The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-08-29
THE GREAT STRIKE.
Conference Between Wabash
officials and the Knights.
ASKING FOR TIME.
Another Conference to Be Held Before
Final Action Is Taken by the
Executive Board.

NEW YORK, August 26.-Gould Talmadge,
general manager of the Wabash Railway;
General Manager Hoxie Of the South
Western System and Captain Hayes, first
vice president of the Missouri Pacific Rail
road this afternoon received a delegation
from the Executive Board of the Knights
of Labor, which is here to effect a settle
ment OF the difficulties between the Wabash
and the Knights of Labor. From sources
near the railway men it is learned that
Gould informed the committee that the Off
cials OF the Wabash Railway were
NOT OPPOSED TO THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR
as an organization. They rather approved
it. The company had never offered such
proposition to the men as has been stated
in effect that they must break from the
Knights as condition OF employment.
The officials, Mr.. Talmadge speaking for
them, explained that when the new man.
agement began under the receiver many
changes were necessitated. Theleased lines
were got rid OF and expenses curtailed.
The failure OF the wheat crops had been
felt and constituted one cause for economy.
The committee suggested as means OF
settling the difficulty that all men en-
ployed since June 10th in the place OF the
union men be discharged and the old hands
be reinstated-those who had refused to
cut from the Knights as a condition to be-
ing taken back on June 18th, when the
shops were reopened. The shops mentioned
were those at Fort Wayne, Indiana; De-
catur and Springfield, Illinois: Moberly, St.
Louis and Sedalia, Missouri. The Execu-
tive Board OF Knights to-day urged that
the shops were closed on June 10th, opened
two days later, and then when
THE OLD HANDS APPLIED FOR WORK
they were refused unless they signed an
agreement to quit the Knights. About
1000 men refused and were locked out,
Others replacing them. The conference to-
day hinged here. If the officials would agree
to discharge those who took the places of
those locked out, all would be well. The
committee demanded an answer within
fifteen minutes, but the railway officials de-
clined such rapidity OF decision. and stated
matter and an answer given later on The
committee Of the Knights then departed.
Ex-Mayor T. s. Powderly of Scranton,
Pa, Grand Master Workman of the
Knights OF Labor, was seen at the Astor
House tonight. He gave the substance of
WHAT WAS SAID BY OFFICIALS
as above, adding that Mr..
Talmadge assured the committee that he
had not caused the discharge OF employees
because they refused to sever their con-
nection with the Knights OF Labor, and
that he had not given instructions to his
assistants to discharge men who refused TO
sign the agreement on June 18th. Pow
derly added: 'If necessary we can present
proofs that such orders came from head
quarters" The gentleman continued that
had asked for time in which to
consider the question, and said he would
not feel instified in acting while the road is
IN It's present cond1J1on, w1UnouJ consult
ing the officials why the men were dis
charged. 'We will hold another confer
ence, said Mr., Powderly, "when a reply is
expected from the Wabash officials to our
demand to reinstate l 900 men who were
ST. LOUIS, August 26.-The Wabash COM
mittee OF the railroad strikers have finished |
their labors here and will leave for home
tonight. 1t is intimated that an order is
from the executive committee OF
the Knights OF Labor, which may extend
The strike to all points west OF New York.