The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-01

AA0 IL Iva IL NV ASbsA
Freights Detained and New York Mer-
chants Anected-Pittsburga and Compel
ing Lines Overcrowded with Freights-
Meeting OF Engineers and Resoiute
Bearing-What the Omcers Say.
The eject of the strike OF locomotive engineers
out West begins to be felt in THIS city, ana there
can be little doubt that should 1t continue in
the same ratio for few days more the
effect on business here will be severe. This
will particularly be the case with produce
men ana those dealing in all manner OF natural
products OF which the great West is prolific, for
this is the season when Eastward bound freights
more numerous ana important than at any
other time of the year. The close OF the canals and
the impossibility OF forwarding wheat and corn In
any other manner except by way OF railroad has
given sudden impetus to the interest in this mat
ter which the railroad strike OF the engineers has
done much TO embarrass. The Westward bound
freights are by no means so important, and the
embarrassment felt in this direction Is compare
lively slight
1t was reported yesterday morning that the
continual trouble on the PENNSYLVANIA Central
road regarding freiehts was overlooking the other
trunk lines running TO tnis city-namey, the New
YORK Central and the Erie road. reporter OF
the HERALD sought Tor Information on the subject.
Colonel Gesslyn, the Freight Agent OF the road
man sand that ne did NOT think matters were SO
bad as reported Tor the Pennsylvania Central road.
There was no denying that the strike had caused
good deal OF trouble to the company, but IN great
part the matter had been settled.
THE PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY
had decided that on no account would II back
down from the position 1t had taken on the SUBJ
ject In reducing the wages Of the 10 per cent.
This reduction was found necessary and would be
adhered to. The matter had been arranged on
three ofthe nes-the Fort Wayne, the Plttsburg
and Erie and the Cleveland and Pittsburg-so that
Chicago the most important CITY, was open and
frelghts were going there as usual. The trouble
only renamed on the Pan Handle route, which
line he believed the strike would be ended Ia
few DAYS. As New Years Day interviewed, which
was not working day, IN any case the matter
might probably be arranged by the day after II
was not, at all events, possible That the
men should go on in the strike sufficient to
being employed every day In place OF the strikers.
and The trains were running with great regularity.
All the passenger trains were running through,
but the freight trains were delayed. The agent
showed the reporter copy OF despatch saying
that large quantities OF freight were lying in Pitts
TINS II was necessary TO clear TIE large NUMBER or
cars full OF freight on the Jersey Meadows. You
see" continued the Colonel, there has beena
LARGE ACCUMULATION OF FREIGHT
in Jersey CITY, and 1t IL expected the freight now
in Pittsburg will come through with such a rush
that 1t IL necessary the place should be prepared
tor it. great part OF 1t was on the way at pres
ent ana would be IN IN at i any moment as there
YESTERDAY the engineers belonging 10 Assoc,a.
ton No. So OF the Locomotive Engineers met in
secret session. Their meeting lasted Tor several
ever, appointed committee, which waited on
Superintendent Barker, Of the Pennsylvania Cen
tral, and had consultation with MIN.
AFTER THE CONSULTATION
q HERALD reporter saw Mr.. Barker ana he said
that he did not think the men would strike. though
the company was determined to adhere to the 10
per cent reduction. Mr.. Barker said that the de-
crease in freight business was very large during
the last three months and that Westward bound
freight had fallen on two-thirds. The Eastward
bound had remained good. 1t was expected that
the other woulo increase in volume about the mid
die OF January. Thus far the clerks in the CON-
pany had not complained Of the proposed reduc-
tiOn. The engineers were the only ones.
AMONG THE ENGINEERS
the feeling was bitter against the company, and
they denounced what they called the wealthy
mOnOpOlists who controlled the road and who
would grind the poor man into dust. The conduc-
tors were not much better satisfied. They were
going to remain, as they could not live without
their situations; but they said the business OF the
company was as large as ever and there was no
ustifcation for the reduction The trackmen re-
ceive 81 % per dav, and will also be cut down.
They are much affected by the reduction.
gentleman connected with the New York Cen.
trail road told the reporter yesterday that on the
Lake Shore road there was great blockade OF
Eastward bound freight caused by the fear that
freight sent by way OF the Pennsylvania road
would not reach Its destination. And the same is
true Of the Erie and Atlantic and Great Western,
which are all embarrassed by the trouble on the
Pennsylvania road. Merchants in this city are
getting also afraid Of shipping freight for lear 1t
viii not arrive safely or that IL viii be detained.