The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-11
Brakemen win Aid the Strikers.

KANSAS Cry, March 10.-A most significant
meeting of the Brotherhood OF Locomotive Engi-
neers and Firemen was held here this after
noon. An Associated Press reporter was al
lowed TO attend and report the proceedings.
The principal guest of the Brotherhood was
Grand Master G. E. Wilkinson, of the Brother
hood of Brakemen, who had come to this city
from his home at Peoria, Ill. He was introduced
by S. M. Stevens, of the tiremen's organization
In his remarks Mr. Wilkinson said that the
BrakemenS Brotherhood was a comparatlveiv
young organization. but they had determined to
give their mite to the cause OF the engineers and
fremen. The interests of the brakemen were
identical with those of the who have left
their engines, and he wanted it understood that,
individually and collectively, the brake
men were with the engineers and ifiremen.
He was sorry they not brought
directly into the struggle at the start. The
brakemen knew, be said, that the engineers now
employed by the Burlington system were incom-
petent They let the water low in the
boilers that the brakeman were constrained to
take refuge in the cabooses for fear of being
blown up. They have, in many instances. re-
ported this state or affairs to the officers of other
roads. Mr.. Wilkinson believed that, some time
in the future there would be one grand organza-
ton of trainmen, composed of engineers fire.
men, brakemen, conductors and switchmen. and
then all would get their rights. He closed by
saying that in the present fight the Brakemen's
Brotherhood would stand by those who out
and refuse to run engines for the Burlington
road if asked to do so.
S. NJ. Stevens. of the Firemen's Brotherhood,
assured the meeting that If the engineers on
other roads ceutering in Kansas City deter
mined to strike, the 6remen would follow to
man.
Fl. E. Wills, secretary of the general commit
tee of the Chicago e Northwestern railroad,
followed Mr.. Wikerson. He said he had visited
Aurora, Mendoza. Galesburg Burlington and
Creston. and found all the Brotherhood men
firm.
In the meeting were representatives from the
Kansas City. Fit. Scott 6 Gulf railroad, the
Kansas City, Wyandotte & Northwestern road.
the Missouri Pacific. and others. All reported
their men ready to strike if it was necessary for
the success OF those now out on the Burlington.
The chairman OF the grievance commit
tee of the Wyandotte eroad said his
committee was on the ground now, and if
the signal came he would order all his out,
though the officials and the men on the road
were working tremendously. To-day he said,
they had refused to move six cars of freight
consigned by the Burlington to points over their
read The Burlington had sent three notices to
the general manager of the Wyandotte road to
take the cars, but that official refused to touch
them
Before the meeting closed, the following reso-
luton was offered by S. III. Stevens aud adopted:
Whereas, Mr.. E. St. John, general manager of the
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, has, in
manly letter to the public defined the position of his
road in the matter of handling c. B. q O. business.
Therefore, be it
Resolved, That that gentleman as one of
the foremost managers of the country.
A Defense of the Non-Intercourse Policy.
general managers of the Western roads are
siderably exercised over the criticisms brought
out by the policy which they have pursued in
reference to the Burlington strike, and are in
clined to take issue with current opinion. One
of them yesterday, in discussing the matter.
said: ''It is true that the roads represented, and
others. have considered it for best interest
TO disregard the interstate law, but we have
adopted the wisest course and one which the
outcome will justify as in taking. 1t
was right to avert a general strike by
any and all means No has yet
measured the full extent of such calamity
1t is all nonsense to say that attitude
has embarrassed the Burlington IN the slig htest
degree. If il is independent of the strikers,
it asserts, the backbone the engineers may get
from policy of non-ntercourss would have
10 effect upon that company. It would be
asmuch il the final compromise IL would
participate without unbending from Its present
dignlfied stand. It's trou bles would be swamped
in the great calamity which would be inflicted
upon the country. Let say that general
strike would not be declared off in moment,
and that II would ring the death knell OF the :
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. There
would at once be brought about common un-
its NTH and point would be that no
engineer would be placed IN charge of
a locomotive any line Brotherhood man.
You very clearly what the issue means.
The men would not yield in a week a month,
and a prolonged and desperate struggle would
ensne, which, until the Anal breaking-up came,
would utterly stagnate the railroads and the
commerce of the country That Is what, by
course. the Western lines have SO far averted-
IL is wise and sensible policy. A little pa
thence and the strike will be over without
spreading. Gradually the strikers viii yield q