The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
CHICAGO.
Forty Operators Remain with the Com
pany-No Serious Delay Expected.

Forty Operators Remain with the Com
pany-No Serious Delay Expected.
CHICAGO, July 19.-At II o'clock, Wash
ington time, the main body of the army OF
operators in the Western Union Office in this
city went out on their strike. 1t is estimated
that more than one hundred operators
went out. There was some cheering as they
filed out, but nothing boisterous. Outside
the building great crowd had gathered to
witness the departure of the operators and
there was some cheering as the head Of the
column of strikers made its appearance. The
operators at once marched from the scene to
the headquarters of the union, to deliberate.
When the operating-room had been cleared,
it was found that forty operators were still
at their desks, exclusive of twenty-one chief
operators and officials. The full effect of the
strike cannot be stated at this wiring, as
there is natural confusion anticipated by
| the officials, growing out of the large exodus:
but it is expected the Office will be in fair
working condition by nIghtfall. The Wheat
stone system of the company is in full oper-
alton, by which all New York business can
be taken care of. Colonel Clowry has adj
vices to the effect that the Omaha ST. Louis
and Cincinnati offices are in fair shape, and
will be able to work along with reduced
forces.
Shortly after the strikers had left the
building, the operators from the outside be-
gan to make their appearance in the operat-
Ing room, and were given places. The
officials now confidently assert that, with the
force now at their command, and with a GER
tain prospect of new men, the public bust
ness can be handled without serious friction
5P. M.-The situation i'll this city growing
out OF the strike of telegraphers showed no
material change as the day wore on, save that
the working force in the Western Union
office became gradually enlarged, and
men were busy at the keys
The night force had not vet
reported for duty. and the officials had no
data to guide them in estimating the number
which would remain loyal to the company
None of the chief operators abandoned their
posts, and no one holding official or sub-offi-
clal rank in the Chicago Office went out with
the strikers. Viewing the situation from the
standpoint OF the great strike of 1870, when
every operator quilted the Office, Col. Glow
ry IS confident the company has already car
ried its point, and that the strikers will be
disoomtitted. Superintendent Clowry had
also received advices from St Louis. Omaha
Cincinnati, indianapolis, Cleveland, Mime
appolIs and San Francisco, which indicated
an almost similar condition of affairs,
and thar all these main distributing
points will be able to handle the business
WlIhOub any u6idy. Inc auQlLlOQS
to the working force in this city mainly came
from outlying country towns
The b. & O. Company was badly crippled
by assertions from its office, and made no
attempt to transact business during the day.
During the afternoon the striking mem
bers of the Brotherhood held meeting at
their hall, but transacted little business, the
time being consumed in hearing reports from
outside districts. The strikers claim to be
confident the company will have to accede
to their demands, and contend that while the
company is making show of having force
on hand it is made up largely of unskilled
men, who cannot care for the business prop
erly-
AT the railroad Offices everything went
along MS usual, all employees remaining at
their posts. All the hotel offices are closed,
and persons making inquiries are directed to
the principal Office of the telegraph compa-
NY No disturbances of any nature growing
out of the strike, were reported during the
day.