Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-04-10


WHEELING RAILWAY COM
PANY STRONG SPEECHES
MADE, AND RESOLUTIONS
ADOPTED THE ROUTINE BUS
MESS TRANSACTED AT THE
MEETING.
The Trades Assembly presented an
innovation yesterday when it threw
open its doors to regular meeting
to the public, and extended a general
invitation to be present The object
was full consideration and discussion
of the strike of employees of the Wheel
ing Railway Company. A number of
vigorous speeches were made on this
subject, and strong resolutions were
adopted.
Credentials from new delegates were
approved as follows:
Prosperity Lodge No. 8, A. A. of I.
S. & T. W., A. E. Summers, Henry M.
Williams and VIM. E. Davis.
Tobacco Workers Union No. 102 A. F.
of L., Chas. Taylor, vice James Peters.
Under the order of business of
Strikes" the arbitration committee
presented full written report of the
settlement of the difficulty between the
Wheeling and Elm Grove Company and
its employees. The committee was CIV
en- vote of thanks.
The regular quarterly financial re-
port was read, showing balance in the
treasury of $777.S2.
The request of Thos. E. Powell for
the Assembly's endorsement of his pro-
posed compilation of a labor directory,
was declined.
There was short discussion on the
subject of boycotted wheels, after
which the Wheeling Railway strike
came up in regular order. President
Tighe took an active part in the dis
cussion, during which time vice. resi-
dent Duffy was in the chair. The sub
ject came up in the form of resolutions
from Local Council No. 102, Amalga-
mated Association of Street Railway
Employees of America, as follows, which
we're adopted:
First-that this entire matter be plac-
ed in the hands of your local ex-board
and president, and Brother Dilworth,
ed in the hands of your local executive
board and president, and Brother Dill
worth, of the National executive board,
for settlement.
Second-That the Trades Assembly
be asked to endorse our strike and that
its arbitration committee be requested
to hold itself in readiness to act jointly,
If requested, by the above officials and
board.
Third-That every member consider
it his bOunden duty to remain away
from the company's property and to
conduct himself in sober and orderly
manner at all times, respecting the laws
of this State and government.
Fourth-That the above officers and
board only, are to give out for publica-
ton such matter as they deem best, all
other members to positively refuse to
be interviewed.
Fifth-That a statement be prepared,
printed and circulated, containing the
facts surrounding the situation that
brought about our demand.
Sixth-That in the event that others
are substituted to man the cars, every
member do his duty toward advising
against the molestation of such per-
sons who are connected in any way
with handling mail of the United
States, but peaceably endeavor to pre-
vail on patrons of the road to decline
diring on the cars.
This opened discussion of a very
interesting nature, which continued for
about an hour and a half The hall
was crowded, and old delegates say it
was the largest meeting ever held
there. Every chair was occupied, and
number stood at the door. Many of
the visitors made brief talks. in re-
Spouse to an invitation from the AS
sembly, upho1ding the position taken
by the men, and pledging their support.
One visitor asked a number of ques-
tons and the answers by several of the
strikers brought out information con-
corning the work of the men which was
entirely new to most who were present
There was considerable talk about
Shifts" 1t was stated that many of
the men work six hours in the morning,
are then idle for six hours, and return
to work in the evening. One man said
he lived on the Island He got up each
morning at four o'clock, and he did not
get home from his night run until one
o'clock. He slept three hours, and that
was all the sleep he secured except
about two hours during the afternoon.
This was commented upon by several
of the speakers as a truly deplorable
state of affairs, and sufficient to at least
justify the demand for nine hour
work day. Mr.. Dilworth, the represen-
tative of the National organization,
stated that the shift" run was new
thing to him.
Gabriel Jackson, the colored delegate,
made characteristic speech, in which
he advocated the enlisting of the sup
port of the ladies. Gabe assured the
delegates that with the women on the
side of the men, the strike would be
speedily won. He illustrated his re-
marks by supposing that Charles best
girl told him on Sunday night that he
must not ride on the street cars, and he
asked if any delegate thought Charlie
would dare disObey the wishes of his