Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-07
STRIKE CALLED 0FF,
Photographers Abandon Fight and
 Seek Reinstatement.
SOME CONCESSIONS EXPECTED

If Companies Fail to Redress Griev-
 ances by March Another Walkout
 Will Be Ordered-Consress Will Be
 Asked to Help Operators.
 New York, Nov. 7.-After prolonged discussion in an animated meeting held in Clinton hall the striking telegra' phers in this city decided to suspend their strike at once. return to work and give to the Western Union and the Postal Telegraph companies opportu' nifty to show if they are sincere in promising in diplomatic way to make reforms. The strike leaders said they wanted it to be understood distinctly, however, that the strike had not been called off. Assertion was made that if the companies did not redress the grievances of the operators by March 1 next the strike would be renewed.
 Between 1.5O0 and 1,G0O telegraphers, men and women, are on strike in this began to rush to the office of the two companies and apply for reinstate- ment. There is a tacit understanding between the companies and the opera tors that all except those who were prominent in the strike agitation shall be reinstated Similar action to that taken here was taken in Chicago, and 1t is to be the guide for action by To- calls in all sections of the country.
 Operators Relieved.
 When resolutions providing for the suspension of the strike were offered by Daniel L. Russell. cEjef of pickets in the Clinton hall meeting, several of the strikers objected. They said the proper thing would be for the national organization to call the strike off. A general discussion followed. It devel- oped that orders for suspension of the strike had been received here from national headquarters and that similar instructions had been sent to the Chi cago local. When that point had been explained fully the resolution suspend ing the strike was adopted by practi- cally unanimous vote. George E. Se- cour was one of the operators who op- posed the resolution until it was made clear it had national sanction.
 Operators who desire reinstatement must apply in the regular way The strikers say not more than fifty will be turned away, because the con- panies need competent operators. One resolution adopted was:
 That all strikers pledge themselves to be guided by the suggestions of this local until the strike is either ordered renewed or is officially declared off"
 Many operators seemed relieved when assured the struggle was over for the present at least
 Written Guarantee Wanted.
 "The resolutions were passed to give the companies opportunity to put into practice reforms promised" Russell said. When they do that the strike will be over. These reforms are a 15 per cent salary increase. an eight hour day, free typewriters and equal wages for equal work for men and women. We want written guarantee from the | They are anxious to get | their old operators back and would 1 sign agreements only that agreements l they made with the Manufacturers ! association stand in the way. After We decided to accept the | conditions and test their | sincerity. We give them until March | to institute proposed reforms. Then If any concessions demanded. with the ! exception of the wage increase. are not granted we will resume the strike.
 March is an ideal time for a re- newal of the strike The eight hour agreement with the railroad telegraph i PTS goes into effect that day. That l will open up 5000 more positions. i, Meanwhile we will have introduced in ! congress a bill making it illegal to send telegraph message by mail. An other bill will provide for an expert | mental government telegraph line be- | tween New York and Washington. It | would pay in two years. We have won a great victory. I have been in- formed by leading politician and financial man we will get what we ask | for. and I am certain his assurance an he depended on"