davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
THE COMMITTEES INSTRUCTIONS.
The Strike Ordered by a Delegate Conven
ton Months Ago

The Strike Ordered by Delegate Conven-
ton Months Ago.
WASHINGTON, July 19.-At the same time
the letter to General Eckert was drawn up it
was communicated to the Brotherhood-be-
fore o'clock this morning-by means of the
ordinary cipher. The executive committee of
the Brotherhood has not the autocratic au-
thority attributed to them. They have been
acting within the instructions which were
formulated by the convention of delegates
held some months ago in Washington. The
only discretion to be exercised by them pre-
vious to inaugurating the strike was in the
matter of the date on which the bill of griev-
ances should be presented to the companies
and this discretion was limited to the time
between June Is and Aug. 15 The paper
would have been presented on the 18th inst.
but for the reason that the day was Sunday
The following day, Monday 10th, was accord
lngly selected. 1t was part of The instruc-
lions OF the executive committee that in
case the demands of the Brotherhood were
not conceded within forty-eight hours after
presentation of the bill of grievances, a
strike should follow. 1t was contemplated
that notification to this effect should accom-
pany the document, but the committee we're
more conservative than their instructions,
and no threat nor limitation of time for
reply accompanied it. After the strike
should begin, however, the entire manage
ment of it was vested in the executive COM
mittee They have power to order its dis
continuance if they deem it advisable, and
such order will be oheyed. Nothing else
will end the strike except the disintegration
of the Brotherhood.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Cleveland

is constantly filling vacancies at the operat-
ing tables, accepting all business as present
ed, and expects to be in the usual working
condition within twenty-four hours. The
American Rapid Office is closed to BUSINESS.
The Mutual Union force not affected. The
Western Union Company, by making a tenn
porary draft ON other departments, has more
operators at work tonight than is customary,
and handles all business presented where it
has connections. Most of the old operators
living here, who were in the strike of 1869,
are working the keys tonight, some remain
ing in their own places and Others volun-
teering to take the place of strikers. Only
two who were in that strike are in this.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

Ohio, one in the American Rapid, and none
in the Mutual Union. The number of men
who came out IS as follows: Western Union,
sixty-seven; American Rapid sixteen; Balti-
more e Ohio, seven; Mutual Union, four.
The Western Union are receiving business as
usual, and Manager Lloyd says that beyond
the delay there will be no interruption. He
claims that within the next twenty-four
hours the force will be increased materially.
The Baltimore e Ohio is also receiving while
the Mutual Union and American Rapid are
rufusing everything, including United Press
matter. The strike created great excitement,
and the street in front OF the telegraph Of
fees was thronged ali day.
A 10 o'clock tonight the force at work at
the Western Union had been increased to thir-
ty-two operators and the manager said he
would have several more tomorrow. In the
Baltimore & Ohio Mutual Union and Amer
fcan Rapid offices there WIS no change, and
all except the Baltimore & Ohio were reeum-
ing business.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
BALTIMORE.
The Superintendent Thinks All Business
Can Be Managed.

The Superintendent Thinks All Business
Can BE Managed
BALTIMORE Jul, 19.-At the main Office of
the Western Union Company eleven of the
day force left. 1t is not yet known how many
have left the branch offices. At 1:30 P. NJ.
there were twelve operators at work in the
main Office, and the superintendent is of
the opinion that he can call in a sufi
number, probably twenty in all, to
handle all messages coming in.
In the B. & o. eight operators are at work,
and their lines are kept open at points along
the line of the B. & 0. These operators are
receiving railroad matter, but refusing all
commercial business.
When the strike took place at the Corn
and Flour Exchange, business was immedi-
ately suspended, and as the men walked from
the instruments of the Western Union and
the Baltimore e. Ohio offices, there was an
open manifestation OF sympathy from the
members of the exchange.
From the American Rapid nine men left,
leaving few female operators.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
WASHINGTON.
Ten Men of the Day Force Vacate Their
Places-The Offioe Not Seriously Crippled

Ten Men of the Day Force Vacate Their
Places-The Offioe Not Seriously Crippled.
WASHINGTON, July 49, l P. NJ. to-day
ten men OF the Western Union Telegraph
Company's day force in the Washington Of
fee had stopped work. Nine were yet in the
Office but Manager Whitney was not sure all
would remain, but he hoped they would.
Nearly all the members of the night force
are congregated on the sidewalk at or near
the Office. The members of the Brotherhood
connected with the Baltimore e. Ohio COM
pany are out, as well as those of the Rapid
company. An active officer of the Brother
hood is authority for the statement that no
strike is to be apprehended from operators
working wires leased By brokers, newspapers
or private individuals, whore such operators
are employed and paid by lessees, unless an
attempt is made by the Western Union COM
pany to utilize these operators in handling
matter not connected with the business Of
such private firms. An authoritative state
ment from q striker representing the case
from their standpoint, Is premeditated, and
will probably be given out this Afternoon.
Manager Whitney says he has sufficient force
to handle all business Offering thus far, and
is confident Of being able to continue TO
handle If.
Nine OF the day force in the Western
Union maiE Office worked through the day,
and it is understood five of these promised
to return TO work tomorrow, Nearly all, il
not all the branch offices are closed this
afternoon. Three members of the regular
night force, beside Night Manager Young
reported for duty tonight, and the manager
i.as other assistance, but what it is cannot be
sscertained. The day and night force of the
Western Union main office consists Of about
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
ST. LOUIS.
Business Moving Forward with Almost It's
Usual Celebrity.

