The Indianapolis journal., 1886-03-19
And Incidentally Remarks that He Doesn't
See Any Reason Why There Should Be
Strike or Why 1t Should Continue.
Engineers Decide to Stay On Their Loco
motives Unless Forcibly Removed.
Business Resumed on the Texas Pacifc-A
Clash Between international Cigar-Mak-
ers and the Knights Of Labor.
THE RAILWAY STRIKE.

THE RAILWAY STRIKE.
General Master Workman Powder1y Endeav-
to Bring It to an End.
KANSAS CITY, March 18-General Master
Workman Powderly, of the Knights of Labor,
arrived in this city to-day from the East Dele
gates from the fve district assemblies. in
cluding No. 101, are also here, and conference
between them, to be held to-day, is expected to
result in some decisive action, either toward q
settlement Of tho strike or ordering out the
Knights on other roads.
Mr.. Powderly when seen by an Associated
Press representative, this evening. expressed a
willingness to give the public any information in
his possession. 20 far as the inter
ests Of his mission permitted. He
would, he said, probably be able to
garding the proceedings Of to-day. Replying to
questions, Mr.. Powderly said: "I had desire
to come upon the ground and learn the true in
wardness of the strike and ascertain exactly the
situation, as could not do at distance of over
thousand miles. At the same time received
request from the local orders of Knights to
come here for a conference and to endeavor to
secure a settlement Of the matters at issue be-
tween the railroad officials and themselves. We
have spent the day in consultation, but I can
not yet speak as to the result Of our delibera-
tions"
"Will you state whether you have opened
communication with the Missouri Pacific Of
fcialsi"
II have not, but / am free to say that intend
to seek conference tomorrow, with Mr.. Hoxie,
and expect to leave to morrow night for st. Louis.
if q meeting can be arranged"
Then any settlement which might be made
would be arranged at St Louis9"
"Yes, sir; it probably would"
"Why was Kansas City selected as the place
for the conference Of the various assemblies to-
daya"
II cannot say. am not aware of any signif-
cance in the selection"
Here the interview was interrupted by Mr..
Powderly being called to attend meeting OF
the delegates On returning therefrom, he said:
Il have since learned that the conference was
held here for tho convenience Of the Union
Pacific delegates, this being central point"
"Will you state what the strike is for2"
''That is what came to learn. and have not
yet succeeded entirely The men have COM
plants that tho company has not kept its agree
ment of year ago. There is some question as
to wages, and the matter of discharge Of en-
ployes also enters in Secondly I do not now
the necessity for this strike, or for its con-
tinuance In fact, the day of strikes is past
never ordered one in my life, and, with two
exceptions, never failed in an endeavor to meet
employers for settlement of differences with en-
ployes. / have just teleeraphed Vice-president
Hoxie, asking for a conference"
''Can you give the dispatchl"
Eyes; it is short; asking simply if he will
meet the committee and myself for consideration
of pending difficulties; and, if 30, when and
where"
"What was the temper Of the discussions to-
dayq"
Entirely calm and rational The men appear
desirous of a speedy termination of the difficult
ties and are disposed to be concilatory so far as
may be consistent with their position. A session
is now in progress, which will probably continue
all night The alternative of refusal on the
part of Mr.. Hoxie to meet us is under consider
alton, but no decision has been reached. I do
not anticipate reply from Mr.. Hoxie before
tomorrow. but it is my belief that the strike
will be ended within very few days"
In speaking OF the reported settlement of the
Texas g Pacific troubles, Mr.. Powderly said he
was not informed as to the details, and the re-
port was not generally credited among the
Knights. He thought an arbitration by the
United States Court would be desirable.