The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-05-11
UNIONS PROTEST.
Strike Leaders fnChicagOReach-
ed the Presidents Ear.
He Received Them Privately and
Read Their Petition.
A STINGING REBUKE.
is Administered on Account of
Language Used.
Promises Nothing But Order
and Even Handed Justice.
/ STINGING REBUKE.

Chicago. May 1.-THE committee of
labor men appointed to call upon Presi-
dent Roosevelt and lodge with him a
protest against the employment Of fed
eraI troops during the present team
Wters' strike was granted an audience
yesterday afternoon The committee
consisted Of Cornelius P. Shea, president
Of the international Brotherhood of
Teamsters; Charles Dold, president of
Ehe Chicago Federation of Labor;
Soseph O'Neill, vice president of the
Chicago Federation of Labor; r P.
Quinn, a member of the Canvassers'
union and T. Riekert, president of the
Garment Workers International union.
Outside Of the members of the commit
tee President Roosevelt and Secretary
Loeb, no one was present during the
conference. The following account of
what passed in the room was given out
by Secretary Loeb:
After presenting the protest to the
president, Mr.. Shea acting as spOkes-
man, said: We are here as a commit
tee to present to you a statement set
ting forth our position in this contro-
Versy between the Employers associa-
LtOn and the Transfers association. We
nave understood that they had asked
your aid for bringing troops into Chi
cago. We want to present our posi-
ton to you
Mr.. Quinn said: TT viii take about
ten minutes to read; perhaps we had
better leave it with you"
The president said that he would read
It at once. and after doing so said:
ROOsevelt's Reply.
II have read the petition you have
presented to me. the conclusion of
which is a request for hearing before
any action be taken by the federal pres
adent relating to the Chicago strike sit
uation- As yet no suggestion of any
kind has come to me from any source
that should take any action. Of the
merits of the case am wholly ignor-
ant have no knowledge. Of what
the situation is or of what steps would
properly be taken to end it. I feel how
ever, that, in view of one statement, or
series or statements in your letter. I
ought to say this: I regret that you
should, in the letter, have spoken at all
of the use of the federal army as you
have there spoken. No request has been
made to me for action by the federal
government put at the same time, Mr..
Shea, as you have u this communica-
ton to me brought up that fact, I
want to say one thing with all the en-
phasis in my power
In UNFOLDING law and order in doing
what he is able to do to suppress moi
violence in any shape or way. the may
or OF Chicago. Mayor Dunno, has my
hearty support
i am glad to be able to say this tC
you gentlemen, before say it to any
other body. Now let me repeat that
know nothing of the facts of the situa-
ton. know nothing of the rights OF
wrongs Of the points at issue What
have to say is based purely upon What
regard as the unfortunate phrasing OF
@ letter presented to the president oil
the United States. I have not been call.
ed upon to interfere in any way, but
you must not misunderstood my atti-
Gude
In every effort of Mayor Dunno t.
prevent violence by mobs or individuals
20 see that the laws are obeyed anC
that order is preserved, he has the
hearty support of the president of the
United States, and in my judgment h,
should have that Of every good either
of the United States
Now, gentlemen, it has been a grea
pleasure to see you. and I am glad t,
have had the chance to say this [,
you"
Quinn Talks.
Mr.. Quinn, who knew the presiden
an his youth, said:
MI President, what prompted US Il
come to you with this statement is tina
Tor the past two or three weeks Their
mas been continual howl for the fed
eral army. 1 have known YOU lon
enough to know that you would not re
spond to One-sided demand that vor
VIII not respond until you have thor
oughly investigated the case
The president replied Mr. Quinn a
yet the mayor Of Chicago has not mad
any appeal to the governor. and. there