The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-10-13
RAILWAY EMPLOYEES
Growing Tendency to Settle Wage
Disputes Without Strikes.
prOmised-SituatiOn in Indiana
Other Railway News.

The Journals correspondent at Washing
ton telegraphed last night follows: IF
W. Arnold, grand secretary and treasurer
of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen,
with headquarters at Terre Haute. has been
in Washington for two days in an impor-
tant conference over the wages of large
number of railroad men. Recently an or
der was issued by the managers of the
Richmond & DanvilIe railroad system for a
10 per cent. reduction Of all salaries Of their
employees. There are in the train service
alone of this system over 200 men--en-
gineers. firemen, conductors and brakemen.
The preliminary methods of attempting an
adjustment were exhausted. and the COM
pany remained firm in it's determination
10 make the reduction of 10 per cent.
meeting was then called of the general Of
fcers OF the sixteen or eighteen different
branches of the railroad federation of en-
ployes and these various chiefs have been
In session here since noon yesterday. A
compromise has just been effected. Captain
Green, chief OF engineers for the Richmond
& Danville system. has agreed that there
shall be no reduction in the salaries of
employees who receive less than $50 per
month; that the reduction of wages for
those who receive between $50 and s65
month shall be 5 per cent, and for those
receiving more than $65 a month 10 per
cent. This compromise averts the general
strike which was threatened and which
would have extended TO systems with
branches at Indianapolis
ITO the Journal correspondent Secretary
Arnold before leaving Washington for
Terre Haute this evening, said that IL was
the understanding that no further trouble
would be experienced over the wage ques-
ton on the Big Four system. The contro-
versy which threatened general strike
had been decided by ballot, and there was
not likely to be an appeal which would
arouse the question further. He reported
peace and quietude at this time on all
lines operating in Indiana although he
thought there was a concerted move upon
the part Of railroad managers everywhere
feduce wages as nnf as Ib.
eral toward the employees we hoped to
get, but, all things considered, 1 think it
q In every direction at this time a dispos-
ton the part of railroads to take adj
vantage of the hard times and secure heavy
reductions in their pay rolls. l know That
the railroad companies are not making
much money just now as they might make
If the times were prosperous, but there are
always seasons when the revenues of all
transportation companies fall off. The rail-
road employees are resisting with as much
vigor as possible nearly all of the demands
of the companies for reduction of their
wages because they believe that many of
the demands are made as the result or
general understanding among the com,
panies that they shall take advantage OF
Conditions and secure the heaviest possible
reductions in their employees wages,
whether or not the revenues warrant such
steps. Wherever it appears that the COM
panies are really suffering from the bust
auctions are justified we concede what is
reasonable, but there Is a growing DISPOSE
ton upon the part of the employees to re-
sist this movement to secure smaller pay
rolls where the business is not injured by
the hard times, and If it should continue, I
doubt If in every instance there VIII be
nd N fri
Lower Passenger Rates Possible.
A Pittsburg paper contains quite a
lengthy interview with George b. Roberts.
president of the Pennsylvania lines, and
his remarks as regards passenger rates
were quite interesting. He said that it was
not the fault of that company that lower
rates were not given to the worlds fair.
1--WE wanted Them" said he, land advo-
Gated them, but as we members of traf-
fc associations we had to bow to the will
Of the majority. If the Pennsylvania had
had it's way there would have been lower
rates out of Pittsburg to Chicago" Con-
tinuing on the rate question. he said: 1T
is the extravaganza of the American people
that makes it impossible to lower passen-
ger rates. The rich people demand luxuri-
Gus methods of travel, making the cost Of
train very heavy. 1t is the men and
women who occupy the ordinary cars and
coaches who really maintain the railroads
passenger earnings. If the fares of the
wealthy travellers could be raised to what
should be the rate, then the other fares
could be lowered. Take for instance two
travellers going to Chicago. One for few
dollars more gets luxurious quarters, and
only comparatively few persons can oc-
cupy one Of the cars. He doesn't pay
enough extra. 1t is really the man riding
in the coach who makes the train pay:
About every year in OHIO the s,,9 question OF
cents a mile comes up. This could be eff
fected in this way. If the fares on the
first-class trains were raised TO or cents
mile, then the average rates might be
made cents a mile. The fare on the first
class trains would then be about what it
said the freight traffic on the Pennsylvania
Is at a very low point now, with probably
been. While he did not directly say so, his
manner indicated no great hope of re-
vival in the near future.
Good on All Trains and Cars.
The Western Passenger Association yes
terday authorized the Western lines to al
low all the holders of cheap excursion
tickets TO ride in all cars and on all trains.
The rates authorized not applicable
from association territory west of Col
orado common points. one-way rate or
50 between Colorado and Missouri river
common points and one of SO between low
er Missouri river points and Trinidad were
authorized These rates are applicable in
both directions and are good for the period
during which the Chicago day rates are in
existence. The trouble between the asso-
citation and the Union Pacific was taken up,
and although not much progress was made
toward consideration of the total number
OF demands made by that line, IL is at pres
ent probable that il will remain in the as
socia ton Its principal grievance was
acted upon. however, in a manner which
will undoubtedly sOothe the troubled spirit.
This action was the passing of a resolu-
tlou proVIolng that where a connecting lire
tenders a selling rate and demands that II
be used for baslng purposes. 1t shall be the
chairman's duty TO Immediately submit the
matter for settlement, and, If this settle
ment is not accomplished. any member of
the association can take individual action,
with the understanding that the through
rates so constructed shall be on a regular
authorized basis and apply via authorized
routes This privilege, however, does not
allow any line to make any cut rate II
may elect and then tender IL for basing pur-
poses. A committee from the association
held a conference with Mr.. LomaX. gen.
eral passenger agent Of the Union Pacific,
but nothing definite was arranged. The res
olution however, meets the demand made
by the Union Pacific in relation to the
matter of basing on cut rates The other
demands made will be considered to-day.
D-I.rh. Accidents Most SbocIfu.