The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-04-19
SANTA FE STRIKE RUMORS
Trainmen Fear the Company Intends to
Annul Contracts with Its Men.
Brotherhood of Shop Employees Present q Griev.
ance and Demand Its CoRsideration-The
Union Pacific Strike Still On.

Topeka, Kan, April 18.-A sensation of
considerable magnitude was created here
this afternoon, when it was noised on the
street that a general strike of all the train
men on the Santa Fe system was lmpend-
ing, and would occur tomorrow. The In
formation o~btainable tonight indicates
that the strike will not occur tomorrow.
1t was discovered that . joint committee,
appointed last night by the five organize
tions of traInmen. this afternoon called
upon John Player, and requested him 30
inform them whether it was true that the
company had decided TO annul, as soon as
possible. all contracts with the organiza-
tions they represented, and make no
new ones. The committee stated that they
had been informed that this was the case
and intlmated that unless Mr.. Player re-
turned o satisfactory answer that ell the
trainmen on the system would strike ut
noon tomorrow IN order that the recOgnl-
Iion heretofore granted their organizations
by the railroads be- continued. MIR. Player
said that the company would surely re-
sDect Oil contracts In force with eli the
trainmen's organizations. Whether the
men consider tins answer satisfactory. il is
difficult to tell. as they were very r~eticent
on tbe su bJect. Thetrainmen'so organizations
met again tonight TO receive the report of
the committee. Whether the strike will
be ordered will depend upon the report of
this committee. Judging from the meagro
information ut hand, IL would appear that
the strike will probably not take place to-
morrow, but thut The difficulty Is by no
means settled. The trouble all arose over
the publication of q statement that the
railroad presidents, at their recent meet
ing In Chicago. had entered into an agree.
ment TO annui all existing contracts with
members of labor organizations. and to not
renew them.
Another strike of no small proportion is
threatened on the Santa lie system for to-
morrow or next day. The Brotherhood of
Shop Employees has u grievance now which
IL Is trying TO settle, and If unsuccessful the
nen say they will strike Thursday. Their
trouble comes through the abusive Ian
guage of a foreman towards his men in the
yards ct Argentine. A leading man in the
brotherhood of Shop Employe s' order said
this morning that there was q certain fore
man who had been In the habi of drinking
during working hours, and abused work
men to such an extent that two of them re-
taliated. when they were discharged. The
grievance committee, he said. had asked
for an investigation OF this foreman's ac-
tions. but nothing had been done. He said
the men had fully decided TO strike to-
morrow. or not later than Thursday, If the
company should not consider their grew
ance.
A committee of Santa Fe strikers from
Argentine to-day received an emphatic as
eurance from Governor Lewellen that in
case he was called upon to furnish troops
To protect railway property he will abso-
lutely refuse to do so. 1t is said also that
he promised the strikers that If they were
In need of aid he would send Adjutant-
general ORTIZ 30 Argentine with Instructions
10 insure the rights of the strikers proper
protection.