The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-01
THE E,LONGsHoRKMEv wILL STRIKE.
They Decline 90 Accept Any Compromise and
VIII stop Work To-day.

Loud expressions OF Indignation camo
simultaneously from nearly 1000 'longshore-
men, when tho Committee appointed to wait
upon tie agents OF the steamship lines ro-
ported the failure Of their negotiations to tho
mass meeting in Vnrick Hall last evening
I'VE called upon Mr.. Sanford. the Secretary
OF the combination. at 10 o'clock. ." began Chair
man Westman Of the Committee I'VE told
him that we could not work for the 25 cents per
hour. day and night. that had been offered. We
would starve. Tho old rates OF 80 cents per
hour for day work and I5 cents for night work
we assured him was little enough II a man
could work oil day and all night. 25 cents would
be enough. but human beings must sleep. and
consequently 25 cents an hour would not
insure us Il living. Mr.. Sanford said no
would try and effect compromise. He would
see the agents and let us know ut O'Clock. At
that hour he informed us that the ultimntum
arrived at was 2j cents per hour for day work
and 80 cents for night work. We argued and
protested. hut It WIS OF no avail. Then we said
we would not report such figures as these To the
meeting. because wa knew that they would not
be accepted. w" have judged il BEST however.
[ o present II to you. lust as II is."
Although MI seemed to consider q compromise
upon the basls Of 25 and 80 cents as out Of the
question. yet the majority OF tho meeting
seemed to be in favor Of n compromise OF some
kind. A motion to accept 30 cents per
hour for day. work and 45 cents. per
cents. day md night alike. For nearly
twenty minutes the Chairman endeavored
TO present the amendment to the meeting for n
vote. Shouts Of drrsion greeted him on each
occasion. When it was finally nut tho ayes and
nays seemed to ba about evenly divided. but
when a cnl Of hands was demanded those in
favor OF compromise upon thirty cents day and
night seemed 10 fear the reproHch"s Of their
comrades and hut one hand was raised.
Now" said the Chairman. before put the
original motion OF 30 cents per hour for day
work and 40 cents per hour for night work. let
me urge you to think well OF what you are about
TO do. Let no man say tomorrow that he did
not know what he WIS doing. that he did not
understand the motion. or that he was forced
into the thing. To you alone belongs the re-
sponsbility."
Then the original motion Of thirty cents and
fortN-nve cents was put and carried amid tu-
mnltuOus enthus sasm and applause.
To-day the strike will be begun. Those who
may bc able tn secure tn" old rates from the lines
OF steamers not in the combination will not be
molested hut all others will be urged to quit
work until the old terms are acccded to.
The 'lOngshoremen have determined to neil
th"r use nor cOuntpnance any violence. Per-
ter the meeting last n light II was decided to form
'IOngShOremen's Union. similar to that which
existed five years ago. Mr.. Edward Hogan WINS
elected temporary Chairman. and Michael Nc
Coy Secretary. Hundreds came forwari, signed
their names. and paid twenty five cents initia-
tion.
Should the strikers meet with the success they
anticipate. they predict that the following
steamers announced To sail on Saturday will be
delayed: City OF Richmond. Ohio, Circassa
and Mosel.
Superintendent Walling yesterday put 200
men, under the command OF Capt Gastlin. to
guard Pier a.. North River. during the coming
'longshoremen's strike An equal number was
and the reserves in all the stations were or
dered TO hold Themselves In readiness.