The evening times., 1895-09-19

The regular monthly meeting OF the Street
Railway Protective Union began this after
noon at O'Clock in B,.achf sIall. A lare-
number OF. conductors and drivers, espe-
cially those engaged on tue Metropolitan
line, W ere in attendance.
An earlier hour than usual W as fixed for
the meeting in order that those working
night runs may have an opportunity Of
participating in the proceedings before go
ing on duty. i is expected that the SEES
sion will continue far into the night. as
business Of unusual Importance Will be
under consideration.
The matter of paramount interest to EN-
ployes of the Metropolitan line IL the for
mutation of a plan which will secure a re-
duction in the period OF work from ap-
proximateiy twelve hours per day to as
lear ten as can be satisfactorily arranged,
thereby placing the men on the same basf,
as those in the service Of the Washington
& Georyetowh road.
II will be remembered that at the last
meeting held one month ago the executive
committee of the union were instructed to
Thoroughly investigate the. prevailing dis
satisfaction and take such remedial steps
as might. in their judgment. best subscrve
The Interests of all concerned.
..- .. NOT A STRIKE UNIT
Although this committee was given full
authority TO order n strike, If found advisa-
bic in the discharge of their instructions.
the statement is utterly erroneous that the
cummittee was unanimous in taking such
action.
As matter Of fact the members Of the
committee are not a unit on that point. and
as a whole have done everything possible
10 avert such a contingency. which must
necessarily prove more OF less disastrous
both to the company and its employees.
The meeting Of the union this afternoon
is being almost wholly devoted to consid-
ering the best method of obtaining q ten
hour day. That much sentiment exists in
favor Of strike cannot be denied, and that
II may take place is possible, but il can
be authoritativeiy stated that such action
will not be taken until every other resource
has proven futile and the last alternative
has been exhausted.
All that the men desire is an amicabIe
adjudication of what they consider unfair
business methods. They are willing to make
concessions but expect some to be given
them In return
President Phillips, of the Metropolitan,
has signified his acceptance of an invita-
tion to be present at the meeting now in
session. and will. IL is said, Join his en-
ployes later in the day.
a rumor has been placed in circulation to
the effect that when Mr. Phillips applies
for admission to the meeting he will be
refused, because of the hostility mani
tested toward him by a small minority of
the men.
There is not the least semblance of
truth in this report. The invitation was
given Mr.. Phillips in the utmost good
faith. and his acceptance is characterized
by spirit OF frankness. He will be treated
with consideration at the meeting, and
any members guilty of discour tesy to
Mr.. Phillips, as a visitor, will be promptly
dealt with by the officials.
MR.. LAwRENCE's DENIAL.
President Lawrence, of the union, author
rized The Times reporter to emphaticaIly
deny the assertion printed this morning
in local paper that the committee, after
determining to order q strike, have been
quietly asccrtaining what recognition and
support they could expect to receive from
the great labor organizations.
1t was alleged that in pursuance OF this
inquiry an application for financial assist
ance was made To the Federation of Labor,
OF which the union is a component part.
This Is without foundation in fact, as
such proposition has not been taken
into consideration.
While active in the discharge of their
duties. and carefully considering every pus-
sible plan for psaceably securing a re-
duction in the number of hours which con-
stitute a days work. the committee has not
as yet. believed It advisable 10 resort to
extreme measures.
The meeting now in session may decide
upon some speedy and definite action in
this respect. but at the same time it is
possible that the executive Committee
Will be re-iuvested with full authority to
continue negotiations with President Phil
lips, or inaugumte strike, in their dis.
BRETON