New-York tribune., 1907-06-19
NELLL'S MOVES SECRET.
WON'T TALK ON STRIKE
Compay Reticent on Labor Commis-
sioner'S ActiUity.

The arrival OF Charles ?. Nel. United States
Labor Commissioner in this city from Washington
10 investigate the complaints of the telegraphers
against the Western Union and Postal Telegraph
companies looked yesterday by those who
are afraid of n strike n hopeful sign As the
representative of the government, they thought the
western Union company. which has ignored all
communications from the union. would hardly re-
fuse audience Mr.. Neill. especially when he
was commissioned to make the inquiry by Presi-
dent Roosevelt
Nj Neili left the Fifth Avenue Hotel where he
was staying early in the afternoon and went down
town. II said that he had conference with
the officials of the Western Union company. but
they would neither affirm deny it, Mr.. NeilI
would not discuss his mission, and would not say
whether or not he had seen the Western Union
officials.
'T would like 10 make a statement If had any
statement TO make he said. but would prefer
10 be better posted than before I said
anything This is matter that I must handle
with caution. and must be sure of my facts 1
would not discuss the investigation l making
until some development arose which made ii ad
visable for me TO talk. l do not know enough Of
the matter yet
1t said that when Mr. Nein saw both sides
he would report 10 President Roosevelt before he
did anything else.
The officers Of the union said they had not heard
from Mr.. Neill 4 committee Of the telegra pliers
reported TO them later that representative of the
Western Union company at its main Office went
among the employees with blank forms in which
they were asked TO write the answer to numerous
questions Among these whether not the
wages 10 60 into effect March l. This, according
10 the telegraphers. indicated that the company
was preparing report for the Labor Commits
Eioner.
We will give out very important statement
tomorrow. showing exactly what the telegraphers
going 70 do said Deputy President Konen-
kamp yesterday We expect that President Small.
who has been away on urgent business connected
with the demands. Will BE- back tomorrow, but
whether he will be back not the statement Will
be given out our plan Of campaign and the steps
going take win will then he stated
There will be general strike, as we have
said before. but there may he number OF strikes
IN individual cities which would have all the effect
Of z general strike. Until tomorrow. however, L
VIII not say whether not these have been de-
cided Meantime ready any time Mt
NELL notifies Us. / suppose he will TO submit
proofs Of all our charges. There is not single
charge that cannot prove"
Chicago. June ls-Secretary Wesley Russell OF
the Commercial Telegraphers' Union returned 10
Chicago from New York to-day, and announced
that a strike Of the operators Of the Western
Union and Tcstal companies was practical GER
1ainty.
The announcement was made from the headquar-
rers Of the local union that all negotiations for
settlement the trouble had been broken. force
OF clerks was bUsily engaged to-day in mailing as
sessnent notices to the members OF the union pre-
paratory 10 the strike.