Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-03-12

Boston, March 11.-The wanted roar
of heavily laden teams over the pave
ments of the business streets of the city
became noticably hushed, today, as the
effect of the strike among all workmenI
engaged in the movement of merchan-
disc, began to make itself felt.
What teaming was done was nearly
all through the help of green hands, one
or two unaffected express companies,
and the great wagons and fOur-horse
drays of the r. S. Brine Transportation
Co. whose stand against organized Ia
Dor precipitated what, tonight, looks
like one of the most extensive labor
was ever seen in New England.
Every possible effort was made dur
ing the day to stay the spread of the
strike. but like a fire it swept along the
waterfront. taking in the longshoremen.
then over to the Boston g. Maine freight
yards. where it enveloped several hun
bred handlers of freight on that road,
and at last, gathered by sympathetic
strike. the men who drive the teams
that supply wood, lime, bricks and
stone to the builders.
How far this labor conflagration will
extend, tomorrow, it was impossible to
say at the close Of business, tonight.
Close watchers of the situation predict
ed that a round 10000 men would be
voluntarily out of work, tomorrow.
That the high officials, both state and
municipal regards the situation in a
most serious light was shown, today,
by the ready conferences which both
Gov. Crane and Mayor Collins gave to
the labor leaders. In addition Mayor
Collins invoked the and of that new ma
tional body. the American Civic FEEDER
alton, to use it's influence, while the
cally given up all other business for the
consideration of Boston's great labor
war.
Gov. Crane assured the men that he
would do everything in his power to
bring the strike to an end, and asked
the men to see him again in the morn
ing.
Already the effect of the paralization
of merchandise trade Is being felt in
nearby cities, and unless a speedy set
Element is made there will be an enor-
nous monetary loss, as well as much
hardship in these places which rely on
Boston as general clearing house for
goods.
Early this afternoon, Mayor p. A.
Collins sent telegram to Senator
take up the strike. The telegram fol-
lows:
Boston. March II, 19O2.-Hon Marcus
A. Hanna. Washington, d. c.: Serious
strike of teamsters. expressmen and
freight handlers now on against rail-
roads and other transportation mana
gers. Promises to spread unless i'm
mediately checked by wise and authori-
tative counsel and this may be as
calamitous as San Francisco strike.
Seems to me occasion to invoke infiu-
ence of Civic Federation, and / there
fore appeal to you.
(Signed) PATRICK A. COLLINS.
Mayor.
At 2.30 this afternoon, the committee
of strikers headed by Oscar F. Cox,
president of the Allied Freight Trans
portation Council, called at the State
House. Gov. Crane Immediately re-
ceived the committee and conferred for
some time with them.
President Cox in the course Of his
call at the State House said: "a gen.
eral strike has been ordered through
out the city. 1t affects an persons en-
ployed in transporting freight in Bos-
ton-about $4,000 men. 1t will affect
other cities indirectly, for they cannot
send out anything for this city. The
council thought this action would be
the best thing to do in the circum-
stances.
After Gov. Crane had heard Mr.. Cox
and other leaders. he expressed his full
appreciation of the serious nature of
the situation. and promised to use his
utmost endeavors to bring about some
sort Of settlement. He told the men
that he would at once begin work in
the matter and would try to send them
some word. tonight In conclusion he
asked them to meet him again at the
State House, tomorrow morning.
After the labor leaders had left. the
Governor had a conference with Chair
man Reed Of the State Board of ArbI-
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