The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-09-19
STRIKE AT THE CAR SHEDS.
A QUESTION OF WHO SHALL
BE BOSS.
Formal Action Taken 10y the Men-Peti-
ton Presented to the President Of the
Road. who Refused to Interfere with
tho SUPERINTENDENT.


ton Presented to the President of the
Road. who Refused to Interfere with
the Superintendent.
A strike occurred yesterday morning
among the hands in the machine shop Of the
Richmond Union Passenger railway. n
TIMES reporter was at the sheds before IT
was generally known that there was any
trouble. A crowd OF men, nearly all OF
whom were very much excited, were con
gregated at the corner Of TwenY-ninth and
T. streets. where the sheds are. They were
very determined, and said that they would
never 20 back until their grievances were
righted.
The reporter went Immediately TO the
Office OF the company, but Mr.. Noble, the
Young man in charge. refused 10 give any
information. saying that his instructions
were 10 be silent. The superintendent left
the Office as soon as the reporter was seen.
CONFLICT OF AUTHORITY.
The strike is not one for higher wages or
for less work. but merely on account Of con-
iiict of authority. The men charge that the
superintendent. Mr.. i. W. Wilbur, j. an
impractical man, and that he insists on
giving orders to them personally. instead Of
allowing them 10 come through the master
mechanic. Mr.. George Hewitt, who. they
say. is "A thorough master OF his trade, ana
whose duty it Is 10 instruct them. They
claim that two bosses are more than they
can stand, especially ~ one, they allege,
is without the necessary knowledge Of the
business.
The strike now only includes the shop
men. but all the men on the line seem 10 be
in sympathy with the strikers.
COMMITTEE APPOINTED.
In order to remedy the evil. the ma
chinists held q meeting on Wednesday
night and appointed committee, consist
ing Of Mcssrs. Bryant and lpdike, 10 wait
on the president Of the road. G.. Il. Fisher,
who was stopping at the Exchange Hotel.
and present 10 him the following commune
cation:
ave, the working men of the department
and shops Of the Richmond Union Passenger
Rnilway Company. do feel dissatisfied al The
present management of the working OF these
shops, and bring our grievances oyou per
sOnally. ard state 10 You that We want DO
changed AMI regulated il not we Will an in a
body leave the works
This was signed by all the men i'm the
shop. In the interview with Mr.. Fisher he
promised to investigate the matter and lct
them know his decision within a week. but
Yesterday morning he visited the shop aud
told them that Mr. Wilbur was superinien-
dent. and that he would not inter
fore with his management. That if
they did not like the superintendent
they might take their tools and go.
WENT OUT.
All the men, sixteen in number, with their
foreman. Mr.. Hewitt Immediately went
out. They reported their time TO the Office
and were paid. The men all spoke in the
hichest terms Of Mr.. Hewitt. and say that
when ne is given his rightful authority they
will 20 10 work ana not before.
1t is said the car inspectors and dispatch
ers are also dissatisfied, and say that they
will 90 out unless their complaint is heard.
They claim to do twelve hours work on ten
hours pay.