Omaha daily bee., 1902-09-02
PUBLIC NAY TAKE A HAND
0itissnI Meeting Said to Be Slated in
Interest Of Settling Strike
UNION PACIFIC AND MEN STAND FIRM
Neither Admits Hardship from strike
ana Both Claim Power TO En-
dure struggle for Longer
Time.

settlement OF the Union Pacific strike. Some
two weeks ago a report OF this kind was
circulated and the Real Estate exchange
went to the extent of naming a committee
which. It was said, would take steps looking
to an arbitration of the differences be-
tween the railroad company and its men,
but nothing came OF this and apparently
the matter was dropped. II was sug-
gested in some quarters that this move on
the part Of the Real Estate exchange was
more as a ~"feeler' than anything else,
launched for the purpose OF ascertaining
the possibility Of settling the strike by such
a process. Oficials Of the company and
strike leaders were not interviewed by any
Of this committee.
The report which is now current is to
the effect that a citizens meeting is to be
called this week for the purpose Of publicly
discussing the strike, its effects and ways
and means OF it's termination. The con-
tinued idleness Of several hundred men Of
this class producing an effect which extends
through various channels and those inter-
ests indirectly drawn into the affair are
said TO be animating the movement for a
settlement.
There is reason to believe that a settle
ment Of this strike will not be attained
without a painstaking effort, for both sides
to the controversy, the strikers and the
Union Pacific. evidently are as determined
and uncompromising now as they were when
the strike began. Nothing has been done
to facilitate closer relations between this
contending factions or according to their
claims, weaken their positions.
waiting to BE Led.
Under such circumstances it is scarcely
= - it, -
take the initiative In any movement looking
to an adjustment of their differences any
time soon. The railroad company still
boldly declares its ability to Withstand the
strike for an indefinite period, pronouncing
its motive power unaffected as yet. despite
persistent claims OF strikers to the con-
trary. On the other hand strike leaders
assert their determination and power to
endure a winters siege II necessary and
even longer than that. A leader of the
strike said a few days ago that the machin-
lists, boilermakers and blacksmiths were
able and determined to stand out for their
demands for a year IL need be.
But in spite of their unyielding attitudes
indications are not lacking of a disposition
on the part Of the railroad and the strikers
to follow the leadership OF some outside
influence in settling the strike. Or in other
words evidence has heen given of even a de-
sire by both parties to have the fight
brought to a close, II only 1t could be done
without compromising either of them.
With the passing Of summer and the ap-
proach Of winter anxiety for a settlement
OF the strike, in other than strike circles,
is increasing. Naturally the question be-
comes pertinent, Are the strikers in a
position to carry the fight into the win
sAnOt T., AL. C.An,NA., Duo-.
Of the machinists was asked last night for
a candid statement as to the circumstance
Of the machinists, who outnumber the other
craftsmen in this fight and with whose at
fairs he is in touch oficially. Mr.. Grace
said:
Positively, there has been no suffering
as yet among any Of our men as a result Of
this strike. Our benefits have been promptly
paid and while they are Of course insuf1-
Client to regularly maintain a family, they
go far toward providing the actual neces-
stiles and that is about all our men care
for just now. They are practicing the
s%trictest economy and frugality.
Can Get More Help.
"our men are instructed to apply to me
directly for aid should their conditions de-
mand more than the regular benefits amount
to and they are not even required to pre-
sent their wants to the lodge to which they
belong. The utmost privacy is accorded
TO such proceedings. As yet, I can say
that not one machinist has found 1t neces-
sary to take advantage Of this provision.
Prompt assistance will be given to any who
may find IL necessary to do so, but we
do not apprehend much OF this sort OF
thing. or course, we cannot say exactly
what the winter will bring. I am informed
that a large number, in fact, 1t has been
said, a majority Of our men here in Omaha,
own their own homes and probably the per-
centage Of those who own homes in other
towns along the Union Pacific where the
strike exists, is even greater than
here. This being the case you
can readily see that there is a wide breach
between us and dire distress. II 1t should be
necessary as a very last resort for any
Of our men to go to work in order to sup
port their families while this strike is
in progress, they would be given permission
by the order to leave the city for that pur-
pose. AS to obtaining employment that
is the last question. There is work today
for hundreds of machinists over the coun
try and we are daily in possession Of APP
plieations for men from different places
No apprehension need be entertained along
that line. OF course, a hne has been pro-
Hded by the various orders involved in
this strike to be imposed upon strikers
leaving the city and taking work elsewhere
but in this as in all things. exceptions
are possible and could be made when alb.
solutely necessary. but as yet none has
been required"
This morning all the 1856 car builders
who struck In the Omaha shops, are ex
pected to be back at their work. as a result
of a surrender of their fight Sunday. The
o~ficials expressed considerable pleasure
but no surprise yesterday when they learned
Of this action. They profess to see thii
surrender OF the car men evidences o.
weakening among the motive power strik,
eTs, but the latter apparently are unaffected
and unconeerned over the car mems course
The b~ricklayers. carpenters, electrical
workers and others who left the new shoI
buildings on a strike a few days ago, viii
be governed by the result OF . meeting
tonight at Labor temple by the allied unioni
as to their course with the company. B!