The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-07-14
A. r. I. Makes 4 Proposition TO
the Railroad Managers.
The STRIKE NOT DECLARED OFF
American Federation of Labor vii
Not Order Strike.
Pullman says the wage Question at His
shops Is Not One for Arbitration
Federal Troops at Sacramento XIII
Nom Combstaat.

CHICAGO. Iliy l3 AT 2 O'Clock this
morning Debs called meeting Of his di-
Fectors st the Revere house, and for half
an hour the strike leaders were in close
conference. They drew up the following
proposition for submission TO the railway
managers:
The existing troubles throughout the
Pullman strike having assumed c0nti-
mental proportions, and there being no in
dicatlon Of relief from the widespread
business decentralization, the railway en-
ployes. through the board of directors of
the American Railway Union, respectfully
make the following proposition as basis
OF settlements:
They agree to return to work at once in
BODY. provided they shall be restored to
their former positions without prejudice.
except in cases, if any there be. where
they have been convicted of crime.
This is a proposition looking TO an inn
mediate settlement OF the existing strike
on all lines OF railway, and Is inspired by
a purpose 10 subserve the public good.
The strike. small and comparatively unim-
poriant in Its inception. has extended in
every direction, until now il involves or
threatens not only every public interest.
b & the peace, security and prosperity of
our common country. The contest has
waged fiercely. Ii has extended far beyond
the limits OF the interests originally in-
yolved, and has laid hold of a
vast number of industries and enter
prises IN no wise responsible for
the differences and disagreements
that led TO the trouble. Factory, mill,
mine and shop have been silenced. Wide
spread decentralization has sway. The in-
terests of multiplied thousands of inno-
cent people are suffering. The common
welfare is seriously menaced. The public
peace and tranquility are imperiled.
Grave apprehension for the future pre-
walls. This being true, and the statement
will not be controverted, We conceive II to
De our duty as citizens and as men TO
make extraordinary efforts 10 end the ex-
isting strike and avert the approaching
calamities whose shadows are even now
upon US.
"if ended now, the contest, however
serious in its consequences, will not have
been in vain. Sacrifices have been made,
hut they will have their compensations,
Indeed. if lessons shall be taught by ex-
perience, the troubles now so widely de-
piored VIII prove blessing of inestimahle
value in the months and years 10 come.
The difference that led up to the present
complications need not now be discussed.
At this supreme luncture every consid-
GRAFTON of duty and patriotism demands
that a remedy tor the existing troubles be
found and applied. The employes propose
ers halfway. Let it be stated that
they do not impose any.conditiou of settle
ment except that they retain their former
positions. They do not ask the recogni-
ton of their organization or of any organ
Ization. Believing this proposition TO be
fair, reasonable and just. II IS respectfully
submitted, with the belief that its accept
ance will result in the prompt resumption
of traffic, the revival of industry and the
restoration of peace and order"
The General Managers Association adj
journcd for the day at IL 40 n IN. When
Mayor Hopkins and Alderman MCCLELLAN.
commissioned by Debs, Sovereign and
Gompers to present their proposition, ar
rived at the railway headquarters, st.
John was the only manager present. The
mayor left the written proposition and re-
turned 60 his Office.
The publication of q statement that n
proposition signed by Eugene Debs had
been presented TO the chairman of the
Managers Association caused number of
general managers TO inquire If the state
ment were true. The chairman decided
that it was proper 90 return the communi-
cation TO the mayor without an answer.
which vas done, aud with the informa-
tion that no communication whatever
from the parties signing IL could be re-
cesyed or considered by the association.
Mayor Hopkins said regarding the prop
osition made 10 the general managers:
at is extremely liberal, ! think Debs
does not ask that the men be taken back
as members of the American Railway
Union, but be treated with as individuals.
There is no question Of recognition of the
union involved.
A Joint meeting of the executive boards
of the A. r. L. and the X. OF l.. was held
at Ulrich's hall at p. IN. today TO con-
slider the treatment which the railway
unions proposition to the General Man
ayers Association received earlier in the
day. An informal discussion was fol-
lowed By an adjournment until 30 o'clock
tomorrow. The feeling against the gem
eral managers Was very bitter. but the
conclusion was to wait until the general
managers had acted on the proposition be-
fore they take further action themselves.
The n of l.. representatives at the
meeting were ia full accord with the
American Railway Union. and agreed 20
stand by the union 10 the end. President
Debs said AT the close of the meeting that
the American Railway Union had maize
It's last overfures TO the general managers.
IL had gone more than half way. II the
present proposition was ignored or re-
leeted the strike would be renewed with
greater force and continued until the rail-
way people gave an. The people had been
appealing 20 the railway union 10 stop
the strike; hereafter they must APP
real to the railway managers. The burden
OF further troable and loss Of business
must rest on their shoulders. Mr.
Debs added there had been no re-
Taxation OF the strike 1t Is in
force. aud would remain so until an
answer came from the general managers
Il such an answer vas received the strike
would end N twenty minutes. lie inti-
mated that the union had reserve forces
which il could call into action, aud they
would use their full strength II necessary.
lie said the labor unions were waiting
patiently 70 be called upon - JOIN in
sympAihetic strike, anil declared that to-
day twelve or liiteen we're induced 20 wait
until tie general managers answer vas
received.
WILL soT ORDER A sTgIKE.