Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-05-08


THE ASSEMBLY DISCUSSED THE
MATTER AT A SPECIAL MEET
ING HELD LAST NIGHT
WILL BE NO MASS MEETING
THIS WEEK. NO NEW DEvEL-
OPMENTS IN THE STRIKE
SITUATION.
The demonstration of sympathy for
the striking street railway employees,
on the part of members of trades
unions, will take place Saturday night
in accordance with the special pro-
gramme of the labor leaders. 1t will
take the form Of street parade, how
ever, instead of the mass meeting
which was at first contemplated. There
are two reasons for the change in pro-
gramme. First was the fact that sew
eral prominent speakers whom it was
the desire to secure, were unable to be
present, owing to other engagements.
One of these is Eugene V. Debs, who
wrote a very encouraging letter from
Texas to the committee. The second
reason may be found in the impetus
which was given to the parade idea
the demonstration of Benwood citizens
last Saturday night.
The Trades Assembly held an execu-
tive session last night to consider the
question, as we'll as other matters per-
tanning to the strike. There was an
excellent attendance of delegates. Mr.
Reeves, of Pittsburg, a member OF the
National Executive Board of the street
railway workers union, was present,
and addressed the meeting. He was
listened to with undivided attention,
and was literally applauded when he
concluded.
During the proceedings the Assembly
took up the question of finances in
connection with the strike, the neces-
sity for money assistance to the motor
men and conductors being generally
recognized, especially as some of them
are married men with families. The
following was offered by Mr.. Bauer,
and unanimously adopted:
Whereas, The citizens of this vicin-
ity in general, and working people in
particular have endorsed the demands
of street car workers l.. U. 103 as right,
just and fair, at the beginning OF the
present difficulty, and nothing having
occurred up to the present time to in
any way prove or demonstrate that the
public were wrong in their approval,
but rather to more thoroughly convince
us of the justice and fairness OF living
wage for a reasonable days work (and
we do not consider twelve hours rea-
sonable days work.: and further ap-
preciating the fact that the people at
large are interested in the success Of
the street car workers. and knowing
that the strikers cannot live on SYM
pathy alone, and that it takes money to
win out successfully; therefore, be it
Resolved That the O. V. T. & l.. As
sembly requests workmen and others
to pledge such sums as they can spare
each week, small though they may be,
and for a year if necessary, the same
to be paid by a collecting committee of
one or more, or as individuals from
each factory, workshop, mill depart
ment, or other place, to the finance
committee of street car workers No.
1O3, at such time and place as may
hereafter be arranged.
When the question of arranging for
the monster expression of sympathy
was brought up, several speeches were
made in advocacy of the change of pro-
gramme which was adopted. The gen.
eral sentiment was favorable to street
parade this week, and a public mass
meeting next week, unless the strike is
settled in the meantime. Several del
egates favored delay in the parade,
to enable the locals to meet and make
arrangements for participating. These
objections were not considered suffi-
cient and motion to arrange for
street parade of local unions next Sat
urday night was adopted.
The matter was placed in the hands
of the Executive Boards of the Trades
Assembly and Local Union No. 103.
They will meet to-day to perfect plans
for route of march, place of formation,
and all the necessary details. In view
of the loyalty of citizens of Benwood to
the strikers, it is likely that the parade
will visit that city Several members
of the musicians union offered their
services gratuitiously, and there will be
several bands in the marching column.
Other matters discussed at the meet
ing were not divulged, but officers of
the Assembly authorized the statement
that no action was taken concerning
arbitration or any other method of set
Ting the strike.
II pLNrLNOOD