Holbrook argus., 1904-10-29
STRIKES ON RAILROADS.
They Are Ordered Only After Careful
 Investigation.

The opinion that the leaders of labor organizations can and do order strikes in an arbitrary fashion Is prevalent, says the Chautauquan. This, however, is not the case with the railway or ganizations. The firemen have engaged in strikes on four systems since 1885, the conductors on four since 1890 and the trainmen on two since 1883. While the Pullman strike of 1894 was con ducted by the American Railway Union, many members of the other railway orders were concerned in it.
 The result of this affair is thus sum- marized by MT. Carter of the firemen: Tt cost many thousands of railway men their positions, it brought sorrow to many homes, but 1t did something else-it put stop to the wage reduc- tions that had become so popular 1t served notice on railway corporations that when conservative labor Organza. tions could or would not fight, radicrl organizations would, it convinced stockholders that they had permitted their greed to go too far"
 The steps which are now taken for the adjustment of grievances are much the same in the different organizations and an outline of the method pursued by one will suffice for all. The aggri0v- ed member is required to make writ ten statement of his complaint to the division to which he belongs. If ap- proved by twO-thirds vote of the di- vision 1t is referred to the local con- mittee, composed of employees of that section of the road, who investigate and endeavor to come to an under standing with the local officials.
 The result of these negotiations is re- ported back to the division. If un- successful, and if the division deems the case meritorous, it is turned over to the general committee for that sys- tenn. This committee is made up of representative from the entire system, one member from each of the subordi- nate divisions. The grievance is pre- sented by thm to the general officers of the road. If no agreement is reach ed the general committee may call for the assistance of general officer of the organization. If the general off cer together with the general commit tee cannot arrive at settlement with the railway management then the ad- visibility of strike may be consid- cred. A complete statement of the sit uation is furnished each member en- ployed on the system and sealed bal lot is taken. A strike can be ordered only when two-thirds vote is cast in favor of it. No officer or committee or board has any authority to order or authorize a strike unless such action is approved by two-thirds of the members affected and who would be involved"
 The Word Picnic.
 The derivation of the word picnic is uncertain. In London Notes and Que ries of 1853 attempts were made to trace it's origin.
 One correspondent says:
 Under French form the word ap- pears in speech of Robesp.erre, 'C'est lei kqu'il doit maccuser. ct non dans les piquesniques. An earlier instance occurs in one of Lord Chesterfields letters, dated October, 11iS.'
 Another writer of the same date tries to trace the word from France into Italy. Starting with the assump- ton that piquenique in French implies T party at which each guest provides some particular dish or performs some special duty he finds the Italian eX- pressions nicchia (duty) and piccola la trif1ing servce). and from these lie coins piccola niccha pcnic).
 A French encyclopedia 1913. has il that the word is compounded of the simple English pick (tO choose) and nick Gin the nick of time on the spur