New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-05-02
SEVERAL THOUSAND MEN IDLE.
A GREAT STRIKE OF 'LoNGsHoREMEN.


GREAT STRIKE OF 'LONGSHOREMEN.
PROTESTING AGAINST A REDUCTION OF WAGES
A GENERAL STRIKE ALONG THE NORTH RIVER
THE FEELING AMONG THE MEN,
The notice issued by twenty steamship-linc man.
ayers that on and after May 1 they would not pay
for LOADING and discharging vessels more than 20
cents hour, day and night alike, resulted yester-
day in general strike by the 'longshoremen along
the North River. At the usual hour for work to
begin the laborers assembled at the wharves, ana
with no demonstrations they peaceably dissolved
in short time. 1t was noticeable that as
in former strikes, the men did not linger along
the river front frequent corner saloons nor ana
they interfere with those who were working at
lower wages. Each steamship dock was guarded
by detail of police, but their services were not
called for. The last general strike among the
longsnoremen was in 1874. when a. reduction was
made by the steamship companies from - to 30
cents an hour The present reduction is about one
sixth and the companies claim that the re-
duction in the cost of living is even greater
than when they were paying 40 cents for day
and co cents for night work. From 1868 to 1874
the pay of 'lOngshOremen was the same, except at
a short interval when they were paid so cents ut
night and 81 for Sunday work. When the strike
took place in 1874 there was a strong organization
with funds in the treasury, and the concession was
made only after n long struggle. during which
several men were killed. The strikers now have no
society and they arc without funds, which leads
the steamship managers to assume that the present
struggle will not last longer than Saturday night
The 1ongshoremen in mass-meetng on Wednesday
night refused to accept any reduction from the old
rate Of 80 cents an hour for day. and As cents for
night work. and yesterday morning nearly two
thousand laborers struck" leaving the steamships
TO be loaded and discharged by the crews, OF such
outside help as could be secured.
At Pier No. 20, where the Anchor Line Steamship
Circassia and two vessels laden with fruit lying
in ldition to the temporary laborers about fifty
weekly hands quit work. The dock was oyercrowded
with outward bound freight yesterday, and orders
were given early in the day not to accept any more
The Circassia was being discharged by the crews of
the Anchor Company's vessels. On the dock near
the fruit vessels was o large amount Of fruit, and
one Of the steamers was still full of perishable
freight. The Bermuda and Clyde Lines, though
among the signers to the schedule, continued
to pay 30 cents day and night. the excuse being
that there were four steamers that must be loaded
to sail during the present week, and that on and
after Monday next the 70 cent rate would be en-
forced.
From the Pacific Mail pier at the foot of Canal
ST., the steamer Acapulco sailed at p; m. The
before to work at the old rates. They worked
until a. m when the new rates we're enforced,
shin Line, Where 100 men are usually employed, no
men were working yesterday. Italians were en-
poyed on the Williams and Guion Line. The
steamer Wyoming will sail on Tuesday II the cargo
is loaded. Twenty-Five Italians were wheeling
coal and the ships crew vas ,,n engaged In In
CITY of Richmond was being loaded by
about seventy-fve green hands. They were paid
the new, rates, and were, giving satisfaction.
One hundred men went on stike In the morning.
At the uptown pier of the Anchor Limo the mer.
chandse arrived very rapidly during the day and
completely blocked the passage ways. Nearly 100
men went on strike in the morning. Forty men
usually received stated amounts weekly. but some
left their work either through fear OF violence or
that they would aid eventually In reducing their
own wages Twenty men were at work, some of
whom were new hands at the reduced rates. At the
White Star Line there was no strike.
FEELING AMONG THE MEN.
Nearly all the men strike gathered in little
knots along the river front throughout the day. In
the lower part of the city the streets compare
lively deserted, most of the men going to their
homes Above Canal-st., however, the streets were
thronged The men ounged about, but they made
no attempt to go on the docks. The men were
good natured and were confident that the old rates
of psy would be restored. whats the idea OF
having hundred policemen hanging around here
to watch us !" said stalwart freshman, who seemed
to be the leader of gang of the strikers near
Canal-st. If can't get decent rates in decent
way, we might as well stop right here There Is no
need of buldozing us with blue coats brass but
tons and big clubs"
Tie men all talked very earnestly about the JUS
tice of their demands When ole was asked for his
opinion score OF other strikers would come to his
rescue and all wanted to talk ut once SAID
If our employ ment like that of other laborers,
we could work for 80 cents an hour and live de-
Gently But how many hours a day can we earn the
80 centsf Perhaps four OF five hours one day, two
or three the next, and then remain idle for half q
week. In this we have got TO earn more money
in one hour than an ordinary laborer, In order TO
make up for lost time. Now the companies wanted
to compromise with us by offering 80 cents for
night work. This would very just to one who
don't understand the system. We very rarely ever
work at night and get the additional rate OF pay.
The companies that all the work is done in the
day time. if 1t possible. Why don't they accept
our proposition to work for 80 cents an hour day
and night 1t takes very little calculation to
learn that the wages not sufficient to
support family. The work is very hard-there is
probably no other work in. this country more la
borous-and We have to get enough to eat or else
we will be SICK"
The steamship lines which have been paying 80
cents an hour aud have decided upon a reduction of
D cents, are the Anchor, Atlas, Bermuda Bristol,
Clyde, Trans-AtlantIqu., Williams d Guon, Hull,
Ininan, National Pacific Mail. Red Star, Savannah,
State, and White Star. The Rotterdam and Alex
andre Lines still paying 30 cents, awaiting the
result of the strike to put the new schedule Ill
force.
men V4TER IN NEU-ENELAND