The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-07-14
CHICAGO. July 10.
EPHE officers and directors of the

E7PHE officers and directors of the
American Railway union held
special executive meeting this
u morning for the purpose of max
Ing proposition to the railway mana
gers looking to calling off of the
great strike. They agreed to order the
strike off if the railway managers
would give the strikers their former
positions. except those who have been
convicted of crime. The proposition
u full is as follows
To the railway managers: The existing
troubles growing out of the Pullman strike
IL wing assumed continental proportions
NJ ! there being no indi .ation of relief from
IL widespread business decentralization
a. i distress incident thereto, the railway
employers, through the board of directors
Of the American Railway union, respect
fully make the following proposition rs the
ba-is OF settlements
hey agree to return to work in boiy
III once provided they shall be restored to
their former positions without pfejudice
except in case, il any there are, who have
b en- convicted of crime. This proposition
10 king to immediate settlement of the
existing strike on all lines Of railroads is
Inspired by a purpose 10 subserve the pub
lie good. The strike, small and compara-
tiveiy uniuportant III its inception has
extended in every direction until it
Row involves or threatens every pub
lie interest, but the peace security and
prosperity of our country. The contest
has waged fiercely. 1t has extended ar
beyond the limits of interests originally
involved and has laid hold Of vast num-
Der Of industries and enterprises in no
wise responsible for the differences and
disagreement that lead to trouble Fac
tory. mill, mine and shop have been 81
leIced, Widespread Generalization has
sway. The interests of multified thous-
ards OF innocent people are suffering.
The common welfare is seriously menaced.
The public peace and tranquility are per-
iled. Great apprehension of the future
prevails.
This being true, and the statement will
not be controverted, we consider it to be
our duty us citizens aud as men to make
extraordinary effort to end the existing
strike and avert approaching calamities,
who,e shadows are even now upon us. II
erded now the contest, however serious in
its consequences, will not have been III
vain. Sacrifices have been made, but they
will have their compensation. Indeed, if
lessons shall be taught by experience the
troubles now so widely deplored will prove
blessing of inestimable value in the
months and years to months to come The
diff frrence that led to the present compli-
cations need not be discussed. At this
supreme juncture every consideration Of
duty and patriotism demands that a
remedy for existing troubles be found and
applied.
The employers propose TO do their part
by meeting their employers half way,
Let it be stated that they do not impose
any condition Of settlement except that
they be restored to their former positions.
They do not ask the recognition of their
organization o. or Of any organization. Be-
lieving this proposition to be fair, reasona
bic and just, it is respectfully submitted
with the belief that its acceptance will re.
suit in the prompt resumption OF traffic,
the revival Of industry and the restora-
ton OF peace and order, Respectfully.
Eugene V. Debs, president; q. w. How
ard, vice president, Sylvester Keliher
secretary, American Railway union.
Knowing that the General Managers.
association would not receive deputa-
tion from the American Rail way
union especially the officers who have
been most active in the struggle for
supremacy over the railroads, it was
decided to have President Debs and
Vice-President Howard go to Mayor
Hopkins with the proposition and ask
bis good services in presenting the con-
dition of settlement to railway man.
ngers.
WILL NOT RECOGNIZE DEBs
When the mayor arrived at the Of
fee of the Genaral Managers Associa-
tion be found that the regular meeting
had adjourned and ST. John, of the
Rock Island road, the only manager
present. Mr.. St. John said he wouli
receive the proposition and lay it be.
fore the next meeting. He was re-.
quested to call special meeting, but
declined to do So He consented to lis.
ten to the gentlemen, because
they were the mayor and prominent
member of the city council. He de.
declared that he hwould have nothing
to do with Debs or any other labor
leader. After leaving the proposition
with Mr.. st. John the mayor returned
to his Office. Mr.. st. John had pre-
viously said that the general managers
would not recognize the labor leaders
in any way, and it was because of this
statement that Messrs. Dsbs, Howard
and Sovereign did not present their
proposition in person, but delegated the
present attention Of the mayor
Chairman Egan said, informally
"The general manager will, under nc
circumstances, have conference will
Mr.. Debs on any subject They will
retain in their employ the men who
filled the strikers places and are com
potent"
Mr. St John said later that the pro-
position would not be submitted to any