The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-08-19

records. The frequency of dismissals left
little room for doubt in the minds OF the
men that they were all in danger Of dis
charge at a moments notice, and hence the
strike. The whole question hinges upon
discharge of knights OF Labor because they
are such. Ii IL can be shown that these
men were working Jury TO their employers.
right-minded men will say they are treated
as they deserve. IL they were discharged
for cause the company has everything 10
gain and nothing 10 lose from an inyestiga-
ton. If they deserved dismissal from the
service. none OF us will ask for their REIN
statement. If. however. they were displaced
because Of their connection with the
knights Of Labor il should be known, for
if IL is to be the policy OF the company
that no members Of the knights of Labor
are % be employed, then statement -
that effect will clear up all doubts. and
there can be no further misunderstanding.
There will be nothing then 10 arbiirate So
long as YOU hold that opinion.
some one has said since this strike began,
Money is not everything in this world >
He was a railroad director, ! think. lie
spoke truly. for liberty il far dearer 10 the
laborer, and that is what he strIg-
gles tor; that IL what is denied him
when he is discharged for being "A Knight
OF Labor. II liberty was only valued 30
highly that men offered uD life and treasure
and sacred honor 10 gain it. surely their
children should not be blamed for strik-
ing for it. Whether trey struck wisely
IN this case is yet 10 be determn-
ed. Who is to determine ? You may
ieel that you are right: the men
may feel that they are right; both are par
tisans, and if an impartial verdict is to be
reached impartial men must arrive at it by
hearing both sides and then judging. The
men are willing to submit the case to such
arbitration. and will not be unreasonable.
viii you consent 10 do the same' | will
return TO the city rs soon as | can meet my
engagements. and il YOU will kindly address
me at the st. Cloud Hotel it will be carefully
attended to and placed before me on my
return. ! remain. yours. very truly, L. Y.
Powderly, G.. VI. W. n. Of l..
ARBITRATION DECLINED.
To Mr.. T. Y. Powderly, 81. Cloud Hotel.
New York Dear Sir, | have received
this morning the communication Of August
Eth. addressed 10 me by YOU as the Gene
raj Master Workman of the order Of the
knights Of Labor. Replying thereto, |
have 10 say that no one Of the
persons discharged from the ser
vice Of this company prior In
August Sth, and referred 10 in your COM
municatiOn, was discharged because hc
was member Of your order.
The immediate superiors Of each of said
persons reported 10 the superintendent
good cause for the discharge, aud the
superintendent investigated each case.
The management also investigated them
and the action OF the superintendent was
approved. The management do not deem
it consistent with its continuance
and prosperity in business. and with the
discharge of the duties il owes 10 the peo-
pie, to submit the prOprioty Of its action in
the discharge Of any of its employees 10 ar
bitration. have read your communca-
tion with care, and | think the foregoing
answers the point presented in yours. and
defines the position Of this company. Yours,
&c., IL. Walter Webb, Third yice-presi-
dent