The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-07-23
DEBS' REPLY.
His Answer Filed in the
Contempt Case Today.
He and His Fellow Officers Enter a
General Disclaimer to Charges.
Bu The Associated Press.

CHICAGO. July Z3.-An answer was filed
today in the contempt proceedings against
the officers OF the American Railway
Union in the United States Court, grow
ing out OF the alleged violation OF the
Federal injunction against interference
with the mails and interstate commerce.
The answer which was formulated by
Attorneys w. w. Erwin of st. Paul and
=. /. Gregory of Chicago, admits the exis-
tence OF the A. II. u, and that the %injunc-
tions were served on said officers, but the
document declares that the defendants
deny that IL was at any time the
purpose of the American Railway
Union or of the officers or directors
thereof or OF these defendants to concen-
trate the Jurisdiction of the union under
one official management n direction
with power to order strikes, and allege
that strikes could only lie declared or dis
continued by the vote OF the majority
Of the members of such American
Railway Union as were in the service
affected by any such strike, and that the
only power of the officers or directors OF
the union was to notify the members in
the service concerned OF such strike ac-
tion as might be taken by such majority.
The defendants further deny that they
ordered a strike on June 70 or n on the
Illinois Central Railroad, but they say
that on that day a majority of the MEM
bers OF the American Railway Union
dulb tht COIiDdnl oCtNA&S
out order from the union officials
and not for the purpose of hindering
interstate commerce or United states
mail trains. The defendants deny that
after the injunction of the court that
they carried oil the work OF organization
other than by advising railroad employees
to become members. The defendants deny
any one of the kilograms set forth in the
formation preceding the issuance OF the
injunction was sent or caused to be sent by
or any OF them, except a certain telegram
dated July 8 which was to the effect that
the officials had assurance that within AZ
hours every labor organization in this
country would come to their rescue.
This telegram urged every true man to
quit at once AND remain out until the
fight was won.
They deny that any OF them were en-
gagged in the violence which they admit
took place on certain lines, also denying
members of the American Railway Union.
Defendants expressly deny that they or
any of them did at any time mentioned in
the information, or at any other time,
order, direct, counsel, advise, recommend
or approve N acts of violence or unlawful
acts of any kind or character, but on the
contrary allege that they did at all times
counsel d advise all members OF the
American Railway Union with whom
they were in communication, to abstain
from violence, threats and intimida-
ton and at all times respect
the law and the officers thereof.
The answer makes other sweeping and
more specific denials of the charges and
| concludes by reciting that upon service OF
| the injunction they consulted the counsel
and proceeded according to his advice.
They also deny any intention to violate
the injunction. d.
The document is duly subscribed and
- 49, NJ HA~.-A UA
Howard, Sylvester Keliher and l.. w.
Rogers.