The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-17
NOT READY FOR ARBITRATION
TRANSIT COMPANY's POSITION ON
REINSTATEMENT OF MEN.
Mahon Breathes Dire Threats Against
the Corporation for Rejecting
the Proposal of the Men.

ST. LOUIS, Mo-, June 16.-War to the
knife was the slogan adopted by the strik-
ing employees of the ST. Louis Transit Com
pany to-day.
This extreme action was decided upon
this afternoon when the proposition.
adopted by the striking street-car men
yesterday, looking to a settlement of the
strike, was turned down by the Transit
Company.
Samuel Gompers. president of the Amer
lean Federation of Labor, announced this
afternoon that negotiations between the
ST. Louis Transit Company and the union.
looking TO a settlement of the strike on
the basis proposed by the union in mass
meeting Friday. were off, the company de-
clined 10 submit the matter OF reinstating
the men to arbitration
This announcement was made at the con-
clusion of a conference by Mr.. Gompers.
representing the union, and President Ed
ward Whitaker and Director c. d. Nc
CIure representing the Transit Company.
Mr. Whitaker said. at the conclusion of
the conference, that he had no statement
to make.
President Gompers made no statement
beyond saying that agreement had been
reached and negotiations were off. He ex-
planned that he had asked for a conference
with Mr.. Whitaker, pursuant TO the laws
of the American Federation and at the
request of labor bodies all over the United
States and OF a large number of promi-
nent business men in this city. I'm reply"
said Mr.. Gompers. 81 received a letter from
President Whitaker. inviting me to meet
him at his office 1t was to no purpose"
President Mahon. of the International
Association of Amalgamated Street-rail-
way Employees had this to say to-day. when
asked what his association would do:
This is now fight TO the finish. Pres
ident Gompers has told me to-day that
he proposes TO turn the entire power Of
the American Federation of Labor. with
its membership OF 100000. against the
Transit Company and fight the issue out.
If IL takes five years TO do it" The Amer
lean Federation of Labor regards the at
titude of the ST. Louis Transit Company
as a direct stab at the vital principles of
unionism
Il intend to start out. the beginning of
next week. stumping the State of Illinois.
making a direct appeal TO all the labor
unions of that State for funds to maintain
the general boycott. after which I will
visit all Of the Southern States. where I
am well known. and where L expect TO
raise a large portion of the funds.
The boycott 10 be declared will apply
not only 10 the ST. Louis Transit Company.
but to every person, every business man,
every association. in fact every corpora
ton individual favoring them in any
way"
Coroner Lloyd resumed the taking of tes-
timony in the inquest to fix the response
biity for the death of Rine and Thomas.
The coroner announced that the death Of
Edward Burkhardt. one of the strikers.
who died to-day. would also be taken un-
der consideration After examining several
witnesses the inquiry was adjourned until
Monday. Robert B. Dula, special deputy
sheriff. received an ugly wound In his neck
this afternoon by accidental discharge of
his own revolver.