The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1890-09-03
WEBB ON THE STAND.
The Naughty Central Magnate Mus, Now
Tell His Story.


New YORK, Sept. 2.-The state board of
arbitration began investigation here to.
day as to the difficulties existing between
the New York Central railroad and the
Knights of Labor. Vice President Webb
of the New York Central was the first wit
ness and said the company had no con-
troversy with its employees. On the even
ing of August s, large number of the EN-
ployes leftand their places had been filed.
The alleged cause was that IS members
out of 5000 had been discharged.
They were discharged for good
cause, but only seven of those men
applied to the company for informa-
ton as to why they were discharged. Sub
sequently gentleman from another state
called and wanted TO know why these
men were discharged, and the witness de-
clined To give the reason. This gentleman
was Mr.. Holland. Upon being cross-ex-
amined by General Roger Price, Webb
said he had discharged the men on reports
from members of the secret service of
the company. The charge itself was un-
satisfactory service. An engineer named
Lee was discharged for unsatisfactory
service. Lee was very arrogant and inso-
lent and said be would tie up every wheel
between here and Buffalo if he didn't get
some of Vanderbilt's money.
Continuing Webb said several Of the
men knew the cause for which they were
discharged. Their relations with the
Knights of Labor had nothing to 10 with
their discharge. Mr.. Pricer endeayored
to find out if the knights of Labor ques.
ton had been discussed by the board of
directors but the board declined TO admit
Ihat ~
marked Pricer, turning around to the
Knights of Labor executive committee.
Webb said he had arranged for the SER
vices of the Pinkerton men some time be-
fore the strike. When asked about the
details of the arrangement Webb declined
TO answer. He did not seek the protec-
ton OF the police authorities prior To en-
Ploying Pinkerton's men.
Webb was followed by members of the
Knights Of Labor dismissed by the New
York Central. Their testimony went
over the ground Of the alleged and sup
posed cause Of their dismissal, and the
incidents connected Herewith already
substantially covered in these dispatches.
Holland and Devlin, executive commit.
teemen, testified 10 their effort to bring
about settlement of the difficulty by ar
bitration. +. j. Lee introduced the corre-
spondence between himself and Pow
derly. The latter advised him to move
cautiously, as he was competing with a
corporation that controlled hosts. On
August 2 Powderly wrote:"I regret TO hear
Of the condition Of affairs. II there is to
be trouble il will be when Depew is away.
/ advise you to avoid strike at all haz.
ards as Depew supports you now. Act on
the following suggestion: Select from
your men such as are good and reliable
and secure places for them in the west.
Then have them ask for shorter hours
and higher wages. This the road will
not grant. Then have them quit an
take the new places secured for them. Do
this secretly and wait until Depew re.
turns. heis presidential candidate and
would not care for strike on his roadn
General Master Workman Powderly
was next called. He related his interview
with Webb, and brought out nothing new