The Washington herald., 1907-10-13
OPERATORS TO CALL
STRIKE OFF TO-DAY
CoNTINUED FRoM 80 oxr.

practically won. In the referendum
vote ordered. each local decides the
question of returning to work for IL
self 4 the radical element prevails.
New York viii vote 10 continue the
strike, even in the face OF SmaIrs
proposition for the locals to settle the
matter whether the fight is TO go on
i was learned from unofficial sources
tonight that SmalIs call states that
the union has exhausted its financial
resources that there IS no prospect of
negotiations with the two companies
and he thinks a vote necessary 10 de-
eide whether the strike be continued
under such unfavorable conditions
No Benefits Paid.
Smairs statement that the treasury is
empty is borne cut by the fact that no
strike benefits were paid operators to-
day-the first failure since the strike be
gan. Local telagraphers, however insist
the fght could have been won In two
weeks more, and that they could have
held out for this period Harsh words
were used in abundance in reference to
Small
We have been informed from outside
sources tonight that Small issued a call
for vote, said Dan Russell chief Of
the local board Of strategy. IF so. il
amounts to a surrender az the moment
when We have the strike practically won.
This call went all over the country. but
New York was not informed Of It, Small
to-day asked US to secure a large at
tendance at our meeting tomorrow, say
ing he would have an important an
nounCemenL That is the nearest TO a no.
tice we have had"
NeiII in New York.
United States Labor Commissioner NELL.
who has been In communication with
President Clowry. of the Western Union
Telegraph Company. concerning the strike
Of the telegraphers. arrived here to-day,
and it was then National President Small
took bis measures at once to end the
strike
His telegram, sent to every local in
the country, was as follows:
Prominent New Workers have ap-
pealed to me 10 cali the strike off. All
efforts at negotiations are exhausted
and the companies officials say they viii
fight to a finish. The treasury is de-
pleted and no more funds are available
Request for relief from all sides are
heavy and urgent. The general assembly
cannot meet them. The strike. having
been ordered without the presidents
sanction. I recommend that the locals
vote on the proposition"
Commissioner Neill would not discuss
the proposition. 1t was learned that
Commissioner NeiH had a conference
with the officials Of the Western Union
Company in the forenoon and made a
strong plea for some concessions to the
strikers so as to save them from abso-
lutte defeat. The companies, however, it
Is said, refused to concede anything and
Mr Nell gave the matter up.
Notwithstanding the wave Of disap-
proval Of his action to-day which threat
ems TO sweep President Small from his
position at the head of the telegraphers'
union, there are those within the body
who contend that he is not to be blamed
1t has been known all along that the
men were called out without his sanction
or without his being consulted. and that
he had cOunseled against hasty action
on the part OF the Chicago local-where
the storm first broke. II is also said that
the talk of subordinate officials In the
union has considerably embarrassed
Small and thwarted a number of his
plans.