The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1893-04-11
THE ENINEERS WIN.
Tho Great Case Decided DO Judge Speer In
TheiL Favor,

Auo UrcAC Ease DecIdcd DO Judge Spcer In
TheiL Favor.
Macon, Ga, April S.-(SpeciaI. The
Central railroad engineers have won in
their case before Judge Speer, of the
United States court, to require Receiver
I'll. NJ. Conner to sign a contract for the
ensuing year with the Brotherhood of Io-
connective Engineers. The Constitution has
already given a full resume and review
OF the entire matter from the day in last
November when General Superintendent
George Dole Wadley refused to treat with
the committee from the brotherhood, I'D
to the present hour. Judge Speer's deciS.
The decision can be construed as a com
plete triumph for the engineers, except so
far as the boycott rule of the brotherhood
is concerned, which rule forbids engineers
of one road hauling the cars of striking
road. Judge Speer decides that Receiver
Conner must sign contract with the broth
erhood engineers, and with engineers not
members of the brotherhood Judge
sSpeer thus recognizes the right of the
brotherhood to existence, and, in fact
places himself record as the friend and
supporter of labor organizations so long
rs they remain and operate within the law.
General Superintendent Wadley and Re
ceiver Conner refused to recognize the
brotherhood, but Judge Speer, by his decis-
ion. recognizes it and says that Receiver
Conner, the agent of the court must recog-
nize it,
Judge Speer's decision favors the senior
ity service clause as atfe ting promotions,
Receiver Conner was opposed tn seniority.
The court provides, however, that where
merit and ability are equal seniority of
service shall prevail, and will arrange fair
tribunal for the purpose of testing
the merit and ability of various candidates
for promotion with the privilege of either
party in eases not reconcilable to appeal
to the court. The engineers think that Il
good tribunal for testing the merit of those
seeking promotion would be the master me
chanic and three engineers to be selected
by the master mechanic. Mr.. Conner thinks
that on the master mechanic alone should
rest this responsibility. On all other points,
such as a schedule of wages, etc, which the
engineers wished enhanced in the contract,
Judge Speer decides in favor of the brother
clients, the engineer are greatly pleased
with the judges decision. He and they
have won great victory-One which they
ought to have won, for their cause was just
and right. 1t would be unjust and unfair
for them not to have a contract. The pub
lie endorses and approves the decision Of
Judge Speer. So far as the boycott rule
of the brotherhood is concerned, the engi-
it, and his decision III this regard is in
keeping with the recent decisions given out
west The brotherhood expect to strike
the rule from their bylaws at the next ma
tioonlal convention. They say they, do not
wish any rule on their books that the
courts decide is in conflict with the laws
of the country. They say they are law
abiding. conservative body of men and their
action and conduct in Judge Speer,s e?9'-7f~
Nov. there cannot Be "1'dS doubt that this
rule Of the brotherhood is in direct and pos
tive violation of the laws of the land, and
no court, state or federal, could hesitate for
q moment to decide it. 1t is plainly a
rule or agreement i'll restraint Of trade or
commerce."
A new contract will now be drawn I'D 10
no nv and no
gincers. In the meantime the old contract,
so Judge Speer says, remains in force
Judge Speer's decision says: TN case Of
any issue with the management in which the
brotherhood or lis members are connected
and the members in the employ Of the re-
ceiver shall desire to leave his service in a
body or otherwise in such manner as may
in any way impede the operations of til"
road, they will be required to do so upon
such terms and conditions as the court may
think proper for the protection of the inter-
est of the proD"rty and the maintenance OF
justice and fair play to all concerned
Religion and Politics.
From The Washington Post
1t appears that in the municipal elections
in Ohio and MchiSea IN organization known
as the American Protestant Association
figured quite extensively, and in numerous
instances affected the result Of the voting.
The members of the American Protestant
Association pledged TO scratch from their
tickets the names OF all Catholics, and before
the nominations made it is their duty TO
attend the primaries and invade the conven-
tons in order that Catholics may be kept out
of the Offices.
It is rather discouraging TO witness a re-
viyal of the effort to associate church and
state ut this late day. 1t would seem that
the experience with the know-nothng idea
in the past ought to have been sufficient TO
convince the people that it will not do. The
constitution of the United States guarantees
to every citizen his her religious sghts,
and there is general and liberal disposition
10 respect every denomination. In short, there
is no excuse whatever for drawing such lines
obtained in the recent municipal elections
in Ohio and Michigan.
The politicians who have promoted this mode
Of political warfare may secure temporary bene
fits, but like all such movements. the
action will be of such unpleasant nature
that all Of those who arc INDUCING in it will
rue the day they allowed themselves to par
ticipatc. There ought to be enough interest in
the municipal politics of every state in the
union without the Introduction of this form
of know-nothingism.
NJ Patenotrc, the French minister TO the
UTnited States has received the credentials
H.. H. -