The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-02
A Big Strike Probable on the 1st of August
Unless Their Grievances Are Redressed-
The Original Cause of the Trouble.
Mr.. Monaghan Explains the Causeof the
StrikeOf the Lake Shore SWitchmen.
Growth of the Law and Order League, an Orr
ganization Intended tOPTevent Labor Dis
turbances and Discountenance Strikes.
THE TELEGRAPHERs.
Probability that Great Strike Will Be In.
augurated on the 1st of August.

| Probability that Great Strike Will Be In
augurated the 1st of August.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON July There is considerable
talk among the Western Union telegraph oper-
ators at this point of probable strike before the
close of the summer. Most Of those who we're
| spoken with on the subject to-day maintained
studied reticence. but one of the number finally
made the following statement:
"Yes, it is true that we are considering the
advisability Of a strike. We have certain de-
mands that we propose to submit to the COM
pany. If these demands are not complied with,
we shall probably quit work the 1st of August.
What are these demands?" was asked.
1T is not to secure an increase of pay" was
the reply. but rather to prevent the company
from reducing our salaries, as has been the Gus
tom for several years past. can better illus
trate my idea by taking the case of 800 man
whom the company has seen fit to discharge
This mans place will be filed by $50 man,
which means practical reduction in that case
of $50 month. In the event of the discharged
operator being reinstated by the company. he
will be fortunate to get back at $50,
OF, at the most, $40 a month.
The Western Unions officials are afraid to make
a systematic reduction all along the line, for
fear of precipitating strike which would create
q strong public sentiment in our favor. For
this reason they employ the method 1 have just
described. which has amounted, in the last three
years. to cut of probably 25 per cent?
I'm the eventof strike, will the men who took
your places in the former strike-the 'scabs,' as
you call them-oppose you again?'
The operator sriled. 1T would surprise you,
dare say, to learn that the 'scabs' are the most
aggressive element we have among us. By a
sort of retributive justice they seem to have suf
fered worse than those of us who went out in
1883 In the great majority of cases they were
inferior men. The company offered them the
highest rate of wages paid at that time; they
were not worth the salaries then, and are not
now. The company latterly has been discharg
ing them upon the slightest technicality, and re-
employing them again at about half their former
pay. All the strikers were taken back at greatly
reduced wages, and consequently they have less
grievances than those who took their places.
Nevertheless, we cannot permit the company to
continue cutting US down, and for that reason
agree to our proposition, it is very probable
strike will be ordered Aug /. Our organization
is now incorporated in the knights of Labor,
who will give us the benefit of their experience,
as we'll as their moral and material support. if
we do strike" He added, in conclusion: ''You
may look for different termination from that
OF three years ago."