Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-19
VERY BADLY MIXED.
Local Switchmen Begin to Dread the
Effects of Summary Action.
FEARS OF DEFEAT0N THE SURFACE
The Grand Lodge officials Will Positively
be Here To-Day.
SMALL SHOT FROM LABOR CIRCLES

The switchmen's difficulty took a
decidedly interesting turn, and it will not
be surprising if a general tie-up is ordered
this morning.
This course is in direct opposition to the
desires of few members of the General
Grievance Committee. but a lot of en-
thusiastic individuals seem to have taken
hold Of the situation, and they are de-
tcimined not to await the arrival of the
Grand Lodge officers to settle the matter in
legitimate manner.
According to Mr.. Hawley and other con-
servative members of the committee, the
people who favored summary action are
headed by Mr.. Herble, of Philadelphia,
who had four secret meetings held in vari-
Gus portions OF the two cities last night tor
the purpose of voting on the matter OF strik-
ing Immediately or waiting upon the grand
officers to order o strike.t
One of these meetings was held at Bennett
station on the West Penn road, one on the
Southside, one in Allegheny and the other
in Pittsburg. They were mostly held IN
private houses, and it is said a strong effort
was made by the visiting members of the
Grievance Committee to have strike pre-
cipitated this morning.
WHERE THE MEETINGS WERE HELD.
Three of the meetings were supposed to
be special meetings of the three switchmen's
unions, while the one at Bennett was made
up of employees on the Pittsburg and estern
and West Penn roads. Up until yesterday the
constitutional forms have been fol-
lowed, and the men generally have
been confident of winning, but the sudden turn
affairs have taken has dampened the hopes of
many of them and unless the actions of some
of them can be checked very soon, there will
not be much chance left to win in the struggle.
So much opposition TO the plans of the ma
jority were displayed last night that ar mid
night Mr.. Hawey and other members of his
committee called on Captain Dan Silvus. of the
First police district and inquired If some steps
could not be taken to head off the action of
those who favored the strike. Captain Silvus
said the only course they could have would be
to secure evidence of conspiracy and make in
formations against those who are trying to pre-
clpitate the strike.
What The result of tbe various special meet
ings was could not be learned. They were ali
in session until after midnight but it is eX-
pected that some interesting developments will
take place to-day.
OPPOSED TO A STRIKE.
Mr.. Hawley was seen at midnight. He said:
II want to be put on record as being opposed to
a strike. although 1 am afraid there will be
tie-up. If it comes YOU can count me out I
will positively not have anything to do with it.
have already washed my hands of it in meas
ure, and will not have anything more to do with
It until after the grand officers arrive"
Unless the strike takes place to-day. there
will be a general meeting of all the unions to-
night. Positive Information was received last
night from the head officials to the effect that
they will be here to-day. and the future actions
II tee w hQ cd a 10 M apt
ing tonight. Some Of the men believe there
will be a compromise on the demands-that Is
that the men will accept either the eight hours
or increase in wages. and more likely the
latter.
At the meeting of local union No. l95. com.
posed of painters and decorators, last night,
the following was passed unanimously:
SUPPORT PLEDGED TO THE MEN.
WHEREAS. The Railroad Switchmen's Associa-
tion of Pittsburg has, tn an open and fair manner
presented certain grievances to the various rail-
roads. and has presented fair and just scale to
Whereas. We consider such claims as just be it
Resolved, That we, Local Union 1856. Painters
and Decorators of America, do hereby pledge
ourselves TO offer them our hearty support.
There has been practically nothing done with
the grievances by the superintendents. Gen.
eral Superintendent Watts, of the Pennsylva-
mia lines. only arrived home from Western
trip yesterday and has not had time to DO any
thing. Superintendent Holbrook, of the Balti-
more and Ohio, Is still out of the city, hut
Claim Agent Howells SAID no action had been
taken. Superintendent Turner had not seen
the demands when the reporter called, and
could not discuss them.
The matter. however, has passed out of the
hands of the employees hands, and they would
have no right to deal with companies unless
the latter would decide to grant everything.
All negotiations for acompromise must be con-
not be attended to until after the arrival of the
latter.