The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1895-12-23
HELD AS PRISONERS
Statement Of a Man Who Went to
Philadelphia to Work.
ENGAGED BY FALSE PRETENsEs.

He Claims That Men Secured in New Eng
land We're Deceived as to tho Nature of
tho Work Expected of Them--Eew Men
> oirefed sa.5o Day.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. e3.-Philadelphl-
ans wero greatly disappointed when 1t be-
came known that President John Lowber
Welsh, of tho Union Traction company,
refused to ratlfy the agreement that had
been supposed to end the great street rail-
way strike. The agreement was made on
the authority Of Thomas Dolan, director
and heavy stockholder in tho company,
and was believed to be binding. Whon
Mr.. Welsh, however, issued n statement
saying that the company would "retain
1000 now mon already secured" and
would take back only 5000 of the $500
strikers, practically mt the company's
terms, the strike was on again. Saturday
was made memorable by several riots,
which resulted in the smashing of many
car windows and numerous arrests.
AT II late hour last night the strike situ
ntion was apparently unchanged but the
air was full Of all kinds OF rumors. No at
tempt was made to run cars during Sun
day. Many conferences were held on both
sides, but no statements were given out.
At the West Philadelphia station Of the
Market street line small army OF new
men are confined. They were brought
here from Boston and other New England
cities to take the places of the strikers.
Soon after their arrival one man became
dissatisfied and left. To tho strikers he
said that all the men would leave, but
that they were practically prisoners. They
claim they were led to believe that thoy
were wanted TO open q new trolley line
here, and upon learning the truth became
disguised and wanted to leave, but were
not permitted. The Boston man declared
that he had to fight his way through
crowd OF traction employees to reach tho
door. The strikers aver that they will
take legal action to secure the mems re-
lease.
Horny +. Graham, of Brooklyn, who was
brought here to work, made an affidavit
stating that the company is offering the
new men =. 90 day, while they refuse the
old ones 81.
Mayor Warwick last night issued the fol-
lowing statement: "As matters stand my
duty as the chief executive officer Is to pre-
serve the peace and order of the city, and
will, with all the force at my command, do
this, and II necessary will bring to my
assistance all the force that under the law
or national. Life and property shall. be
protected by the strong arm of the law
Lawlessness Is anarchy, and that will nos
be permitted under any circumstances.
John Lowber Welsh, president of the
company, this morning issues lengthy
statement to the public. 1t reiterates the
company's determination to ignore any
outside organization, and lays the blame
for the strike and its consequences upon
parties who had no connection with the
company. Then Mr. Welsh rehearses the
events of the past few days, deplorlng the
violence, and explaining the inability OF
the company to discharge the new men
they have taken on since the strike begun.
Tho executive committee Of the strikers
was In session all afternoon, and last
night sent subcommittee of five en-
ployes to confer with General Manager
Beetem. Attorney Stes enson instructed
them to use their best efforts to effect a
settlement, and if they failed, to try and
make arrangements for arbitration.
John Wanamaker called on tho mayor
last night and was In conference with him
for long time.
Many Of the most prominent clergymen
Of the city discussed the strike from the
pulpit yesterday, and while deploring
violence, were almost unanimous In up
holding the demands of the men and CON
demning the action of the company.
The strikers ii,ad uniformed men In all
parts Of the city SOLICITING subscriptions
from door TO door. The strike leaders as.
sert that fully 200, 900 people lave prom.
ised not to ride on the cars of the com.
pany, and had contributed to the fund SO.
licited. Between 81 900 and q, 900 was re.
allied, and contributions are still comlnp
In
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