The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1894-07-20
DEBs' PROPOSITION.
a Communication Sent to Railway Mana
gers ofrerinss Terms of Peace.

a Communication Sent to Railway Mana
gers Offering Terms of Peace.
CHICAGO. July 14.-Mr. Eugene v.
Dcbs arose early yesterday morning
and called his executive officers togeth-
er at Uhlich hall. They held a close
| conference for something like half an
hour, and about $3.50 Mr.. Debs appeared
and said: "In view of the enormous
proportions which this strike has as
sumed and the tremendous damage to
public and private interest. we will
submit proposition to the General
Managers association declaring the
strike off on condition that they rein
state our men,
The proposition, which was formu-
lated after a conference with Gompers
and Sovereign and signed by the presi-
dent and other officers of the A. r. u,
is as follows:
CHICAGO, July 12-To the Railway Managers
Gentlemen: The existing troubles growing
out of the Pullman strike having assumed con-
tinental proportions, and tn re being indi-
cation of relief from the widespread business
Generalization and distress incident thereto,
the railway employees through the board of
directors Of the A. r. u, respectfully make
the following proposition as basis of settle
ment:
They agree to return to work in a body at
once, provided they shall be restored to their
former position without prejudice, except in
cases, if any there 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 subserye
the public good The strike, small and COM
paratively unimportant in its inception, has
extended in every direction, until now it in
1 III ife
est, but the peace, security and prosperity of
our common country. The contest has waged
fercely. 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
efforts to end the existing strike and avert
approaching calamites whose shadows are
even now upon US. If ended the contest,
however serious in its consequence, will not
have been in vain. Sacrifices have been
made but they will have their compensations.
Indeed, If lessons should be taught by expe-
rience the troubles now so widely deplored
will prove blessing of inestimable value in
the months and years to come.
The difference that 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 60 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 their
former positions. They do not ask the recog-
milton Of their organization or of any organi-
cation
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.