Business Moving Forward with Almost It's
Usual Celebrity.
ST. LOUIS, July 19-Fifty-four of the
seventy-fve operators of the day force on
duty in the Western Union telegraph office
left their instruments promptly at 10 O'clock
New York time, quietly left the building
and marched in procession to The hall which
they will make their headquarters during
the strike There was no special manifesto
tions OF feeling on the part of the operators
as they filed out of the Office, but several of
the older employees OF the company evidently
LETT with much regret OF the number who
abandoned their posts, about one-half were
women and girls Those who did not join
the strikers quietly renamed at their in
struments, and in ten minutes the furry
was over and the Office was again ready for
business. the force now in the Office num-
bers about fifty aud business is moving with
reasonable celebrity to all the chief trade cen
ters of the country, excepting New Orleans,
which has not yet been heard from. Fully
sixtytive operators can be mustered here for
work. and this office may be>rega rGed as well
manned and able to transact all business Of
fered
OF the regular night force of thirtv-three
operators employed in this office, only seven
reported for duty this evening but notwith-
standing this. the Office is more than fully
manned, there being upwards of forty oper-
ators at work tonight and all classes of bust
ness is moving with the usual promptness
Manager Brown SAYS that so far as St Louis
is concerned, the strike is failure. All the
vacancies made by the strikers have been
filed and he really hss more operators than
he can use. As proof of this, he cites the
fact that two first-class operators were sent TO
Chicago tonight, and more can be sent if
needed
On the other hand, the strikers apnear
hopeful and buoyant. NJ. D. Shaw, secretary
of the executive committee of the Brother
hood, said that fifteen more operators went
out this noon than he expected. and that a
number were initiated into the Brotherhood
this afternoon.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

twenty men each. When the day force
went off duty the wires were
nearly clear, only about fifty messages re-
manning on file AT the American Rapid
on duty, and six men have struck.
A telegraph operator, who announces him
self as one of the officers of the local organi-
cation OF the Brotherhood, and authorized
TO speak officially, communicates the follow
ing information.
The rumor which was spread abroad soon
after the strike began, that a fslse announce
ment of the death of General Grant was the
signal for the operators to strike, is untrue;
the order to strike was prepared last night"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, July 19.-The telegraph OPP
orators here all struck at IL o'clock, New
York time. The Baltimore g. Ohio office Is
deserted, Of over thirty in the Western
Union four remained, but five additional
have already been secured, and more will
come this afternoon. The Western Union
say it will transact all necessary business
The situation as regards the striking oper-
ators remains unchanged The Western
Union main Office is the only one in the city
open tonight some ten operators having
been secured. Business was seriously cramped
this afternoon, and the bucket-shops and
commission men will close till Monday.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
The Talk About Securing New Men


New York Special.
John Mitchell, of the Telegraphers Advo-
cate, said: "This talk OF the company about
filling the places of the men without diff
Guilty is largely bluff There is hardly good
operator DOW out of employment. This is
the busiest season of the year with them,
the summer resort offices giving employ
ment to large number. The condition of
the hooks in the Western Union operating
room will show the state of business. They
seem to lay good deal of stress on being
able to get the help of operators who are in
other branches of business A large number of
railroad men are members OF the Brother
hood and will quit work at the signal. So far
as the bonds are concerned, only ticket-sell-
ers are under bonds. and that only for their
duties as ticket-sellers. Their bonds would
not be affected in the least by refusal to
handle Western Union business. There is
not Weakened member of the Brother
hood. When the signal is given, if it should
be necessary to give it, every one whether in
the city or country, will cult work, that is
certain. The company can no more depend
on the country men to help than it can on
the city men,"
GLOW many men are going out?' said re-
porter 10 an operator,
"Well, | should say that in case strike is
necessary at least 1900 operators will quit
work"
VIEWS OF A FORMER STRIKER.
An official, who is a good practical OPP
orator, and who is thoroughly conversant
with the movements of the Brotherhood,
said: THE operators are a pretty level
headed lot of fellows, and they are not going
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Atlantic CITY.

