Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-07-03
TILE RICHMOND STRIKE

Both Manchester and the Seven Pines
lines were opened yesterday to street-car
traffic, under heavy military protection.
The troops we're so disposed that had
any opposition been intended it would
have been difficult TO carry it out The
first two cars started from the armory On
seventh street, in Richmond, carrying
three companies of military. The sol
diers swarmed over the seats and plat
forms of the cars with their guns point
ing outward.
The Free Bridge, where the first
trouble was expected, was passed safely,
and the warlike cars entered the limits OF
Manchester without opposition. The
only demonstrations of disapproval were
the ieers of the crowd that lined the side
walks.
The troops upon their arrival picketed
the street car lines from one end OF Hull
street to the other. The round trip was
made without any show Of violence and
only one disturbance A man who re-
fused to move when ordered was prompt
" arrested. The next cars were run
with heavy guard and in half hour
after the first car started, both the Hull
street and Perry street lines were run
ming regular schedule.
The first car that went over had for
its motorman Charles Farley, the leader
of the strike-breakers, and there was no
lack of volunteers TO take the cars out.
On the first car were Drs. Darlington
and Mclean, the company's surgeons,
ready to attend any of the men who
might get hurt. Later in the afternoon
the cars were running with reduced
guards, and few passengers were seen
on each car. The country people be-
yond Manchester hailed the cars with
waving of handkerchieis and were the
| first to ride.
Shortly after the cars started loud
explosion was heard in Richmond from
the direction of Manchester, and in view
Of the reports that much dynamite had
been stolen from the nearby quarries
with which the ears would be blown up
if an attempt was made to run them,
great excitement resulted in Richmond
A report quickly spread that the Free
Bridge had been blown up with car on
it. The noise was caused by blast in
one of the quarries on the river bank.
The two companies of the Richmond
Blues, under Major Cheatwood, and
Companies @ and f, Of the Seventeen
Regiment, of Richmond, under Captains
Skipwith and Thompson, and Company
d, of Norfolk, were the troops on duty
i'm Manchester. The conditions on the
Seven Pines route were peaceable
Major Martin, with guard of 20 men,
manned the first car A number OF
small distractions were encountered and
removed, but no violence was attempt
ed. The bridge over Stony creek,
which was partially burned early in the
strike, had been repaired and strengthen
ed and the track was in good condition.
An hourly schedule was at once adopted.
The cars will not be run at night.
The call for troops for Manchester
came early yesterday morning, closely
following one at midnight by Sheriff
Gill, of Chesterfield. The Mayor ISSUED
a proclamation yesterday morning,
which was printed and circulated all Over
the city. The proclamation of Sheriff
Gill created favorable comment for Its
common sense and businesslike tone.
There was no serious disorder in Man
chester last night. A few shots were
fired, some .brickbats thrown, and sew
eraI arrests made, but nobody was hurt,
and there were no large or riotous crowds
on the streets. There is general salts
faction that the first day of operating
cars over there was so successful.
The only line not now running is the
Richmond and Petersburg line, outward
from Manchester. Traffic on this line
will be started as soon as conditions are
settled in Manchester, probably before
the end of the week.
General Manager Huff is said to be
pleased with the whole situation at pres
ent. The increase in travel on the line
is very gratifying, he says, and while
some people will continue to walk unit
the strike is declared off, this will moi
materially affect the receipts of the com
pany.
Twenty-three motorman left Baltimore
Yesterday to take the strikers places al
Richmond The men are former en-
ployes of the Baltimore company and ex-
motormen who~are attracted by the Offer
of 81. 80 per day in Richmond.
One of the strickers in Petersburg re-
turned to his position, declaring the
strike was a failure.