The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1894-04-20
The Great Northern System Is Tied
Up by the American Railway
Union.
When the Bell Struck Twelve the
Whistle Blew Twice for the
Strike.
The Men Demand That the Schedule
Existing in 1898 Shall Be
Restored.

Great Northern system took place at
noon, under orders from the American
Railway union. 1t is claimed that the
tie up includes the whole of the Great
Northern system from st. Paul to the
Pacific coast, and that the men which
have.left work will number about 1900.
As the hour of noon approached con-
siderable movement of coal and freight
cars could be observed, and finally the
main track in front Of the depot, the Y,
and the railway bridge across the Mis-
souri, we're all blockaded, preventing any
trains coming in or going out. Two
whistles were blown at the machine
shops, and it was then known over the
city that Great Falls was cut off from
railway communication with the outside
world.
From the early part Of the morning an
air of expectancy could be observed on
Central avenue among small groups Of
persons discussing the situation. On
the West side at the round house and
the machine shops evidences of sup
pressed excitement among the men were
visible. Small groups Of two or three
men would be talking, but il a stranger
approached and calculated to get some
information he wac beautifully left.
knowledge OF the situation among the
men seemed to be the exception and not
the rule.
The moment the whistle blew what a
change there was, the hives of industry
became as silent as a quakers meeting,
conductors, engineers, firemen, break
men, Office clerks and telegraph opera
tors put their work aside for an indefinite
peroid. The Sand Coulee engine blew
out the steam on the curve south Of the
Y, and the Neihart train got as far as
Arlington, and then turned back,
which then tied up the whole of the
Neihart and Sand Coulee branches.
1t had been rumored around the city
that the west-bound train when it ar
rived here, would have the passenger
coaches disconnected and only the mail
car would be allowed to proceed. In
consequence of this as train time ap.
preached the West side depot became
the center attraction, a large number of
citizens went there to await develop,
ments. The train arrived on time Jerry
Flanagan being the conductor. They
stopped at the depot, having on board
sixteen through passengers, three Of
which we're ladies.
A long consultation then took place
as to what should be done with the
train. There was no bad feeling shown
on the part of the railway men. though
the platform was crowded. In about
half an hour it was known that the
union men were perfectly willing for the
mail car to proceed to Helena, and a re-
lay engine already had steam up for that
purpose. 1t was then reported that the
superintendent refused to allow the mail
car to proceed without the whole train
went. A long consultation was then
had, and at last it was agreed to let that
train proceed on account of the through
passengers. The train backed down the
siding, the old engine was detached and
the fresh one attached to the train, and
everything was ready for departure, but
no orders we're received to pull out.
Hour after hour passed away and NO
move, though the train crew we're all on
hand. Many Of the passengers. weary
with delay, grasped their grips and went
o,ec to the hotels.
The men on strike accupy every posi-
ton which the railway employs. They
seem to be thoroughly organized and
very determined TO have what they are
claiming.
Conversation with many Of the men
shows there have been reductions IN
wages which the men claim we're unjust.
There was an order issued a few weeks
ago from st, Paul cutting the wages Of
the shop men, coal-heavers, etc. This
cut was opposed by the American Rail-
way union, in consequence OF which the
wages in Butte and Great Falls we're re-
stored to the original scale. Subsequent
to this committees have prepared sched-
ules which were to be submitted to Cen
eral Mansger Case. These schedules
were on the basis Of thelwages paid prior
to Aug. /, 1899. The men claim that the
company saw they were going to make a
fight for the wages demanded in the
schedules, and to off sci this began to
send men out from st. Paul to take the
places OF the men who made these de-
mands. Last Wednesday they say there
was an effort made to discharge thirty
men from the machine shops and send
cars and locomotives to st. Paul
and st. Cloud for repairs. 1t hap
poutu IudL cuPt' oiyou Woo III tuo City,
and after a brief conference between
him and the men their places were re-
stored to them. The railroad men all
along the line state that ever since the
American Railway union has been
organized the company has endeavored
to discharge from its employ those who
have taken an active or prominent part
in the union.
The men being confident that the COM
pany was preparing for a Wholesale dis
charge Of men, and bringing out new
men to take their places, decided to
checkmate the company in their opera.
tions, and the American Railway union
declared a general strike Friday be-
fore the new arrivals would be able to
get to Montana.
The restoration of the 1893 schedule of
a would make an increase over the
present rate of from ~ to 30 per cent.
The switchmen at Great Falls also de-
mand the same W ges as are paid in
Butte. claiming the work is the same,
and that the rise in wages is withheld on
account of the Great N rthern having
no opposition here. One principle trouble
seems to be the failure Of the road to
reatore the cut made in wages last Aug