The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-07
OMAHA STRIKERS ENJOINED.
Federal Judge Grants Order Against In.
reference With Men Who Are Working.

OMAHA. Neb. May e.-The United States
has been dragged into the fight between
the Omaha Business Mems Associatio n
and the labor unions of the city. Late
this afternoon Judge Munger Of the United
States District Court issued an injunction
restraining the strikers from interfering
with the employers. from congregating
in crowds. or from menacing the drivers
in any way. The injunction il very sweep
ing In the application for the restrain
ing order the assertion was made that all
freight destined to points without the
State is interstate commerce and trans
porting such from warehouses to railroad
depots is a part of the haul.
The petition is signed by fifteen OF the
leading transfer, coal and lumber COM
panies and recites the terms Of the con-
tract the teamsters' union asked the en-
ployers to sign. The particular objection
of the applicants is to that part of the
schedule permitting union men to refuse
to handle freight declared unfair"
In addition. the petition relates par
ticular instances in which intimidation,
threats and violence have been used by
the strikers against the non-union men
who have taken their places. 1t is alleged
that one striker made threats that if a
cert ain employer attempted to drive his
own teams he would be assassinated.
The granting of the Injunction has created
CONSERVATION among the striking freight
handlers. many of whom understand very
little concerning injunctions. The prox-
unity Of Fort Crook has given rise to the
report among the strikers that Federal
troops from that post will be sent to Omaha
Immediately In official circles the report
is denied as absurd,
The officers Of the union are ordered to
appear before the court on May 20 and show
cause why the permanent injunction should
not issue.
The injunction restraints strikers from
publishing rules, orders, statements or
directions from union officials and from
continuing any agreement among them
selves in restraint of trade.
There was excitement and expec-
fancy throughout the business part Of
the city to-day, but very few overt
acts have been committed by the strikers.
Hundreds Of policemen patrolled the whole
sale and jobbing districts and squads of Of
ficers accompanied every loaded wagon
which passed between the shippers and
the freight depots.
During the day Omaha was treated to
the sight of some prominent business men
Of the city driving loaded wagons through
the streets, followed by jeers and cries Of
"Scabj" At noon nearly 900 freight hand
lers from depots and wholesale houses
joined the striking teamsters. refusing to
handle freight brought by employers.
The expected clashes between the strikers
and the police were averted by the failure
Of the employers to start wagons with nom
union men. The few loaded wagons which
passed through the streets were driven by
the proprietors and office help, not by
regular teamsters.
Strikes in other branches now in progress
in Omaha are progressing smoothly, the
building trades being completely tied up,
while all first-class restaurants have closed.
In Council Bluffs the strikers passed an
uneventful day. no efforts being made
by the employers to utilize non-union
labor.
Two hundred Italian laborers were
brought into Omaha last night from Chicago.
but they have not yet been put to work.