New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-19
ATTITUDE OF THE OPERATORS.
EXPRESSING READINESS TO sTRIKE--NOT PLEASED
WITH THE CoMPASY's COURSE.

| EXPRESSING A READINESS TO STRIKE-NOr PLEASED
| WITH THE CoMPASY's COURSE.
The operators were In a state OF feyersh excite
ment Yesterday and as early as 10 A. IN. the night
| men and those day men who were not at work
gathered in the Office Of The TtcgrapkerS Adroodtc
No. 10 Cortlsndtst.. and in front of the Western
| Union Telegraph Company, where they eagerly
picked up the latest Information IN regard to the
probable action of the company aud the movements
OF their committee. Tbey talked together in low
tones, and in nearly every instance lapsed into
silence on the appearance OF any stranger They
had evidently been cautioned against talking. and
were very chary of expressing opinions.
The committee went into secret session at 10
a. H. and up to late hour last night not a member
had left Parlor No. l in the Maintain Hotel.
Even their meals wero served IN the ROOM All
efforts to sec any member OF the committee were
unsvalng. A request sent IN by n TRIBUNE re-
porter was answered by a reference TO Mr. Hum
stone. When asked IL they intended to hold a
conference with the committee appointed 10y the
Western Union Company, or whether they intended
making an effort TO see the gentlemen composing
that committee. roply returned that they bad
no statement to make 20 the press and that at the
proper time all proper information would be given
to the public. Messenger BOYS were passing con-
stantly in and out of the room where the session
was being held.
While there was considerable excitement among
the they conducted themselves quietly and
were enthusiastic the prospects of successful
issue of tho impending fight. and without an excep-
ton seemed determined TO abide by tho decision OF
the committee, whatever it may be-
READY To STOP WORK.
Inquiry was made at number Of the branch
Offices of the Western Union Company in different
parts Of The city. All the operators were mlmen-
tarily In expectation of the order TO stop
work and were ready to do 80
at moments notice. They seemed to be
rather disappointed when IL O'clock passed without
the signal being received. The men az the head
quarters in Cortandtst were generally woll-
dressed; they chatted and joked over tho prospect
OF a strike as il it every day occurrence.
night man remarked that he was afraid to go near
the Office tonight tor fear 1t would be pulled"
There Is noticeable lack of drunkenness among
the men. They have. 1t Is said, been instructed
by tho Brotherhood not to touch Intoxicating
liquors while the trouble is in progress, and the
instructions are in every case obeyed.
John Mitchell. OF The icle0rap hers Adrocdte said:
"This talk of the company about filing the places
OF tho men without difficulty is largely BLUM. There
is hardly q good Operator now out OF
employment This is tho busiest sea-
son of tho year with them. The summer-resorts
offices give employment to u large number The
condition Of tho hooks IN the Western Union
operating room will show the state OF business.
They seem to lay u good deal of stress on being able
TO yet the help of operators who are In other
branches of business You may set 10 DOWN rs GER
tam that no man who IL making living at any
other business will 90 back to the Western Union
Company. Being half fed, with froedoei. IL much
preferable TO a chance OF being half fsd with sa-
very added. The statement is also mode that we
can't depend on tho railroad men because they arc
under bonds. A largc number Of railroad men arc
members of the brotherhood aud will quit work ut