Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-07-19
-DEBS' PROPOSITION.
He Sends q Communication to the
Railway Managers.
IT IS RETURNED UNANSWERED.
The Proposition Submitted Was That the
Strikers Would Return to Work Pro-
vidcd Their Former Positions
Were Restored.

conference for something like half an
hour, and about 9;30 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 of on condition that they rein
state our men"
After Debs had made this startling
statement he was asked what would
be the effect in case the general man
ayers refused to reinstate the men. lie
said he thought the strike was prac-
tically ended and regarded IT as a great
triumph for labor. After pause he
added: 1.-THE strike will settle back
then to the original grievance between
Pullman and his employees
The proposition referred to was
formulated last night in conference
between Debs, Sovereign and Gompers
and II was agreed that, in case the
general managers refused to meet the
wishes Of President Debs, Gompers
should call out the National Federation
Of Labor throughout the country. The
proposition is as follows;
CHICAGO, July l2-To the Railway Managers
Gentlemen: The existing troubles growing
out Of the Pullman strike having assumed con-
tnental proportions, and tn re being no 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 q body at
once, provided they shall be restored to their
former position without prejudice, except in
cases, II 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 u purpose TO subserye
the public good. The strike small and COM
paratively unimportant in Its inception has
extended In every direction, until now 1t In
wolves or threatens not only every public inter-
est but the peace, security and prosperity OF
our common country. The contest has waged
hercely. 1t has extended far beyond the limits
Of interests originally involved and has laid
hold on y vast number of industries and enter
prises In nowse responsible for the differences
and disagreement that led to the trouble
Factory, mill, mine and shop have beer
silenced, Widespread decentralization has
sway. The interests Of multiplied thousands
Of innocent people are suffering, The common
welfare is seriously meraced. The public
peace and tranquility are peril Grave ap-
prehension Of the future prevails.
This being true, and the statement will moi
be controverted we conceive 1t TO be our duty
Rs citizens and as men to make extraordinary
efforts to end the existing strike and avert
approaching oalamities whose shadows are
even now upon us. II ended the contest
however serious In It's consequence, will not
have been in vain. Sacrifices have been
made but they will have their compensations
Indeed, II lessons should be taught by expe-
rience the troubles now 80 widely deplored
will prove blessing Of inestimable value IL
the months and years to come,
The difference that led up to the presen
complications need not now be discussed A
this supreme juncture every consideration o.
duty and patriotism demands that remedy
for existing troubles be found and applied
The employees propose to do their part by meet
ing their employers half way. Let 1T be STATED
that they do not impose any condition OF settle
ment except that they be returned to thai
former positions. They do not ask the recog
milton Of their organization or Of any organi-
zation.
Believing this proposition to be fair, reason
able and just, 1t Is respectfully submitted witt
the belief that its acceptance will result In th,
prompt resumption Of traffic, the revival Of In
dustry and the restoration Of peace and order
Respectfully,
EUGENE v, DEBs, President.
GEORGE w. HOWARD, Vice President.
SYLVESTER KELIHBR Secretary
American Railway Union.
After making public this statement
President Debs left Uhlich's hall t.
call upon the mayor On his way HI
met Sovereign and Howard, and the,
accompanied him. At the mayors of
.,ce 'n7y A.iu Se .I "a. 40 -,
@ ni'een ,1.','.'s n.nase'' .a;a. a. asphaso T nantla
mayor nopAins sam ..,1 a"..t,s. sas 49, :.
men caiie " lno VIZ ~ a, P,opos' T,a'a, NJ y
caii .le S'fine on' = ", v,,o @ uens'a. a. .s,-,
sse, as'oolas,on ,,, =, w." N 90 Ia W. w haa,
pacA al e'npioy'' S. VIZ 'as .;". aos ~ Nv
arres'cu ~ ioi a,y onoa'' ~ 80 ,ln ~, m
Jaw Aney aeAou nin " ~ VIZ WIZ .hsr ss
~ p'es.ny ~, VI, ", plot''''-0 /, ''S
wouiu = s'aoly so' ,,,,
Meanwhiie Alderman Mculilen'enail
man OF tne COUNCIL aIoi'ra.ioh coi'li,il'
zee, haa peen sen. ior ne arrryeu
to'4o' ana aitef d lew minutes 'aih wiz
Debs ana sovereign 'ne mayor an
Alderman Mc9il,eh weh' W VIC onic
OF the uenerai managers associa .iol
while Deos' howard ana sovereign rs
turned 70 .nelr no'eis' vn arriVai .
the ONCE OF the uenerai managers ~
sociation they iouna tnae .he reguia
meeting had aaJourneo, anu Mr. ~ .
John' OF the ROCK is,aha roaa 'ne ON
manager present MI. o. oohli s'iu Il
would receive the proposi'lon ana Ia
1t before the next meeting ne Col
sented 70 listen 70 the gen'ieihen o'
cause they were the mayor ana prom