The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-12-23
STRIKERS ASK A SETTLEMENT.
A COMMITTEE CONFERs WITH THE
TRACTION OFFICIALS.


The Outcome of the Conference stiII
I'm Doubt at MIdnight-Masor War
wick Adds 500 Men 10 the Police
Force and Says He is Determined
to Maintain Peace at All Hazards.
Philadelphia, Dec. 22.-For the first time
since last Tuesday, when the strike Of the
mOtormen and conductors Of the Union
Traction Company began, peace and quiet
to-day reigned upon the streets Of Phila-
delphia. This was due to the decision Of
the Traction Company to make no at
tempt to run any of its cars to-day. This
decision was adhered to. Since Tuesday
the police force of the city has been on
duty almost continuously, and the luI in
hostiities to-day afforded the men a much
needed rest
The strikers held a long meeting this
afternoon behind closed doors, and the
probable result of this meeting was seen
tonight, when a committee representing
the strikers and officials of the Union
Traction Company held a long conference
at the ofiice Of the company.
The strikers were represented on their
committee by President Mahon Of the
Amaigamated Association OF Street Rail-
way Employees. Chairman Lutz of the
strikers executive committee, George
Chance of the Typographical Union, and
George Griffith Of the Christian League.
When this committee presented itself at
the office OF the company, the traction
officials refused to recognize Mr.. MahOn
and MIR. Lutz. and these two
walked the street outside while Mr.. Griffith
and Mr.. Chance conferred with the rail-
way people A proposition was laid before
the traction officials. and this was met
by a counter proposition. long discus
sion followed. and ct 1880 o'clock the
strikers committee returned to the strtk-
ers' headquarters for further instructions
II Is the earnest hope of the majority
OF the citizens Of Philadelphia that q COM
promise of some sort shall be reached at
once, as the strike has already cost the
city Indirectly hundreds OF thousands OF
dollars. Aside from the direct expenses
of the strike the retail holiday trade has
been practically killed and the merchants
OF the city are elamoring for an end.
John Lowber Welsh, president OF the
Union Traction Company, who has been
reported as being the man who has stood
In the way of all attempts at arbitration
through his absolute refusal to recognize
the Amalgamated Association Of Street
Welsh practically says in his statement
that his company will never recognize
the Amalgamated Association, and this
way be the rock upon WHICH the nsgo-
settlement is not reached tonight the
company proposes to operate It's Market
and Chestnut street and Lancaster
avenue branches tomorrow at all haz-
ards
In anticipation Of further trouble to-
morrow the mayor tonight swore in 300
more policemen. and these will give him
a force OF 5000 men at his command.
Mayor Warwick said to-day As mat
ters stand to-day my duty as chief exec
utive officer Is tospreserve the peace and
order of this city, and / viii do this
with all the force at my command, and
II necessary / will bring to my assist
ance all the force that can be brought
into requisition under the law, be II state
or national. Life and property shall be
protected by the strong arm OF the law.
Lawlessness Is anarchy, and that VIII not
be permitted under any circumstances
III a settlement Is not reached tonight
great trouble may be expected tomorrow.
The spirit OF bitterness against the trac-
tion company has increased and the i'm
portation OF men from other cities has
intensified this feeling.
Philadelphia, Dec %. 2 a. m.-President
Welsh left the Office of the company where
the conference with the strikers repre-
sentatives was held about midnight, and
General Manager Beeten, II is understood,
has authority to act In his place. Up to
] o'clock this morning the committee OF
the strikers had not returned, and at
that hour were still I'm consultation with
the executive committee of the strikers.
A conference was held last night at the
mayors ONCE between the mayor and
William J. Latta, general agent Of the
Pennsylvania railroad, ex-Postmaster
General Wanamaker and William NJ,
Singerly looking to q. settlement OF th9
strike in some way.