Daily Kennebec journal., 1883-07-21
The Strike.
NEW YORK.

New YORK, July l9. At noon today, 450
operators of both sexes were at work in the
main operating room of the Western Union
company, and the busy clicking of the instru-
ments was going on without break. Mes
sage after message was received and sent
with rapidltv that is born of long experience
and noted deftuess Eleven minutes after
ward the scene changed in an instant, and
with a precision which showed that the prin-
cipal actors in the change were prepared for
it. The signal was given by prolonged
screech from small pocket whistle sounded
by Mr.. Frank Phillips, one of the operators.
The effect was instantaneous. Hardly had
the shrill echo died away, when the rattle of
the telegraph apparatus ceased. there was a
moment OF silence, and then came cheer
which made the rafters ring. With a vigor-
Gus hand claspirg and waving of handker-
chiefs, the operators began to move toward
the exits. The human scream went down
the stairs to the street below, where a crowd
gathered. All were exultant, enthusiastic,
satisfied They remained but little while
before the entrance to the building on Broad
way, dispensing within few minutes after
they had grouped themselves. All told,
about 400 operators left the place, and among
them were many young girls. This move
ment on the part of the employees was evil
IDENTIFY no surprise to the Western Union of
ticers, and they hastened to press into SER
vice the resources they had been for some
time irving to accumulate against just such
a calamity as they were now called upon to
face.
CHICAGO.
CHICAGO, July l9.-At IL O'Clock the main
body of the army of operators in the Western
Union Office in this city went out on their
strike. Promptly to the stroke of the clock.
keys were closed and half sent messages
were left uncompleted. 1t is estimated that
100 employees went out, and among the num-
ber were fifteen or tw enty female operators.
There was some cheering as thay went out
but nothing boisterous. Outside of the build
ing and in front of the chamber of commerce.
which stands opposite, great crowds had
gathered to witness the departure of the op-
orators, and there was some cheering. The
crowds on the street soon melted away, as
the operators at once marched from the scene
to the he adquarters of the union to deliber-
ate. When the operating room had been
cleared, it was found that forty operators
were still at their desks including 2l chief
operators and officials. Shortly after the
strikers had left the building, operators from
the outside began to make their appearance
in the operating room and were given places
The situation in this city growing out of the
strike of the telegraphers, showed no mater
ial change as the day wore on, save that the
working force in the Western Union office
became gradually enlarged. 90 men being
busy at the KEYS at 5 o'c'ock in the afternoon.
At that hour the night force had not vet re-
ported tor duty. and the officials had no data
to guide them in estimating the number that
would remain loyal to the company. None
of the chief operators abandoned their posts
and n q holding Ofneial or hot c,a al
rank in the Chicago Office went out with the
strikers.
WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, July 10, lSS3-The strike
here outside of telegraph men and cores
pondents having relations with them was
general surprise, as the dispatches from
New York have been misleading in under
rated the prospects of a serious strike. The
order came from Pittsburg at FIVE O'Clock
this morning. That is the headquarters of
the brotherhood. The executive committee
in New York was in session nearly all night,
and the result was sent TO Pittsburg towards
morning. When it reached here the COM
mittee of operators at once sent messengers
to Baltimore aud Alexandria to communicate
it at those points. The strike here is almost
universal. The Rapid Telegraph lost nearly
every man. The Baltimore and Ohie has
two and manager, and the Western Union
four chiefs and FIVE operators. All business
is accepted at the risk of those who file it.
At o'clok, p. NJ, the Washington office
could not call an office outside of the CITY.
The feeling here among the operators is verv
strong. They are probably better located
here in the Western Union than in anv large
office in the country. The men like the
manager and his assistants. and the fact that
they are enthusiastic supporters of the strike
is significant indication. The government
business will not at present be interfered
with. The railroads will also remain undis-
turbed, unless the telegraph companies at.
tempt to force their own work on the railroad
operators. The returns here, which are not
given to the public, show a much more Sc
rioas situation than the companies acknowl-
edge.
LEWISTON, BANGOR AND Barn.
Lewiston telegraph convenience are no.
much cramped by the strike. Both the
Western Union and the Mutual Union are
receiving messages. No danger is appre
hended at present of any stoppage to business.
A number of assistant operators have with
drawn from work, but the manaRers are ~
work. The railroad Offices are as work a.