Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-08-09
A RAILROAD TIED UP
CENTRAL ROAD AND THE KNIGHTS
OF LABOR OPPOSED

How the Strike Began, What it Is
About. and How it Worked Last
Night.
NEW YORK, Aug. "a general strike
commenced at about Z o'clock last evening
on the New York Central and Hudson
River railroad between New York and
West Albany. The strike was ordered on
account of the discharge of certain en-
ployes. Under the orders every train was
abandoned. no matter where it might be.
The 7:10 train for Montreal was waiting
the signal at the Grand Central depot
when engineer, fireman and brakemen left
1t and walked out of the depot. Efforts
made to secure msn to fill their places were
without avail. The men on other trains
also left them. Two passenger, trains, one
going each way, we're deserted by their
crews in the tunnel at Forty-sixth street,
Travel was thus not only blocked on the
Central railroad, but also on the New
York & New Haven and Harlem roads,
which use the tracks of the Central road
as far as Melrose.
In an interview Vice President Webb
of the Central railroad said: At the near
est calculation there are about $50 men
odt. Every man who has struck may con-
slider himself discharged. We have adyer.
tised for men and the places of the strikers
are being filled. Not one of the men
through whom the trouble has come about
will ever be taken back, and We have pos
itively declined 10 have anything to do
with the knights of Labor. We expect
no trouble, but if there is any we have the
police to protect us.
When Acting Superintendent of Police
Byrnes was notified of the strike, he at
once ordered the entire police reserve to be
in readiness for duty. Police Captain Nc
ElVoine OF the Grand Central station with
his men took possession OF the depot as
soon as the strike began aid did his best
to maintain order. Policemen were sent
on to guard the tracks as far north as
Spuyten Duyvil and as far south as St,
Johns park, where the freight depot is To-
catsd. Central Office detectives were sent
to guard all the signal stations and switch
houses as far as SpuyteA Duyvil. Shortly
before o'clock the detective at the switch
house at Forty-seventh street and Fourth
avenue sent for assistance, which was
promptly rendered. The police reserve are
all in waiting and patrol wagons are placed
at convenient points. Thus far no violence
has been done.
To-day it is estimated that 5000 en-
ployes of the road are on strike, including
all who are members of the knights of La
Dor. 1t is intended to push the strike I'M
til the West Shore, Lake Shore, Harlem
River and Nickle Plate lines are all held
up.
There is an immense crowd around the
Grand Central depot, but no violence is
offered.
At $3.50 train containing four mail
cars was allowed to go on the Hudson
River branch, but no tickets were sold.
Vice-President Webb remained up all night
trying to settle the difficulty. The officials
hope to have things in running order by
Monday.
Over 100 policemen are stationed at the
depot and 200 are between this point and
Mott Haven.
This morning the officials succeeded in
opening two of the switch-houses. They
are guarded by police.
Master Workman Powderly arrived this
morning and held conference with Chief
Holland. The latter says the whole re-
sponsibility rests upon the District assem-
bly,, K. of c.
NEW HAVEN, Aug. 9.-General Supt
Tuttle of the Consolidated road says he
does not fear any trouble as the employees
of the Consolidated are all satisfied with
their treatment.
HARTFORD, Aug. 9.-supt Davidson of
the New England says the strike will not
affect his road. The Boston & Albany
will have trouble handling freight, but
otherwise will not suffer.
ALBANY, Aug. 9.-The military com.
panies have received orders to be ready fol
instant action. Two thousand rounds OF
ammunition have been distributed to the
four local companies.