The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-09-28
THE STRIKE ORDERED ON.
THE WHARF LABokERs TOGO OUT
THI5 MORNING.

and Western Authorities Refuse to
Accede to the Iaborers' Demands
for an Increase in Wages and the
Striks Ordered - Fifteen Hundred
Men Involved - The Strikers De-
mands-Preceutions by the Police
and Military to Prevent an Out
breek-None But Workers to be
Allowed on the Wnerves.
The strike of the wharf laborers at the
Central railroad and Savannah, Florida
and Western wharves fer an advance of
5 cents an hour in wages was ordered
Yesterday by the Labor Union and Protec-
tive Association to go into effect this morn
ing. The strikers number about 100.
Both the Central and Savannah, Florida
and Western people say thsre viii Be 20 in
crease of wages.
.The first intimation l resolved Of the
action of the hands," said Agent Wilkinson
of the Central railroad, was Friday after
noon when committee waited upon me
and said the association had decided
to ask for cents an hour
increase. told the committee
that l would present the matter
to Supt. Dill as soon as he returned to
the city and asked that further action be
deferred. The chairman OF the committee
answered that the Central would find an
answer in the MORNING News next day.
The Central is willing to be just and reason
able in the matter of wages, but it will not
be intimidated. 1t considers 10 cents an
hour ample wages, and can get
plenty of men to work at
81 rs per day. Between 800 and 800 men
are employed at the wharves and their
places can be filled rapidly should they quit.
There was never any kick on the wages IN
til the laborers found out that they had to
work for their money, and then they de-
cided they must have an increase.
OPPOSED TO A STRIKE.
81 understand said Agent Wilkinson,
What many Of the men are opposed to the
strike ana will return TO work il not
intimidated. Any who wish to return to
work will be protscted. The Central has
taken every precaution to protect its prop
erty and employees, and should there be any
attempt at disorder it will be speedily
quelled.'
A force of police is stationed at the
bridge this morning and no one will be al
lowed 10 cross except they intend TO work.
All others will be excluded. The following
card is published by Agent Wilkinson:
The authorities of the Central railroad, hav-
ing understood that il was the intention of their
wharf labor TO quit work, pending decision as
TO increase Of pay demanded, have conferred
with the municipal authorities. and wish
to assure all concerned that de-
lay 10 freight being very detrimental
to the interests of the public well to the
company, desire TO publish, for the information
of those who wish TO continue their services as
heretofore, the following notice, ss the demands
made are inconsistent with reasonable justice
or equity in the employment of labor.
ANY labOrerS in the employ Of the company
who wish to continue at work will be protected
TO the fullest extent OF the law. Therefore, do
not be misled by those who wish TO create
trouble, but who have not the power to protect
you should trouble ensue and further, those
not intending TO work must not trespess upon
the company's property.
AT THE LOWER wHARvEs.
About GOO men are employed at the
Savannah, Florida and Western wharves
and are involved in the strike. Gem
eral Superintendent Fleming said yes
terday that no increase in pay will be
granted, as the present rate Of wages is
considered sufficient for the work. Plenty
OF hands can be found to do the work at
the present rate, Supt. Fleming thinks
and they will be gotten at once. No
trouble is expected by the Savannah, Fori-
de- and Western people. Supt. Fleming said
that the company is prepared to protect its
labor and property at all hazards No extra
precautionary measures have been taken
at the wharves, but several policemen will
be sent there to-day to see that no disorder
occurs.
It was understood around town that the
order TO close work went into effect at 8
O'Clock Saturday night and no work was
to be done after that time at present
prices. However there was large gang at
work all day yesterday at the Central
wharves loading the Kansas City. The
men worked with their usual vigor. and
nothing was said about any intended strike
or any intention of not Yejumlng work to-
day.
THE POLICE IN READINESS.
Chief Green does not expect any trouble,
but still he will hold the police force In
readiness to respond at once should any out
break occur.
Sergt. Muse of the Central railroad police
force reported everything quiet yesterday
and said that lie bad no reason to anticipate
any trouble. Precautionary measures have
been taken on the principle that an ounce Of
prevention is worth O pound of cure. It.
on the same principle that the military have
been notified to be in readiness to answer
the alarm. Notices were posted in the
armorieS yesterday ordering the men TO
hold themselves in readiness.
That the threatened strike is by the long
shoremen and stevedcres is denied Several
Iongshoremen and stevedOres said Yesterday
that they had nothing to do with the strike
and knew nothing about it. They say they
are sati fed with present prices and want
nothing but plenty of work.
THE STRIKERS oRGANIzATIoN.
The Labor Union and Protective ASCOT
alton Is e3tIrely c imposed of wharf laborers
and railroad hands. They claim a
membership Of from 1900 to
1900, though whether they can
control ali their members is doubted. They
have been organizing for some time in
preparation for demand Tor higher wages.
The laborers are paid y "a cents 10 Is cents
an hour for the time they work. They do
not consider this LAY suific ent as fire.
quently they do not put in more than half a
day and are paid accordingly.
A well known steyedcre said said yester-
day that about 81 10 day is what be I'M
derstood the average earnings OF a wharf
laborers to be. This LIE said was less than
the railroads have paid in previous years.
While the strike appears imminent, it ls
believed the precautions already taken will
have the effect Of preventing trouble.
FOR PEACABLE METHODS.
1t was reported on tAe streets last night
that at the meeting Of the strikers held at
Odd Fellows ball yesterday afternoon it
was resolved that none should
cross the Ocean Steamship Com.
pauy's bridge and that they
would make no offensive demonstration
William Crubcher, one of the strikers
committee, said yesterday that there will
be no trouble SO far as the strikers are con-
cerned.