Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1894-07-19
pEes. PROPOSITION.
a Communication Sent to Railway Mana
gers Offering Terms of Peace.

4 Communication Sent to Railway Mama
gers Offering Terms of Peace
CHICAGO, July 14.-Mr. Eugene "
Debs 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 $50 Mr.. Debs appeared
and said: I'm view of the enormous
proportions which this strike has as
sumed and the tremendous damage to
public and private interest we viii
submit a 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 K u,
is as follows:
CHICAGO July I2-To the Railway Managers
Gentlemen: The existing troubles growing
out of the Pullman strike having assumed con
tinental proportions, and there being no moi
cation of relief from the widespread business
Decentralization and distress incident thereto.
the railway employees. through the board OF
directors of the A R o., 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 Ii
cases, If any there be, where they have Deen
| convicted of crime
This proposition looking to an immediate
settlement of the existing strike on all lines OF
railway is inspired by purpose to suoSerVe
the public good The strike, small and com
paratively unimportant In its inception has
| extended in every direction, until now IL IN
wolves or threatens not only every public inter
| est, but the peace, security and prosperity OF
| our common country. The contest has waged
| haS exrRndRd far hoVOl0 the limits
| of interests originally involved and has laid
| bold on q vast number OF industries and enter
prfses in nowise responsible for the differences
| and disagreement that LED 10 the trouble
| Factory, mill, mine and shop have been
| silenced. Widespread generalization has
sway. The interests of multiplied thousands
of innocent people are suffering. Fhe common
! welfare is seriously menaced The PUBIC
peace and tranquility are in peril Grave ap-
| pFehensfon of the future prevails
| This being true and the statement viii no
| be controverted, We conceive it TO be our dutI
| as citizens and as men to make extraordinary
efforts to end the existing strike and aver
approaching calamities whose shadows ar
| even now upon us. If ended the contest
| however serious in its consequence, viii MOI
| have been in vain. Sacrifices have beer
made but they will have their compensations
| Indeed, If lessons should be taught by expe
| rience the troubles now widely deploret
| will prove blessing OF inestfmable 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 a remed
for existing troubles be found and applied
The employees propose TO do their part by meet
ing their employers half way. Let 1t be state
that they do not impose any condition OF settle
ment except that they be returned to thel
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 wit
the belief that its acceptance will result in tn
prompt resumption of traf1c, the revival OF in
dustry and the restoration Of peace and orde
The paper was given to the mayor o
Chicago and a committee OF the cit
council who presented it to the Gen
eral Managers association, but as tina
body was not in session Mr.. ST. JOhl
: said he would receive it and lay it be
fore the next. He consented to Hste
to the mayor but declared he woul
have nothing to do with Debs or an
of the strike leaders