normal; 40,000 packing plant workers thrown out of work with complete suspen sion of the plants, employing 50,000 men, in prospect tomorrow. , Buffalo 1,500 to 2,500 men idle; embargo on all freight in effect. Kansas City 200 to 500 men out; freight embargo in effect. Los Angeles 1,200 men employed by transcontinental lines on strike. Toledo 600 men out; complete freight tieup within 24 hours pre dicted. Detroit 1,000 men out and 500 more expected to follow tonight. Gary 300 to 400 idle; 350 B. of R. T. men vote to remain loyal to their union. East St. Louis 200 out, 5,000 in St. Louis vote to "resign" at mid night unless demands are granted. Decatur, III. 107 on strike, vote to stay out until demands granted. Joliet, 111. 50 on four roads strike; Chicago Outer Belt men re fuse to join walkout. Springfield,. 111. Baltimore and Ohio switchmen out. Colton, Cal. 50 Southern Pacific men quit; freight tied up. Cleveland 1,500 to vote tonight on strike issue. Sheridan, Wyo. Meh vote' to re main at work and send delegation to Chicago to aid in breaking strike. Niagra Falls Switchmen refuse to strike after listening to appeals from 50 Buffalo strikers. Elmira, N. Y. Yardmen of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western, New York Central and Lehigh Val ley ordered out. Pittsburgh 2,000 -Pennsylvania employes at Conway yards vote to strike at midnight if demands not granted. Memphis Yardmen on all but two roads entering the city vote to strike at 4 p. m. Friday if de mands not granted. Fort Wayne Strike of 3,200 Pennsylvania shopmen believed set tled. Strike had no conection with switchmen's walkout. Jersey City, N. J. Eric yard brakerr.en struck today. May Investigate Walkout. Washington, April 8. Congress took cognizance todaysof the strikes of railroad employes which, starting at Chicago, have spread to half a dozen cities from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Senator McCormick, republican. Illinois, introduced a resolution au thorizing the interstate, commerce committee to investigate the walk outs and to report on the causes and merits of the controversy. It was referred to the contingent expenses committee, which will recommend whether funds for the inquiry shoirld be voted. ( The resolution proposed an in vestigation of any existing strike of railroad employes not authorized by the leaders of the railroad workers' union. Senator Pomerene, democrat, Uluo, wanted to know whether the resolution would apply specifically to strikes reported today from Los Angeles, Buffalo and other cities. Senator McCormick said it would apply to all strikes in which the men "have disregarded the judgment ot their responsible leaders." ft