New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-10-27
4 TELEGRAPHIC STRIKE.
THE OPERATORS OF THE FRANKLIN TELEGRAPH
COMPANY DEMANDING AN INCREASE OF


THE OPERATORS OF THE FRANKLIN TELEGRAPH
COMPANY DEMANDING AN INCREASE OF
WAGES.
As the hands of Old Trinity's clock pointed to
noon yesterday the operators Of the Franklin Telegraph
Company No II Broads left their and in
augurated strike Their demand is for increase Of
Is per cent their present salaries which average about
81 900 per anuum EACH These salaries the claim,
are smaller than those paid by any other line, and en-
trely insufficient for the ordinary expenses OF living
The first portion Of their assertion is susceptible Of proof
for on Beary all other lines the wages range from 500 to
t25 per month, according TO skill and experience, al
though 1t said that the Western Union line hires
men at SIS. Soon after leaving their instruments
the operators appointed committee TO wait
upon Mr.. James Smith, the superintendent Of
the line. 10 confer with him relative
to terms OF agreement Mr.. Smith Informed the
committee that he was both ready and willing
aid the ia any way in his power but at the
promise to add to the salary each after the lst Of
November. such amount be considered him worth,
their ability varied greatly On the receipt this
intelligence few OF the men returned to their instru
ments The majority, however, withdrew from the
office, and within few moments, those who had
cepted MIR. Smiths proposition dndetnite as it wasl
joined them. At 1890 meeting Of the strikers
held, ana after some discussion 1t was resolved
TO hold out until definite and
satisfactory proposition should have been received from
the superintendent. In the meanwhile the OF the
principal offices Of the Franklin Line and later in the
afternoon was announced that the operators at Boston
those OF their NewYOrk brethren. At $3.50 another
meeting held when accessons the number OF the
strikers were received from the minor city Offices The
OF the strike had spread among the offices Of all the
lines In the city, and at the last meeting the strikers
encouraged by the presence Of represent
atiyes from the Western Union, the French Cable,
and the Bankers and Brokers' lines. These gentlemen
assured them Of the support OF all members OF the pro-
fesstOn, and urged them the necessity OF holding
their demands simply for the OF pecuni
AIRY motives, but for the maintenance OF grand princi
pie Mr.. De MOe presided at the meeting Mr. Mills Of
the Committee appointed to wait upon the Superntend-
reported that that gentleman had sCnihed his desire
TO make a satisfactory settlement OF the affair but had
insisted that. preliminary 10 any further negotiation
the men proceed TO their work ut once. When asked
whether he would grant the same terms to the Boston
strikers which he offered TO those In New-YOrk,
he replied that he would not; that he not
dealing with BostOnians hut NewYOrkeTs. The commit
fused behalf OF the strikers 20 return 10 work. and
had teegraphed the BOstOnans, cOnRratulang them
their prompt action and urging them TO maintain the
strike until their demands were compiled with. They
also pledged themselves that the New-YOrk operators
would hold out until the claims OF the Boston men were
admitted The representatives OF the outside lines prom
ised pecuniary well moral support TO the strike
well the Geographic fraternity generally, would not
accept employment In the Franklin line 10 the
detrneut OF the strikers After adopting resolution
setting forth their Intention 20 remain on strike
until their demands and those OF the Boston opera
tOrs were complied with the strikers adjourned The
and Philadelphia. During the day, II Is SAID the Supcrn-
tendent Of the line ordered the Philadelphia operators
this city TO I'LL vacancies, but tine order dis
Obcycd. The present indications that the strike will
become general over the whole line. aud perhaps even
QOr such Is the force Of exampe extend TO other lines