The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-03-31
The Railway Strike.

The Railway Strike.
The statement of the governors of
Missouri and Kansas, who investigated
the causes of the strike on the Gould
system of railways, warranted the con-
clusion that the strikers on the Missouri
Pacific railway had no justification for
their action. In the beginning of the
trouble it was stated that an employe
having been discharged by the Texas
Pacific, strike was ordered upon the
Missouri Pacific, with the view of CO.
ercing the other road into compliance
with the strikers terms. Now the
strikers, realizing that the actual cause of
the strike finds no justification with the
public, declare there were other causes
far more grievous. The facts are thus
concisely stated by the Boston Journal.
In manifesto just published the divisions
of the Knights of Labor concerned in this
strike affirm that they have grievances
against the management, and complain bit
grievances, whatever they may be, are either
purely an afterthought, or they grew out of
circumstances which have developed since
the strike began. 1t is a well-estabished
fact that the strike was ordered not because
of any complaints against the managers, but
to increase the pressure upon the manage
ment of another line the Texas Pacific. The
governors of Kansas and Missouri, after list
ening to all that the strikers had to say, de-
clared in apublshed letter that no grievances
existed against the Missouri Pacific, and
that there was no evidence to show that the
managers of the Missouri Pacific had in any
manner violated the agreement made with
their workmen year ago. This statement
of the governors must be accepted as con-
elusive. Moreover, Mr.. Powderly, General
Master Workman of the Knights of Labor,
case as presented by the local divisions of the
order, said "Candidly, do not see the ne
cessity for this strike or for its continuance"
If what Mr.. Powderly affirms of the
strike is correct, then the organization
cannot long continue as practical and
effective working element During the
past week great number of outrages
have been perpetrated by the strikers;
and it is evident that they are not con-
Quoting their contest in accordance with
the declared principles of the order to
which they belong. 1t is claimed that
the central executive committee of the
Knights of Labor have lost control of
the subordinate assemblies and are
poweress to effect a settlement of the
troubles. Jay Gould has unwisely added
fuel to the flame by threatening to pros
ecute civil as well as criminal actions
against members of the knights of
Labor engaged in the strike. The peo-
pie in that region who suffer with the
railways from the suspension of traffic
will not approve of any measures which
will delay an early settlement of the
troubles. Neither will they tolerate
any action by the strikers which would
result in the serious crippling of bust
ness, the destruction of private property
and violent disturbance of the public
peace.
The great strike is apparently nearing
collapse. The governors of Missouri
and Arkansas have issued proclamations
calling upon the railroad company to
resume traffic, and pledging the power
of their respective states to sustain the
company in its lawful course and to
punish all who seek to oppose it. Grand
Master Powderly has issued a circular
to the Knights of Labor organizations
suggesting the ACCESSIBILITY of slowing
up on strikes and boycotts, and advising
that no more members be admitted to
the order while the strike troubles con-
tinue. Mr.. Powderly is now in New
York endeavorng to settle the troubles
in the Southwest. He says the state
ment that the strike would extend
through the country is bosh." Chief
Arthur of the brotherhood of Locomo-
tive Engineers says the Knights of
Labor will go to pieces, as so many
similar organizations have done before,
because they lack cohesion and wisdom
in their methods. In st. Louis and at
other points the strikers are making
threats of more serious trouble; but it
is believed that the worst is over.
Since the above was put in type Jay
Gould has accepted Mr.. Powderly's pro-
posal for arbitration, and the latter has
directed the Knights of Labor to resume
work on the railway. This, probably.
settles the strike, though many of the
strikers are in desperate mood. A
strong reaction in public sentiment has
set in against them in the region imme-
diately affected by the strike.
Fast naV.