Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-06-17
STRIKERS MEETING.
President Wilson Meets Large
Audience in WateryiIle.
Representatives Of Maine Central
Labor Organizations Present.
Some things Said BY Mr.. Wilson in Mectina
and In An Interview.

H'iu III tHc ~. -. "A. NJ. nail IN the
Milliken block on the corner of Main
and Silver streets, Saturday evening.
The hall occupies the whole of the
third floor of the large block and it
was crowded to the doors by the union
men at the meeting, which was held
Tor the purpose OF discussing the cUndi-
ton and outlook of the strike. There
WAS much enthusiasm and it was plain
that the trackmcn have good share
of the sympathy of their brother en-
ploycs on the road.
The meeting was called to order by
General Organizer Neil, who intro
duccd John T. Wilson, grand president
of the Brotherhood of Railroad Track
men of America. Mr.. Wilson spoke for
nearly an hour and was frequently in
tcrruptcd by applause. The only ones
present outside the members of the
sentatives of the press.
President Wilson reviewed the steps
leading up TO the strike and the pres
cEt conditions about as they have al
ready been reported in the papers He
also spoke in general way of the pur-
poses OF the Brotherhood and what il
had accomplished since its organiza-
ton. In this connection he emphasized
the fact that the strikers were working
first OF all for all for a principal. He
declared that there We're tendencies at
work in the country at the present time
that must be met in some way and
that way was by means of organized
labor.
He declared that organized labor
would educate and uplift itself. 1t was
this as much as capital that had de-
veloped the country. By getting better
wages through good organization the
men would be able to better educate
and rear their children and the whole
race and country would thus receive
the benefit.
The speaker mentioned the strike on
the Canadian Pacific among the track
men which will go into effect, this
morning. In this connection an anus
ing letter was read which was received
by a grievance committee from one of
the section fOrCmen on the Canadian
Pacific. The letter stated that the
81. 10 and it was raised to SI.15. The
men We're naturally jubilant over their
raise but it did not last very long.
An order was issued that patroilmen
should receive only half pay when they
worked Sundays.
After doing a little figuring the writ
or of the letter had discovered that
there was a balance of some - cents
in favor of the company under the
system adopted. The raise yielded the
men 80 cents more per week, but the
cut on Sunday work was about ).
cents. thus after paying the raise the
company was getting the work done
about - cents cheaper per man per
week than it had under the old rates.
a telegram was also read by the
speaker which he had sent to p. r.
Arthur, grand chief of the Brother
hood of Engineers. informing him that
two members of his organization were
taking the places of striking coal
beavers on the Maine Central. their
names being mentioned. This was re-
ceived with applause, showing that
those present had no liking for scab
workers.
The speakers urged the members of
other organizations on the Maine Cen
trail to assist in every way they could
the strikers. He, however. advised
them to keep any contract they might
have with the road and not do any
thing so that it could be said that the
trackmen lead them into trouble.
At the close of Mr.. Wilson's speech
sion and these not members of the
various organizations represented were
barred. At this second meeting, which
lasted nearly until midnight. reports of
on the conditions of the
strike and other matters of routine
and private nature were discussed and
in secret.
There was "A good attendance of rail-
way men at the meeting. 1t caused
interest on the street and
here were many people about the en-
trance of the hall while it was in pro-
,ress. mingling with the railroad men
and seeking information in regard to
what was going on. The whole affair
vas conducted as orderly as prayer
meeting and to all outward appear
Meeting rather than one of strikers.
rhc meeting aroused interest in the
strike and it was the one subject of
during the evening and,
especially among railroad
men.
President Wilson, Organizer Neil and
ohm Hogan. chairman of the grievance
came from Portland on the
lfternoon train. Saturday, to attend
he meeting and Messrs. Wilson and
Neil returned to Portland on Pullman
10. s. Sunday morning. Mr.. Wilson
Intended to be in Montreal, today, to
zee that the proposed strike among the
rackmen on that road went into effect
IS ordered and that things were NOV
ng along smoothly. He is at the head
# the Canadian Brotherhood as well
Is the American and now has the two
,trikes to manage.
Nessrs. Wilson. Neil and Hogan were
ound by the Journal man at the sta
ion surrounded by group of railroad !
non and Mr.. Wilson courteously |
CONTINUED on page % !