New-York tribune., 1903-07-18

then paused slightly. apparently to control MS
strong feeling of gratitude. The chairman hao
just presented to him floral engine.
AS Mr.. Arthur began the sentence, I want 10
say few things as it may be my parting words
to many Of YOU" his emotion seemed to be get
ting beyond his control. His voice was lower Dut
clear when he uttered his last words we are
here tonight, no can tell when - AT inns
point the speaker fell. Several men rushed forwaru
to support him DR.. Macarthur hurriedly ascendeu
the stairs, and Mr. Arthur was carried OF the plat
form. DIR. Macarthur examined the patient ana
pronounced him dead. Heart failure due 10 over
emotion" he said. Strong men who had faced
danger at the throttle of their locomotives sobbed
like children
Peter NJ. Arthur was born in Scotland in 1881.
and came to this country when six years old with
his mother. He was brought up by an uncle ana
had only few weeks schooling. While hoy ne
began work in the shops Of the New-fork ana
Harlem Railroad Company as blacksmith
helper and later he became an engineer IN the
employ of the New-York Central and HUDSON River
Railroad Company Up to that time he was Peter
Macarthur, but on the payroll he appeared as r M
Arthur and he never had this name changed. ne
was Of the leaders In the formation Oh 'he
brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in 1863 ana
did so much to promote its interests that ne was
chosen grand chief of the order in 1873 He then
moved from Utica, N z. where he had Hved' 10
Cleveland and made his home there afterwaru'
His work advanced the brotherhood from mere
benevolent ASSOCIATION 10 JHe pOSllIoH vi OO444S O
Of the most powerful of the organized labor bodies
in the country. He was regularly reelected CHIEF
every three years by the brotherhood, and IN lS9-
he had leave of absence to visit Scotland
His first work of prominence was In connection
with a series of strikes the Boston and Maine
Railroad. in 1877, winning five contests with the
company He was also active in promoting the
settlement of a great strike in Pittsburg the same
year His influence always exerted in favor
of Cancellation and arbitration, and he kept the
engineers of the country from taking rash action
in many cases of sympathetic strikes. one IN
stance was in the great railroad strikes promoted
by Eugene v Debs in 1884 He also used his infiu-
ence against participation in the Chicago, Burling-
ton and Quincy strike in 1883, but when it took
place he was criticised for not opposing mob law
to which the strikers resorted. In fact, Mr. Arthur
was frequently charged by the hot-headed labor
agtators with siding with the railroad companies
rather than with the men, but it was conceded
that increased wages and more steady periods OF
employment resulted from his methods. He always
had the confidence of the railway managers VINO
regarded him man of sound judgment ana
were ready to consider any proposluon ne maze
He regarded strikes last resort, a1Ier all
other means Of securing concessions were eN-
hausted, and always opposed them. . .
The following tribute to him was paid by senator
Depew: He one of the clevereSt labor chan.
MONS in the country. He ranked one or
the most conservative among labor leaders. HIS
Judgment was often sought in trying times in labor
disputes it is recorded that oftentimes he pre-
vented his fellows from making what might nave
Rv Fortunate investments in real estate in Cleye-
land Mr. Arthur possessed large property, and ne
lived in a fine home in Euclid-aVe. he was an ae-
tive member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He left widow, a daughter and two sons