The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-06-17
CONSPIRACY BACK OF STRIKE,
OFFER TO AVERT 1T FOR CASH
SAID TO HAVE BEEN MADE.
Enlpl o.ers. Labor Leaders and Union P1ckets
May He Indicted Grand Jury working
on TheOr, That One Firm Paid for I'm.
millnity--. y ont 'niOn Men Kidnapped.

CHICAGO, June 1e.-Testimony tending
to show conspiracy between employers
labor leaders and union pickets, which may
result In their being joint defendants on
criminal charge, has been laid before the
Grand Jury. All the witnesses examined
to-day were questioned regarding the
alleged conspiracy. which has already
overshadowed the charges Of graft and
bribery.
States Attorney Healy admitted tonight
that lie was we'll pleased with the informa-
ton thus far received and declared he ex-
pected important results before the In
o,liry closes Assistant States Attorney
Fake said that not once in Thousand
years was such testimony presented TO
Grand Jury and that some startling ex-
posures will result.
The Grand Jury. it is said, is practically
convinced that there was conspiracy
behind the present strike. and II IA on this
point that evidence is being collected.
The Ia Dor leaders are said to be worrying
more over the new developments than they
did over the graft charges, as the latter are
In most nsta noes outlawed by the statute
of lmita tions.
strike were called before the inquisitors
to-day and questioned concerning con-
spiracy. The name Of the firm OF Sears.
Roebuck 4 Co. was coupled with that OF
Mont gomery Ward Co.. and it is said
that before the present strike was called
offers to avert it for money considera-
tion we're made
According to a story which reached the
inouisitors to-day the firm OF Sears
Roebuck 4 Co. received an anonY-
nous letter In woman's handwrluhga
few DAYS before the strike was called say
ing that a strike was about to take place
and that it could he averted through the
Use of money. The letter is said to he IN
the possession of the company now. al
though Albert n. Loeb, secretary OF the
company said tonight that he had no
knowledge Of such letter.
1t was also said that Thomas Hughes,
the teaming contractor who does the haul
ing for Sears, Roehuck l. Co., engaged a
number Of extra teams two days before the
strike was called on Mont gomery. Ward
& Co., in anticipation Of the riva firm being
tied UP.
Before the teamsters decided to take up
the garment workers fight President Shea
made many inquiries concerning the husi-
ness Of both Sears, Roebuck d Co. and Mont
gomery, Ward 4 Co He even talked OF
the possibility of tying up the new buildings
being erected by the former concern on the
West Side Sudden ly the talk about tying
up Sears, Roehuck d Co. was dropped. and
despite the protests OF the garment workers
no effort was made to stop sing lie teamster
for that concern.
Although officials Of Sears, Roebuck
4 Co, vigorously deny that any money was
asked for or paid to secure immunity from
a strike, the Grand Jury is working on the
theory that money was actually paid. and
they are questioning witnesses along that
/ line.
The Grand Jury was also informed to-
dav that the teamsters had an organized
gang Of pockets engaged in kidnapping
and assaultng non-union teamsters and
keeping them confined In the Airing
Hotel, lodging house in Vest Madison
street. near Canal street.
Hundreds OF non-unon teamsters are
said to have been taken to this place by
pickets. and II they consented to leave the
employ Of the teaming company they
were treated to a nights lodging free OF
charge, but if they refused they were heaten
and kept in the place against their will.
At the hotel tonight it was admitted
that the place was full Of non-union team
STEERS and that the bills were paid by men
who said they represented the Transfers
Union. Men with bandaged heads loafed
around the place in such numbers "a to
give it the appearance n an accident ward
in hospital.
Roting and Individual assaults kept the
police busy to-day. In numerous instances
the sympathy of union men outside Of the
strike was manifest ed In violent manner
causing the police much difficulty, especially
with the street car motormen.