The Washington times., 1895-06-23
COLUMBIA MEN COMPLAIN
Declare Superintendent DOteIar
Is TyranniCaI Toward Them.
NOT FOND OF THEIR UNION
1t Is Alleged That Since They Joined
the Protective Organization He Has
Threatened TO Make Them Walk
the Chalk Line-Think He Has
Spy Upon Their Actions.

The emplyes of the Columbia Railway, who
jected TO the tyranny of the general super
intendent, w. c. Boteler have lately be
come suspicious that he is secretly striving
to do them injury.
> There was not little feeling expressed
against him among the men last night,
and it was resolved TO lay the whole matter
before President Baker.
The allegations made against Boteler are
to the effect that he wants to replace all the
union men with ''scabs,'' and that he is
laying bis plans to do this, not only by the
gradual breaking in of men suited TO his
purpose, but by arousing suspicious against
the character of the present force as honest
men.
These charges are based upon the fact
that Boteler has lately, upon his own
responsibility, employed seven extra men,
when there is not work enough TO give
the present extra force as much as hair
time; and upon the further fact that he has
been understood to give as one OF his
reasons for the step, that he is airald
the men are oonspiring TO tie up the road
aud otherwise do the company great injury.
RESENTED BY THE MEN.
They have heard of his having expressed
the belief that they might burn the
old shed once used as a car stable, and
that, as q precaution against this, he has
recently had the building guarded and
brilliantly lighted at night.
The menipdlgnantl yreSent this imputation
They say that Boteler's outrageous sug-
gestion places them in danger, should the
structure at any time accidentally catch
fire from the carelessness OF his own
agents and they propose TO demand redress
against so grave a possibility.
Boteler's attitude towards the employees
is said to be such that, out OF the entire
force, he has not more than half dozen
supporters. His conduct, they say, COM
PEELED them TO lately complain to President
Baker, who informed them that their
only recourse was TO lay their charges
before the board OF directors; that he
could not act in the matter If he desired to
do so.
petition Will therefore be laid before
the board, asking for Botclers removal.
Many of the employees We're interviewed
last night and with one accord they all
spoke highly of President Baker, OF the di-
rectors and OF the management of the com
pany generally, but they We're equally
emphatic III denunciation of the superin-
tendent.
SAY HE Is ABUSIVE.
They say he has no regard for the en-
ployes; that he is abusive, and has boasted
since they joined the union that he would
make them walk the chalk line" and
that they would yet be glad to work for
80 cents a day"
They contrast his treatment Of them
with that they received from his pre-
decessor, Mr.. King, who was most con-
siderate and altogether just and fair.
hplInVR that
president of the road or the directors
know anything about Boteer's conduct
They believe, also, that he has spy
upon all their acts, and that report is
regularly made to him of what they say
and do. From certain suspicious circum-
stances the employees believe they are
able to spot the informer.
Supt. Boteler was asked last night to
state upon whose order the extras, lately
added, were employed, and replied that
it was upon his own authority.
His reason. he said, was not 10 seCUr
two sets of men, as the road could no
stand that expense, and after some qlies
/ tioniug he admitted that he was afrai
! the union men might undertake to tie u
| the line.
The old car shed was brilliantly lightet
| last night, aud a man with lantern wa
| apparently standing guard.
The employees had several conference
| yesterday aud last night TO discuss tn
! situation. Their intentions Will be de
! yeloped within a day or two.