The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-24
SWITCHMEN'S STRIKE
Indianapolis Yards in Confusion.
The Train Makers Refuse to Do
Their Accustomed Work.
Not Single Switch Engine Moved
in tho Morning.
The Strikers Will Not Permit Others
to Mako Up Trains.
Yard Masters Compelled to II andlo En-
gines and Clerks Are Compelled to
Act as Drakemen-Conces-
sions Made.

sions Made.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Nov. 2S.-Tho strike
OF railroad switchmen is taking on another
phase. Not single switch engine in the
city was moved this morning. In the
freight yards everything is in confusion.
The morning trains were abandoned hall
made up or not made up at all, except in
the Monon and Lake Erie q Western
yards. The men, however, declared that
not an engine should be fired this morn
ing In all the yards business was at a
complete standstill. In several places en-
gineoH and ilrcmen or other employees OF
the roads, pressed into ths service, tried 10
70 on with the work, but tho strikers in
tcrfercd and successfully prevented the
departure of any trains. Although some
disposition TO blockade the tracks and OBJ
struct the progress Of the men who desired
to work was exhibited, only one instance
Of positive violence was reported during
the night While switchmon may be re-
placed by inexperienced men and traffic
resumed in short time, provided the
engineers and hrcmen will work, without
them nothing can bo done. Inexperienced
men will not do to trust upon an engine.
Mr.. swccny, grand master OF the Union,
has returned 10 Chicago.
All forenoon the strikers hayo been
going In gangs from one yard to another,
and warning applicants for work that II
they undertook 10 handle the switch en-
gines they would be handled roughly.
Fearing trouble, the officers ol the roads
called for police protection at noon, aud an
effort will be made 10 start out some new
crews this evening.
new feature in the trouble, and one
that promises 10 lead 10 important results,
il that this afternoon the managers OF the
indianapolis, Decatur * Western conceded
the demand Of the striking switchmon and
the latter returned To work. The conccs-
sion includes $50 per day for helpers,
g. 20 for forcmen, twenty.six days 10 con
stitu,o a month and ten houn days
work, with pay for over time; the nigh,
men TO be paid IN excess In proportion as
heretofore, which is - over that Of ia,
men. The swiichmen are jubilant owe
this victory, M the Indianapolis, Decatur
4 Western Is considered one VI the lightcs
yards In the city In which 10 work, aud Il
the company can afford the advance they
believe that the other companies will be-
compelled TO follow.
Later developments today show that the
engineers aud ircmun in the yards have
not Joined la the strike. When they went
ont during the night II was because, for
lack Of swiichmen, they were unable Ia
proceed. Conversation with the cngi.
nccn eyinccd the iact that they are In
sympathy with the strikers, aud earnestly
hope the companies may grant the increase
asked for. They state that they have
taken no action IN regard 10 the matter
and do not know that they shall. "Sull. "
said one oi the engineers, sometimes big
things have mighty small beginning, and
there's no telling what may occur" Very
little stir IL to bc socn about the yarls or
Belt road. One Bee Line pony" Is doing
what Il can for its road, with the yardmas-
ter aud his assistant In charge Of the
switching. AZ tho Nandalia yards this
evening but one lone switchman IL strug-
Cling with tho blockade Of freight. Whcr.
ever any movement Of trains is noted, Il Is
found that the yardmastcn, agents and
clerks arc the switchmcn.
At the Zig bee Linc yards the engines
were all ordered back into tho sheds, the
yardmastcr aud his assistant were ordered
10y the strikers 10 quit word aud they com.
piled.
The engineers and Grcmcn came back
10 the city for the day. There is a very
evident spirit Of sympathy among the lat.
ter for the strikers and the swiichmcn are
counting upon Il for indirect II not direct
support. A crowd Of idle men hung
about the cast cnd of tie train sheds aud
tho Nandalia freight depot during the
day. They refuse positively 90 hold nny
communication with representatives Of the
press, except such as a committee, Ospo.
clally appointed for Tie purpose, choose
To sum up the situation at 10 O'Clock IT,.
night Il may b. said that the day was
successful one for the strikers, they hay.
ing completely pamlyycd freight traffic.
But one train got through at the stock
yards over the Pan Handle and one over
the Bee Line. Incoming trains continue
10 arrive, aud the blockade IL growing.
Al the roads have sent out along their
lines for new men, and II is expected sui.
iicicnt forces viii arrive tonight 10 resume
work tomorrow.
Tho strikers, however. arc greatly en-.
coumgcd at tho concession made by the
indianapolis, Decatur & Western, aud
many threats are made that II new men
attempt 10 replace them there will be- a
big fight No serious attempts at prevent.
ing the clerks from working were made to-
day. tho strikers contcnting themselves
with jccring at them. Tho leaders Of tho
strike protest against violence, aud no 49,
riOus trouble tomorrow u appfchondcd,
but there will doubtless bo minor disturb