ATLANTIC CITY, n. j., July 1a-Robert
Garrett, of the Baltimore &c Ohio Railroad
Company, left here by special car at this
morning. He had no conference with the
committee Of telegraph operators. Operators
who were to have arrived last night having
missed connecting trains, Garrett telegraphed
he would meet them in New York.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
BEFORE THE STRIKE.
Scenes in the Western Union Operating
Room ON Wednesday.

Scenes in the Western Union Operating
Room ON Wednesday.
New York Special.
Hundreds of people in Broadway watched
the falling of the time-ball on the Western
Union building to-day, and awaited the de-
parture from the building of the hundreds
of men employed there, but no unusual cir
cnmstance occurred, the traffic of the office
went on through the open doors of the base
ment, and blue-coated messenger boys few
hither and thther.
The scene in the Western Union operating
room as the hour of II O'Clock approached
was interesting. Few seats were vacant at
the tables. which cover the gallery and main
floor of the great room in the seventh story,
which extends on the Dey-street side to the
entire depth of the building. Each table is
quartered by intersecting glass partitions and
equipped with instruments for four operators
In the northeastern corner of tine room are
the automatic Wheatstone instruments of
English invention, with which the Western
Union IS experimenting, and at many Of these
young women are working, receiving the
other operators say, no salary until they be-
come expert in the use of the instrument.
The entire number of operators at work
was 473, of whom 100 we're women nearly all
young. Nineteen Wheatstone operators
were ct work. Messengers moved rapidly
back and forth between the tables and the
great crane-like pneumatic tubes which
arch above an inclosed space on the north
side of the room. A decided uneasiness be-
came evident among the operators as II
o clock approached Many faces were turned
toward the entrance, and every person who
entered or departed was closely scrutinized.
The operators cast frequent glances toward
the clocks and toward each other. The
minute hand slowly moved up to u clock,
and tile time-ball out on the tower OF the
building fell. 1t was apparently the signal
for a discordant chorus of steam whistles.
The operators remained quietly in their
seats, and the smile which many faces wore
did not for moment interrupt business.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Kansas CITY.

KANSAS CITY, July 19.-At the signal given
at II o'clock, at the Western Union office
thirty-one operators of the day force quit
work and twenty remained, of whom nine
are women. Six of the night men reported
for day duty, and four extra men were also
obtained
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
The Attituae OF one company.

Interview with Mr. Terry.
The committee will meet tomorrow, and
ii any of the companys operators shall pre-
sent complaints in regard to pay or hours of
service, the committee will consider them
carefully. do not know that there exists
any cause of complaint but if it should be
shown that there is anything wrong in the
service, the committee will do its utmost to
correct and remedy it. We are not COM
mittee of conference, however, and shall
have nothing to do with the self-styled com
nittee of telegraphers. If the employees of
the Western Union company appear before
us. they will obtain an impartial hearing,
but we have nothing to do with outsiders
This committee of telegraphers is composed
of outsiders of whom the company know
nothing at all. Two or three of them only
are in the service of the company. As to the
probabilities of strike | can say nothing,
because l really know nothing about
it. | think the operators will make a
great mistake if they do strike. They
have overrated their strength, but appa-
renty do not realize the fact. This whole
movement is merely an exaggeration of an
imaginary grievance, an agitation outside
the company and not within it. and, more
over tainted with Wall street speculation.
Oh, no; have no absolute reason for en- ter
tanning that suspicion, and 1t was not even
suggested at the meeting to-day; but the
movement certainly originated outside of the
Western Union Company. Ii "a strike should
take place. the first step of the company,
suppose would be to close a hundred offices
in this city. There are in all 125 offices.
This would result in some inconvenience to
the public of course but the reduction of
the branch offices would be made SO as to dis
turb customers as little as possible. 1t
would relieve the company greatly, however,
and cause little delay in the transmission OF
I think, in all the large cities One result
of strike would be to remove from the
company lot of worthless timber which has
been kept in the service for one reason or
other. l hope, however, that there will
be no strike for the telegraphers will GER
tainly be defeated.
A prominent member of the executive
committee said after the meeting I'VE will
not make a general advance of per cent.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

The above statement gives a total member
ship of $780, but since it was made large in
creases in membership have been reported,
and the membership at the present time is
close on to 1900. This includes railroad
telegraph operators, who of course will
strike along with the commercial operators.
But the railroads will not be affected by the
strike, as the operators are simply making a
strike against the telegraph companies. The
railroad operators, although they will re-
main at their posts, will not handle any of
the commercial WORK OF the Western Union
or other companies.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
PRESS COMMENT.
Expressions of Editorial Opinion Concern
ing the Strike.
A PROLONGED STRIKE BLESSING.

