The Globe-republican., 1894-07-20
REJECTED.
Debs' Proposition for Settlement L.
Ignored.

Dehs' Proposition for Settlement ID
Ignored.
CHICAGO, July A.-Mr. Debs sub
mitted the following proposition to the
| railway managers:
| Gentlemen: The existing troubles growing
out Of the Pullman strike having assumed con-
tinental proportions. and tn re being no 1ndl-
| cation of relief from the widespread business
decentralization and distress incident thereto,
| the railway. employees, through the board OF
directors of the A. r O.. respectfully make
the following proposition as a basis OF settle
ment:
They agree to return to work in a BODY at
once provi,-ed they shall be restored to their
former position without prejudice. except IN
cases. if any thNFe be, where they have been
Convicted of crime
This proposition looking to an immediate
settlement Of the existing strike on all lines OF
railway is inspired by a purpose to subserve
the public good. The strike small and COM
paratively unimportant in its inception has
extended in every direction. until now 1t in
wolves or threatens not only every public inter-
est. but the peace, security and prosperity OF
our common country. The contest has waged
tiercely. 1t has extended far beyond the limits
Of interests originally involved and has laid
hold on a vast number Of industries and enter
prises in nowise responsible for the differences
and disagreement that led to the trouble.
Factory. mill, mine and shop have been
silenced. Widespread Decentralization has
sway. The interests of multiplied thousands
Of innocent people are suffering. The common
welfare is seriously menaced. The public
peace and tranquility are in peril Grave ap-
prehension OF the future prevails
This being true, and the statement will not
be controverted. we conceive it to be our duty
as citizens and as men to make extraordinary
r. Ill, .,v,I -1pS
approaching calamities whose shadows are
even now upon U.S. II ended the contest,
however serious in its consequence. viii not
have been in vain. Sacrifices have been
made but they will have their compensatiOns
Indeed. if lessons shouli be taught by expe-
rience the troubles now widely deolOred
will prove blessing Of ineStimable value in
the months and years to come.
The difference led up to the present
complications need not now be discussed. At
this supreme juncture every consideration OF
duty and patriotism demands that remedy
for existing troubles be found and applied.
The employees propose to do their part by meet
ing their employers half way. Let it be stated
that they do not impose any condition of settle
ment except that they be returned to tieir
former positions They do not ask the re ,og-
milton OF their organization of any org al
zation
Believing this proposition to be fair. reason
able and just, it is respectfully submitted with
the belief that its acceptance will result in the
prompt resumption of traffic. the revival OF in
dustry and the restoration of peace and order.
The paper was given to the mayor of
Chicago and a committee of the city
council who presented it to the Gen
eral Managers association, but as that
body was not in session Mr.. st. John
said he would receive it and lay it be-
fore the next. He consented to listen
to the mayor but declared he would
have nothing to do with Debs or any
of the strike leaders.