The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-28

-Ine [ueSuOu wages.
CHICAGO, Feb. 27.-Whiie everything in the
general Offices Of the railroad company was
turned topsy turvey and each official had sew
eral mons work to perform, the headquarters of
the striking engineers and fremsn was as
peaceful and unconcerned as a Sunday school
convention. The hall in which the Brotherhood
was meeting was crowded as early as o'clock.
A joint meeting of the fremen and engineers
had been arranged yesterday. and none Of the
employees could be found anywhere else Chief
Arthur of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En-
gineers, aud Mr.. Sargent, of the Firemen's
brotherhood are still in the city. Dir. Arthur
said the striking engineers and fremen were
solid body, and would hold together to the
end of the fight. "The publication by
General Manager Stone" he said, .of all
the propositions offered by the men might mis-
lead the public. We were willing to discuss
these propositions one by one. and in case
failed TO convince Mr.. Stone that they were just
and fair we would have made concessions. The
strike did not occur becanss the schedule
offered was not adopted, but because, when the
question OF wages was reached, Mr.. Stone re-
fused to DO anything at all The fight ia purely
q question of wages. We receded from orr FIRST
proposition. and offered to accept 81 cents, which
Fir. Stone refused in the most positive manner.
lie made proposition to at all, and the
fight is purely the question of pay.
Mr.. Stone says" continued Mr.. Arthur. that
we want to put unskIlled labor on par with
skilled labor Now. we on the assumption
that there is no unskilled labor the engines
any road in the United States. Does Mr.
Stone mean say that he has unskied
gineers on any branch of his roads Would he
60 into court. in case OF a damage suit, and
swear that be had2 Would Mr. Stone like TO
have the puolc believe that the engineers
the branch lines are inferior TO those on the
main lines2 II of the branch engineers
should Offer to run of the big trains on the
main line. now. the company would be very glad
to secure his services. If the engineer who runs
the limited express is willing that the engineer
who runs the accommodation train should
ceive the same pay that he does, why should the
company object2r
Mr. Arthur was asked what attitude he ex-
pected the Knights of Labor to assume toward
the engineers during the strike.
II don't see," he said. why the Knights would
be hostile To the Brotherhood of Engineers, and
have no information that they will try to assist
the company in any way"
1T is claimed that you sent men to take the
places of the Reading ctrikers."
THAT is lie. don't know what individual
members of the Brotherhood may have done,
but / never interfered in any way with any
strike of the Knights of Labor. i would not
do it. lat the time Of the Missouri Pacific strike
simply told the Brotherhood engineers that
we had contract with the company, and to
keep out OF the strike. If contract means
anything at all, then we pursued the right
course"
One Of the mem bers. who was asked if the
Brotherhood of Engineers th oneht the company
could soon fill their places with reliable men.
said: well, If you ask my personal opinion. l
don't think it can be done. That is what the
boys ell think. In the first place. this country
is not loaded down with tramp engineers, and
in the second place. il they as thick
flies they would not do to be put in charge of a
locomotive. Good engineers article,
because they are all employed
what are you going to do about the Knights
OF Laborg'
Nothing. IF they can fill our places, let them
do it. The company has a right to hire any one
it pleases. We shall not interfere with ything
they do The public will find that have
enough to live q little while, and If the COM
papy can DO without Us. all we'll and good
Chief Arthur said tonight: "All have struck
on the whole system. All have gone out. We
have heard from all points of Importance, and
thoroughly united and full of hope. We
expect to win the fight Why. any
ono it is complete
tie-up Where are the trains that
rnnnine2 We shall use every honorable
means within reach and power to defeat the
company; that is orr position. Our men are de-
termi ned, and will fight. We realize what
have shoulders, and can carry it to the end.
We have positive Information from all points of
any consequence the whole system that all
the men have gone out. There is not single
case of in subordination or discomfort.
'"Fhe brakemenf Yes, we had another under
standing with them. They gave us assurances
of support and sympathy, and will be loyal TO
our organization to the last. This may be said
of every other organization connected with the
railr Dad service"
Twill the brakemen work with the non-union
men whom the company propose to put on97
mo, sir; they will not. We have not asked
them this question direct. but have positive as
surances to the point.
"What abont the knights of Labor?"
owe are not afraid of the Knights. All the
talk on that point is bosh The Knights will
give us a moral support"
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