PROLONGED STRIKE BLESSING.
Evansville Tribune.
Instead of a prolonged strike of telegraph
operators being calamity it would be a
blessing to both the people at large and the
operators. 1t would create a sentiment in
favor of placing the telegraph business of the
country under the control of the govern
ment, where it rightfully belongs. II eff
Gent telegraph service is so essential to &
healthy condition of business, common sense
demands that the telegraph system of the
country be placed beyond the reach of
strikes. Ii telegraph operators were employees
of the government, they would receive bet.
thought of. Many of the leading news
papers are coming ont strongly against
what they call the unreasonable demand OF
the operators, and are trying to scare them
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

TOLEDO, O., July 19.-The telegraphers'
strike involves all but six of the Western
Union operating force here. The men retired
from the Offices simultaneously with those at
other points, and without demonstration of
any kind. Their places were partially sup
piled with little delay. and business has been
kept moving without serious interruption.
The railroad offices are not affected.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
PHILADELPHIA,

PHILADELPHIA, July 19-The telegraph Of
fee was not entirely depleted, and small
force which has been somewhat increased by
a call upon some of the members of the night
force, is now at work. Superintendent Zeud-
lin stated that the office is now able to trans
act business fairly we'll. if there is a force OF
proportionate size at other places
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Worcester, Mass.

WORCESTER, Mass, July 19.-All the men
in the Western Union office, with single
exception, struck. All the men in the Rapid
Office struck
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

New HAVEN, July 19.-Three of the best
operators of the Western Union Telegraph
Company struck at noon, but by closing the
branches in the city, the main Office has suf-
ficient operators for ordinary business. All
the Rapid companys operators not belonging
to the Brotherhood are at work. but are in
structed to refuse all messages for New
York
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Boston,.

the Western Union telegraph office in this
city now consists of about fifty operators,
com prising officials, clerks office boys who
have been pressed into the service and two
operators who did not join the strikers,
-Four wires are in operation between Boston
and New York, and Some business is being
done over other Nav England wires.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

AUGUSTA. Ga, July 19-Fourteen Western
Union operators struck to-day, at noon, in
GLIDING two number clerks. Five available
men are at the keys. The branch-office
operators up town at the Planters Hotel are
also gone. All quiet and orderly.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Toronto.

TORONTO, Jaly 19.-About sixty operators
and clerks in the Great Northwestern Tele-
graph Company's office here struck at noon
to-day. There is disaffection also at other
points along the lines. The vacated situa-
tions are being rapidly filled.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

even, to say nothing of Is per cent The
subcommittee was appointed to correct any
irregularities which might exist, but as to
general advance not farthing will we give.
Why, there is an army OF operators gathering
now. They are coming from everywhere"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
AT oTHER POINTS.
Employees of the Providence Office Decline
to Engage in a Strike.

to Engage in a Strike.
PROVIDENCE R. l., July 19.-Every man of
the Providence Western Union office is at his
post and will remain there. Business is be-
ing forwarded to all offices, excepting the
larger cities, with the usual promptness. The
usual commercial news for the Board of
Trade is received, and communication is had
with all offices, but business is necessarily
somewhat suspended.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

MILWAUKEE, July 19.-About sixty OPP
orators struck here, leaving Manager Weller
and his four chiefs at the wires, All quiet
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

DETROIT, July 19.-The majority of the
telegraph operators of the Western Union
Office in this city at 1880 A. M. quietly left
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

CHATTANOOGA, July 19.-At $50 P. NJ. two
operatives out of thirteen employed here no.
tilted the manager that they would cease
work Business is going ahead unimpeded.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
PITTSBURG.
No interruption of Business Save Little
Delay in Dispatching.

A10I'1J
PITTsBURe, July 19,-The telegraphers
strike was inaugurated at 11:47 this morning
At given signal every member of the
Brotherhood quitting work and coming out
of the several Offices formed procession and
marched to headquarters, where a meeting
was held. A canvass of the Offices few min
utes later found fifteen men at work in the
Western Union, three in the Baltimore e.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
THE BROTHERHOOD.
List Showing the Distribution of the Mem
bership.

OUInIleTClaI,
The telegraph companies will have to con-
tend with one of the most powerful organiza-
tons in the country, which will be seen by
the following table showing the full strength
of tho RrotharhOOd.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20
Petersburg, Va,

PETERSBURG, Va, July 19.-Only one oper-
ator in the Western Union Office went out,
and work goes on as usual.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-20

their desks. A small force remained, which
is disposing of the business in the best man
ner possible under the circumstances.
New-York tribune., 1883-06-05
BROADWAY And 19TH-ST.

TSOR SALE on 73d-st., between I'd and Isl
ayes-Three full lots ready for improvements ApPv
~ d r. LYDDY 8 East 16thst or 200 Broadway