Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-02-11
thought he wanted to do right, but pernsps
leaned too far TO the interest OF the con-

thought he wanted to do right, put PernnP'
leaned too far to the interest OF the com-
pany. =,
Mr. Fisher seemed pleased 70 hear the
men speak out frankly, and said he vante9
them to make such suggestions as w6ara .,ons
enable the company to reach conciusons
both Just and satisfactory to them.
He intended, he said, that his operasives,
should be given all that was promised
them. and ii they did not get II OF nrst
through any error such error wouio DC
corrected.
DIVIDE TIE DAT.
Captain P;zzfni. who in the management
of both the Electric and City railways mas
manifested determined disposition TO
protect the interests of those under MN,
said plan something after this order had
been suggested and might be considered II
agreeable to the operatives: Instead OF
having long shift of ten hours ana
short one of eight, divide the day
into two reliefs of nine hours each: !:
reduce the crews TO the actual number OF
cars to be run regularly and pay the motor
men $3.50 and the conductors 81 per day
each. This would give the men more regu-
lar employment, he said. and they VIII re-
ceive upon an average the same that they
now get per day, as the crews alternate,
taking the long shift one week and the
short one the next. -,
All of those present seemed to look with
favor upon this proposition individually,
but said they did not feel authorized TO
represent their associates TO 50 great an
extent.
When the case had been fully presented
and several individual complaints had been
made and passed upon, it was suggested
that Mr.. Fisher take the matter under con-
sideration and give himself sufficient time
to think over the matter. This he did. as
suring the delegation that he will give the
subject his careful attention. and endeavor
to decide upon plan with which all Will
be satisfied.
TIE REASONS.
Several reasons have combined to bring
about these differences, which have been
brewing for some weeks.
While the company does not pretend to
run more than twenty cars, which would
take eighty crews, and not one day IN a
week are these many on the line, there are
some I37 men on the payroll. This doubt
less has been one Of the prime causes for
dissension, for while the cars that we're out
have run quite well recently, with now and
then an exceptional day. many OF the Oldest
and best men have had TO lose great deal
Of time.
Another reason is that an astounding
number OF mistakes are alleged 10 nave
been made whereby the men have not got
ten in many cases as much as theywere en-
titled to. This is said to have extended
over a period of many months and has been
due not to dishonesty on the part OF any
one, but to carelessness and clerical errors.
Then the trip system of payment has not
proved ct all satisfactory. The men insist
that if they get out of bed and are at the
shops to go out with their cars at A. Sl.,
and upon the first trip or any other In the
day the car breaks down or any trouble
for which they are not responsible occurs
they should not be docked for it.
II is these three causes, together with
many lesser ones, that have led to the pres
ent troubled condition of affairs. But, as
stated in the outset, the solution appears
near at hand. and tho operatives are hope
iul of getting what they consider reasona-
BILE.
Hon. John A. Curtis and Councilman
Bowden called last night to express thelr
sympathy with the wOrkmen, but neither
could remain to the conference.