Omaha daily bee., 1903-05-02

No material breaks have transpired in
the strikes which were declared yesterday
and the end Of the week finds an army OF
about 2,300 idle men in the city. This
number includes approximately $50 Union
Pacific shopmen, whose strike began nearly
year ago; $50 carpenters, $50 teamsters
600 restaurant and cafe workers, 300 hod
carries and forty leather workers. These
figures are said to be conservative. In no
case is the full quota Of the respective
unions included. Many Of the Union Pa
cific strikers have left the city. OF the
400 union carpenters at least 150 are said
to be at work for contractors who signed
the scale About $50 or 200 restaurant
and cafe workers are still busy and eighty
Of the 120 leather workers have not as
yet struck while few of the hod carriers
are at work.
Notwithstanding the latitude Of the
strike It did not reach the proportions
feared. This was due to the partial settle
ments indicated. the complete settlements
OF the brewery workers and the failure OF
the freight handlers to arrive at definite
results While there is no indication OF
an immediate disintegration. some nego-
tiations are pending which in all probability
will result in a reduction OF the number
Of idle men. Present signs point to
stubborn fight as long as 1t lasts, but the
general impression on both sides seems TO
he that the affair will not De long drawn
cut affording one grounds Of consolation
at least II this impression be correct.
Central Body Keeps Out.
Central Labor Union which met last
night was supposed to dip its oar into
the strike situation In some way or other,
but did not. Certain phases OF the sit
uation were preached once or twice, as all
the unions involved had their regular del
egates at the meeting, but absolutely moth
ing was done that in any way rore on the
strike. The central body some time ago
placed at the disposal Of all Of the unions
an arbitration committee, but II has not
yet been called into service.
The present strike hinges largely on the
course Of the teamsters. While they have
no sort Of dirct control over the restaurant
men or any other union engaged In the
fight. they are by all odds the largest or
ganization and their action affects more
different lines Of industry and It is thought
| and even said by many of the employers
! that IL matters could be adjusted with the
/ teamsters the rest of the problem would
/ be easy to solve. Next In importance come
( the restaurant men, who obviously form
1 very potent factor.
/ settlement I'm View.
The leatherworkers believe they have
! good prospects OF settling Two OF their
! firms already are said to have expressed
| their willingness 10 sign the scale and It
/ is hoped the other two will fall into line
without much more difficulty. The car
penters likewise have some things In their
/ favor. In the first place, according TO their
president, George w Miles, almost 30 per
cent OF them are now at work. meaning
that a number OF contractors have signed
the scale and Mr.. Miles looks for further
concessions. He has been told by one
large contractor that he is ready 10 sign
up. All the work on the public buildings
that are being erected or completed, the
Krug theater, market house, postofhee and
the auditorium can proceed, as the con-
I tractors having charge Of these buildings
have signed the scale. With the carpen-
ters and leatherworkers eliminated the
situation would be materially improved as
Il would leave the employers 10 deal with
practically none but the teamsters and
restaurant men. as the hod carriers are not
being dealt with much IL is thought
best TO defer action with them until the
teamsters can be disposed Of When this
is done Il is believed the employers viii