The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-13
A QUICKLY ENDED STRIKE.
Local Switchmen Agree that They Had
No Grievance for Quitting Work,
And the Strike, Therefore, Is Declared at an
End-The Brick-Layers Determine to Stay
Out Awhile Longer-Labor Notes.

The striking switchmen, to the number Of
forty, held meetings, yesterday afternoon and
evening, at Emerald Hail. At the afternoon
meeting no positive action was taken, though
there was q long discussion of the trouble be-
tween the strikers and the Vandalia At the
evening meeting it was finally agreed to return
to work tonight if the yardmasters will take the
men back. statement was drawn up, to be
presented to the yardmasters to-day. It
sets forth that the men desire to
return to work, that they acknowl-
edge themselves to have been in the wrong and
that there was no grievance against any of the
roads except the Vandalia, and the only one
against that road was the employment OF the
''scabs'' from st. Louis. Committees of one
from among the strikers from each yard were
appointed to present the statement to the yard
masters to day. Pending the vote on the
adoption of this measure there was lengthy
debate, some being opposed to this action. 1t
was argued In behalf of this step that the
strike could not now be made effective, because
the organization was not sufficiently extensive
and strong. Moreover the strike had not been
authorized by the switchmen's organization. In
conversation, the chairman of tie meeting said
many Of the Missouri strikers, who had failed to
secure employment. We're now coming through
here seeking work, and it was impossible to
conplish anything by a strike under such cir
cuustances. There is general feeling that the
decision to return to work is wise wise
many of their places are filled and some will not
therefore be re-enployed. Some Of these I'M
fortunate men have families.
Yardmaster Averill, of the Vandalia, said last
night that he could not take back any of the
men even if they should apply, because their
lad a1 rha had Tn, hn
ried on and the men had quit without saying
word about their grievance. He could not now
discharge the new men in order to make room
for the strikers. 1t is understood that the l., B.
strikers from its yard, whether their places are
already filled or not. All the yardmasters are
said to have received numerous applications for
places since the strike.
The superintendent of the several roads were
in conference for a short time yesterday. They
decided not to ask the night switchmen who were
willing to do so to return to work last night, and
probably will not until the excitement subsidies.
and the boys, as one OF the superintendent puts
it, come to their senses. The superintendent
will hold another meeting this morning, to talk
over the situation and take such action
as they deem wise regarding the question
of resuming work in the yards tonight
Fortunately, business is light now, and the day
switchmen can handle it without delaying
freights at this point The railroad officials
day night and the day switchmen who gave the
strikers cold shoulder. One of the superin-
tendents said last evening that the men VINO re-
NAMED at their posts at such a time, were the
ones whose pay he would the most readily ad-
vance.
THE STRIKE OF THE BRIcK-LAYERs.
The brick Layers strike was continued yester-
men struck. The contractors, nine in number.
Ill
and agreed that if the men would return to work
at 40 cents an hour they might work eight, nine
or ten hours. as they chose. for days work.
This proposition was submitted to the meeting
of the brick-layers held in Workingmens Hall at
the same time. A long debate ensued
over the proposition. Some brck-layers
held that as the bosses had made q
concession in the matter OF hours it would be
right for the men to meet them half way, AID to
go to work under the terms of the proposition.
The majority, however, were in favor of contin-
uing the STRIKE and the proposition of the bosses
was rejected by decisive vote. The bosses were
notified of this, but took further action them
selves, and this is the situation this morning.
The men declare they will not go to work until
their entire demands granted. The bosses
declined to say, last night whether they would
try to get new men.
NOTES OF LABOR MATTERS.
meeting last night to consider a proposition
from the employing plumbers to give their men
nine instead Of ten hours work without reduc-
ton in wages. The association demanded eight
hours, with the same pay After thoroughly
discussing the matter, tho association decided to
accept the offer of the employers with the ex-
ceptlon that they demand that they shall be
required to work only eight hours on Saturday
The agreement, however, is not to apply to ex-
listing contracts, a list of which the employers
have been requested to furnish the association.
President ingalls,, of the Big -Four, wrote yes
terday to those night watchmen in the employ
of his company who did not strike, thanking
them for not taking part in the strike.
AT police roll-call last night, Superintendent
ODonnell detailed ten patrolmen, under COM
mapd of Sergeant Travis, to remain at the
station house until it was ascertained that there
would be no trouble from strikers There was
fortunately. no occasion for their services, and
before midnight the men were ordered to their
beats.
The statement that Larry Doran. of the Pan
handle yards and F. j. Streiker, of the c., III.
81 /. yards, were leaders in the striking move
ment, was a mistake. There was no organiza-
to do with the affair than any other two of the
strikers.
The superintendent of the c.. H. 6 ]. road, on
hearing of the strike, telegraphed to know what
was the matter. The men at first did not them
selves know, but on studying it over concluded
they wanted more wages, and SO answered.
They were informed that their wages would be
raised from ST. 90 to So. 25 per day for the fore
man and from ST. IS to So for the men. They re-
sumed work last night
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