The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-01-03
.THE STRIKE IS AGAIN ON.
Philadelphia Street Car Workers Again
Quit Work.
THE RADICAL CARRY THE DAY.
Manager Beetem Insists That Future En-
ployes Must Sign Away Their Right to
Join Labor Organizations, Precipi-
tating Another Struggle.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 3.-The street rail
way strike is on again. AT 1:40 o'clock
this morning Che motormen and con
ductors employed by the Union Traction
company decided not to go to work when
the first day cars started at o'clock The
official declaration was made at mass
meeting of the men in Labor Lyceum. 1t
came amid the greatest confusion, and
against the strong protests of the conserv-
ative element In fact, the excitement was
so intense that numerous small riots be
tween the two elements were avertcd with
the greatest difficulty. Pandemonium
reigned at times, and many of the CON
servatives left in disgust.
AN unsatisfactory conference with Gen
eral Manager Beetcm had been held earlier
IN the night, and trouble began when this
committee made its report to the mass
meeting. Previous to their arrival the
turbulent scenes Of the day had been in.
creaSlng in intensity. The question Of
strike or no strike" was about to be put
to the men when Dr. Griliths, of the
Christian League, made a speech urging
them to be patient, and suggested further
enurt for peace. He was greeted with jeCrs,
and fuel was added to the flame when a
man named Kirshner of che Cigarmakers'
union, made fiery speech, urging the men
to strike
President Mahon, who has all along
been opposed to the strike, tried to shut
Off kirShner and almost incurred personal
violence from the men, who wanted to
hear kirshner. The confusion kept up
until Chairman Lutz put the question to
vote. A decided affirmative was the re-
sponse. There were many negatives, how
ever, increasing from time to time, but
the strikers are in the majority.
The meeting broke up in the greatest
disorder. Throughout it was manifest that
many of the men who went out on the
last strike would report for duty as usual.
The temper of the strikers is such that
should the conservatives do this trouble is
almost bound to result.
From the adjournment of their meeting
at o'clock yesterday morning the dissat-
istled employees were quietly, but actively
at work. Committees were assigned to
each division and polled the conductors
and motOrmen to determine their senti-
ment on General Manager Beetem' 5 propo-
sition. This was TO the effect that the old
men would be given preference over the
new men engaged during the strike, these
latter to be placed at the foot of the
extra" list. The ten hour day and 81
wage scale questions We're also brought up
at the conference, but Mr. Beetem stated
that the company was not in position to
acceed to those demands even if it so de
sired.
Returns on the result of the canvass
came to headquarters as the day waned,
indicating that a large majority of tho
men favored a strike many of the branch
lines being unanimous.
Last night subcommittee of ten was
again in conference with Mr.. Beetem, and
the trouble eventually resolved itself into
one question, that of future employees
being required to agree that they will join
no labor organization. The men wanted
the clause abolished, but Mr. Beetem de
clared that there was no possibility of the
company capitulating on this point. Then
the committee went to the mass meeting
which had been called, presented their re
port, and the strike was again declared on