Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-03-23

close tomorrow. One thousand oftheir
employees had already been laid of on
account Of the Missouri-Pacifc strike,
and general closing down will cut of
the daily income of 1900 men.
REPLY TO Mr.. HoxIE's LETTER.
ST. LOUIS, Mo-, March 22.-The fol-
lowing was issued by the Knights Of
Labor at late hour tonight:
To the Pubic
A Statement in Reply to II. NJ. Hoxie's
Letter 70 the Governors Of Missouri
and Kansas
in response to the propositions con-
tanned in the note written to Mr.. Hoxie
by the Governors Of Kansas and Mis-
souri,, and also the reply Of Mr.. Hoxie
10 the Governors, We beg to
state First, that while in the
conference in Kansas City we were
sent for by the Governors, and out Of
respect for them q committee Was ap-
pointed OF the emplo yees of the Gould
roads only, which met with them, and
by request stated the cause Of the pre-
sent withdrawal of active labor from
the roads Of the Gould southwestern
system. On their suggestion these gen.
tlemen agreed to meet Mr.. Hoxie and
attempt a settlement if possible.
Ii was agreed, in Difference to
their wishes, that we should submit
to them all our grievances, under
standing that they would arrange
meeting between Hoxie and ourselves.
They desired permission to settle as
best they could, on an understand
ing that We would abide By their
decisions. To this we demurrsd,
unless we were first permitted to
pass upon the terms Of settle
ment. With this understanding we
consented to their interposition be-
tween Hoxie and ourselves. Hoxie
refused to receive delegation from the
employees or Knights of Labor, aud
the Governors received from Hoxie the
document published yesterday, which
was given to the press even before we
were permitted TO see it. Now, in JUS
tice TO ourselves and the truth Of his
tory, We desire to make the following
points back:
First. The interpositiol Of the Gov
ernors was voluntary on their part in
coming to Kansas City and seeking an
interview with our Board.
Second. We refused them the privi-
lege Of adjusting our differences or &C
cepting the terms of settlement without
first submitting them to this committee
for approval. notwithstanding which
they received Hoxie's propositions.
qualifications, and all, and turned them
over to the press and public before we
were even permitted TO see them.
In rendering this verdict the Governors
have bliDdly ignored the fact that the
obligations assumed in said circular al
that time took effect on all the roads
operated ard leased by said Missouri
Pacific, and was fully understood to sp-
ply; although, by oversight, but two
roads and States were mentioned there
in. Evidence is at hand that the strik-
irg employees Of that date we're up to
the day Of strike still working for less
pay than before the strike Of last year,
showing not restoration Of the
old pay. but really reduc-
ton or violation Of said circular
agreement. Evidence is at hand that
the bridgemen have been compelled to
work many hours overtime without re-
ceiving the agreed overtime pay. Evil
dence is at hand to prove that in order
to make it necessary 70 reduce the force
Of vorkmen, work has been sent to
contract shop and in one instance a
whole foundry sub-let in order to bring
the men under new superyision-thus
depriying the men Of the provisions ofthe
seIeement. All this was done to create
dissatisfaction and induce the men to
leave the company's employ, after
which other men were employed, and
always at reduced rates. Evidence is
at hand tina. whole gangs Of men have
been discharged, notwithstanding that
Hoxie agreed on May Is, ls85, that
rather than reduce the working force
he would reduce the hours. Every
effort TO have these men reinstated was
refused by the company, on the ground
that they were not covered By the
agreement, which agreement says
We will reduce the hours Of work
instead OF reducing the force, when
ever the necessity arises
The outrages on the Texas and Pa
cifc railroad are sought TO be made a
matter entirely out Of the range OF the
agreement. Men were out Of sheer
prejudice discharged without an effort
20 reduce the hours Of work. The re.
ceivers refused to comply with the
agreement Of the company Off.
Gals with the employees after
the institution OF the receivership.
notwithstanding they do not repudate
the other agreement Of said officials,
showing a clear intent to use the United
States courts and is officials for dis
honorable purposes. Il is charged By
HoXie in previous statements that the
agreement Of March Is, 1855, has been
violated by the employees. Said agree
ment Is published in the morning papers
Of March 22d. and we ask any intelligent
person TO read with care. and note if it
be possible for the employees to violate
any provisions Of said agreement. be
they ever so DESTROYS. and that for the
sole reason that il is an agreement on
the part Of the company to do certain
things, but requiring nothing Of the
employees.
But why should We say more: If
Mr. Uoxie cid not know that he was
guilty OF gross wrong and injustice
Why woald he refuse TO listen to our
evidence and hear our appeal for re-
dress: Why would be shelter himself
behind subterfuge: Why would he
refuse TO treat with the men be
has wronged, and with evasive
letters 10 the Governors, who
cannot enter into the merits
Of the controversy? The truth is
simply this Hoxie wants trouble he
has provoked it; he is still melting it
and making sn innocent public pay the
price Of his perfdy. How long will |
the public consent for Gould and
Hoxie thus to rule or ruin. We wait 20 |