Evening star., 1894-12-15
Strike on Metropolitan Road Was
Quickly Settled.
BOTH LINES WERE TIED UP
Then the Company Offered te
Meet the Men.
A MIC ABLY A D j U S T e D


Metropolitan Railroad Company, whose
wages had been reduced II per cent, in
dulged In a full-fedged strike late in the
afternoon, the like of which has seldom
been seen In Washington. For over two
hours, during a portion OF the day when
travel on the road is heaviest, the street
line was blockaded and then, amid con-
siderable excitement, the cars were taken
to the sheds and travel suspended during
the remainder of tho night. Just as the
procession OF F street cars was started
toward the stables the employees of the 9th
street line struck and the cars of that line
were blocked at + street, but the latter
tie-up did not continue for any length of
time. The action of the employees resulted
in compromise with the company as re-
CARDS wages and now things are running
as smoothly as though nothing had hap
pened.
During the day the majority of the en-
ployes of the road were seen by certain
others and they agreed q tie-up in
front of the Ebbitt House shortly after 4
o'clock. AS car No. II, going west, and
car No. 70 going east, met in front of the
Adams building, near the corner of 14th
and + streets, the drivers slapped on their
brakes, tied the reins about the brake
handles and stepped off the platforms, fol-
| lowed by the conductors. A moment later
another westbound car had come to a
standstill directly in the rear of car No.
T. and thea one after another the cars
lined up until they extended for several
squares in both directions. In the mean
time crowd had gathered about cars
No. II and 26. The government depart
ments had just closed for the day and
thousands OF clerks, as well the daily
promenade contingent that is feature of
+ street, were at the scene.
A dozen drivers and conductors took
their stand on the track in front of car
No 1D and freely diocnSSad he Sit
If this car is moved it will have to go
over my dead body said one.
I'D like to see any one attempt to start
it," added stalwart driver.
The crowd by this time had completely
blockaded travel and a score of police
men endeayored to force the people back
to the sidewalks, but their efforts proved
unavaii.ng. Every one, it seemed, wished
to get as near as possible to the miniature
mass meeting in progress directly in front
of car No. ~. The men, while awaiting
developments, freely gave vent to their
feelings.
1--WE do not intend to be disorderly or to
violate 7ny law said an intelligent-look-
ing &C .uCtor to police sergeant who
just ELen went up to inquire as to the
trouble. I've simply want our rights ana
intend to have them. We cannot afford
TO work as we are required to for any
lower wages and the company must give
in"
Others in the gathering recited their woes
~
spectators was with the drivers and con-
ductors could not be doubted for an in
slant. The crowd had now increased In
numbers to such an extent that the po-
geant telephoned for assistance In a
few moments a patrol wagon, with Its
bell changing, dashed around the corner
and score of officers alighted.
President Phillips Efforts.
President Samuel Phillips of the railroad
company hastened to the scene of the tie
up as soon as he was informed of the
same. He was Immediately recognized by
many persons In the crowd, and throng
followed at his heels during the remainder
of the afternoon. At very frequent inter-
walls Mr.. Phillips was made the butt of
the most derisve and uncomplimentary
sayings. After being assured by the driver
of car No. IL, that he would not take his
conveyance through, the president Of the
road passed down the line.
'Will you drive that front carr Mr..
Phillips asked an aged driver.
II will not" Was the prompt and en-
phatic reply.
How long have you been in the employ
of the company?' then asked Mr.. Phillips.
For eighteen years." was the answer
from the driver.
And yet you do not possess sufficient
faith to stick by your employers now?"
was the next query from the president.
cided answer, and the spectators applaudsd
and shouted.
A Star reporter at this point asked Mr.
Phillips what the company intended to do
toward moving the cars.
"Oh, We'll start them all right after
WHILE" said he. II would like to see Maj
Moore or some one in charge of the po-
lice"
why don't you start your cars now' a
man in the crowd shouted, in a sarcastic
tone. Wen help you along-I don't
think"
"Ill help to hold back" came from sew
eral others. Mr.. Phillips smiled pleasantly
but his position was not an enviable one
and 1t was evident that he was at loss
as to the next step to take. He further
said to a Star reporter that he could not
tell what would be done. He desired first
to get the street cleared of cars and then
the company would meet a committee Of
the men.
The crowd had been augmented by the
audience from the matinee performance
at the New National Theater, and pedes-
trianism and the passing Of vehicles in the
vicinity of l4th and F streets was well
nigh impossible. In their efforts to pre-
vent trouble of any character the drivers
and conductors repeatedly requested the
crowd to stand back, in order that herdics
and other conveyances might have a free
passage. Several times the spectators
unfastened the harness of the horses at
tsched to car No. II, but as soon as such
was discovered the driver Immediately re-