New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-09-05
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Continued from first page.

brotherhoods could not give up the struggle
without another trial for So 80 wage and a
nine hour day. They practically said that they
could not accept the companys proposition. but
II was not put in the form of ultimatum. as
were their former demands. Several minor con-
cessions are said to have been asked Inc
national officers hope TO meet Mr.. Belmont again
to-day.
This does not necessarily mean that President
Mahon has been won over to the brotherhood
cause He is willing to go into further con-
ferences. although he is opposed to strike. II
a So 80 wage scale could be obtained in the
subway many of his would gain thereby
as they are in line for promotion as motornen-
In spite Of the denial of the local officials.
there is no doubt that differences have arisen
between the brotherhoods and the Amalgamat-
ed, and it is extremely unlikely that President
Mahon be persuaded to join in any strike
measures. 1t is a case OF organization politics.
ana he seems to hold the whip hand
An official of the marlborough declared yes
terday that the Amalgamated was more anx-
ious to organize the subway employees than to
win a So so wage for the motormen. If the
company has any preference II would rather
have the Amalgamated get foothold IN the
subway than the brotherhood. A So scale is
satisfactory to the Amalgamated, az IL Is the
standard for electric road motormen all over the
country. II the SO so scale could be forced on
the company, the brotherhood would work the
motormen into their organization and In case
of trouble in the future the combined pressure
of the Big Five" as the brotherhoods of En-
gineers, Conductors. Ffremen. Trainmen and
Photographers is known. could be brought to bear
the situation. August Belmont and his as
sociates in the subway are interested in several
railways. and sympathetic strikes might be or
dered to force local settlement.
IF this strike is declared off II will be because
this is not good time to begin the struggle
said one of the local brotherhood leaders yester-
day. 1t looked most suspicious when We began
the agitation. The company about to open
the subway. and needed many experienced men,
and national election, In which the president
OF the lnterborough is vitality interested, was
coming on. 1t seems that they have secured no
end of motormen. We don't believe they are
competent TO run elevated trains. but We can't
be certain II the public was not Inconvenience
the political effect of the strike would not be
great And there you
Some Of us have believed all along that an
other method should have been employed. II
had permitted them to open the subway
without making fight. and then quietly organ
lied the subway employees, would have had
better chance. Then both systems could have
been tied up If the company did not give In. n
strike Is not impOSsibility and II we could
he sEe of the Amalgamated believe one would
be ordered. Mark my word, however. II we
agree TO this compromtse-he smiled, as one has
TO when considering the Belmont proposition
a compromise for the motormen-it will simply
postpone the trouble to some future date. We
Will get hold In the subway, and when the time
comes force the proper wage and hour scale"
At least two OF those who applied for So jobs
as motormen yesterday held cards in the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers They
are old locomotive fremen who were lately laid
of by the Pennsylvania company. and they are
eager for work. work that will bring them
into conflict with their own brotherhood.
Chief stone gave out an informal statement
late last night I'm which he said that while he
d.d not look for strike in the immediate future.
there was little likelihood of the so-caIled Bel
mont compromise being signed by the repre-
sentatives Of the men.
At noon letter was sent to General Superin-
tendent Hedley of the Tnterhorough asking for
a conference with Mr. Belmont and Mr.. Bryan
in the afternoon Previous TO this Mr.. Stone
said he had talked the matter over the telephone
with MI. Hedley. who had told him that while
Mr. Belmont and Mr.. Bryan We're out of tow
he thought they could be persuaded to come to
town for one more conference. Mr.. Stone said
the leaders waited all afternoon for a reply. and
II did not come he assumed that Mr.. Hedley
not able 70 arrange the meeting.
He again denied that any friction existed be-
tween the engineers and the Amalgamated men.
There IS no division what Is wanted"
he said. The only point OF difference is how
best to get what want without resorting to
the last desperate measure"