Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1890-08-14

THE POSITION OF THE COMPANY.
The Strikers Reticent-No Attempt tc
Run Freight Trains.

Vice President Webb Makes Statement
Run Freight Trains.
New YORK, Aug. 11.-Everything in
and around the New York Central depot
was quiet and orderly yesterday. Nearly
all of the trains ran on schedule time.
There were rumors that the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers would come
to the aid of the strikers, but SO far the
engineers have made no move toward a
strike. Vice President Webb gave the
following circular to the press:
1.-The position of the company is this:
We will select our own men, and we do
not propose that they will be designated
by the Knights of Labor or its commit
tees. When men are dismissed we shall
get rid of the inefficient, the most
vicious and those least in accord with
our interests. When promotions are to
be made we will not be bound by the
seniority rules promulgated by the
Knights of Labor. A due considera-
tion will always be given to length of
service, but the first and most import
ant rule will be the
Qualifications of the Men
for the place. If our men have griev-
ances the proper officers will be willing
to grant hearings and see that consider
alton is given, but we will not allow
outsiders to intervene or to interfere be-
tween the employer and employe. For
this reason alone l refused to allow Mr.
Holland to discuss any differences al
legged to exist between the company and
its men; and not for the reason as stated
that we object to our employees being
members of labor organizations These
are my views, and l am satisfied that
they are concurred and approved by
every official of the company, by its
board of directors and by the gentlemen
who are most interested in its securities.
The strike is ill-advised, cannot succeed.
and we will put it down and maintain
the position we have taken"
1he Headquarters of the Strikers
at Forty-ffth and Third avenue pre-
sented quiet appearance. The strikers
were very reticent, and none of them
could be induced to talk of the situa-
ton. Master Workman Lee, of the
District assembly, arrived from Albany
at noon and attended meeting of the |
Knights yesterday afternoon at Wen
dell's assembly room, in Forty-fourth
street. More than 5000 Knights were
present. Mr.. Lee was most enthusiastic
ally received. Reports were received /
from various local assemblies along the
line of th3 road. A resolution was
adopted by the strikers thanking the
press of the country for the fair manner
in which they had treated the strike.
All passea ger trains on the West Shore
road were started out about half an
hour behind the schedule time. Incon-
ing trains were delayed about the same
length of time by insufficiency of switch
operators. Only about 80 of the 100
men employed in these yards have
struck.
The Yards Are Picketed by knights,
who are discouraging any one from max
ing application for situations. No at
tempt was made to dispatch or make up
freight trains. The officials of the West
Shore road would not discuss the situa-
ton, merely saying they expected to
handle all their freight in short time.
Late yesterday afternoon Acting Super
intendent Byrnes issued orders to the
police captains regarding the placing of
their commands. An attempt will be
made by the New York Central to run
freight trains to-day, and the main body
Of the police will be stationed in the
vicinity of Spuylen Duyvil, which is
considered the key to the situation. The
police do not anticipate any trouble and :
his placing of the officers is simply
measure.
At the Meeting of the Strikers
1eld in Wendelrs hall yesterday after
noon no business of any importance was
The time of the meeting
was generally taken by speakers in en-
the men to stand firm in their
light with the railroad. Secretary
Hayes, of the executive board, called on
Vice President Webb, bearing letter
rom Father Ducey fayoring arbitration.
Mr.. Webb firmly declined to treat with
Mr.. Hayes, as he said there was nothing
o arbitrate and that the company would
lot take back the discharged men under
my circumstances.
During the evening Mr.. Holland and
secretary Hayes We're about the Grand
Union hotel, but both said they had no
tatements to give out. 1t was rumored
hat u strike had been ordered on every