Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-08
SHIPS WILL SAIL
NOT HALF LADEN
Transatlantic Liners Not Able
to Get Freight Aboard.
COMPANIES TO HOLD OUT
They Positively Decline to Meet the
Longshoremen's Demands.
MUST CARRY THE PASSENGERS
Only One of the Greyhounds Has Been
Delayed, but the Situation
is Serious.
They Positively Decline to Meet the
Longshoremen's Demands.
MUST CARRY THE PASSENGERS

NEW YORK, May s.-From present in
dications 1t does not appear that the big
transatlantic steamship companies propose
to permit any disarrangement of the sailing
engagements as a result of the strike of
longshoremen, which has been becoming
increasingly serious during the past few
days. Just at this time the eastward tide
of tourists is at its height and every steamer
scheduled to sail for weeks is booked al
most to its capacity. When the longshore-
men strike movement reached serious pro-
portions and thousands of tons of freight
were lying at every dock with none to put
1t aboard the steamers it was believed that
serious delays would result. 1t now ap-
pears. however, that the companies have
decided to give the freight only secondary
consideration, for the present at least and
TO send their passenger steamers away on
time, even if their holds are practically
empty.
The Kroonland Delayed.
Up to the present time only one of the
big transatlantic lines has permitted any
appreciate delay in sending away a sched-
uled steamer. That was the Kroonland of
the Red Star line. which sailed last Mon
day after a two days delay. occasioned by
her cavernous holds with merchandise.
Yesterday half a dozen big liners, includ-
ing the Kaiser Wilhelm der Crosse of the
North German Lloyd and the giant Caronia
of the Cunard Line, sailed only slightly be-
hind their regular schedules, and the COM
panies declare that the steamers scheduled
to go out today will leave their docks on
time. All of them, however, will take short
cargoes. The 20,0O0-ton Baltic of the White
Star Line will have only 2OGO tons Of cargo
and the Noordam of the Holland American
Line will carry only about two-thirds of her
normal cargo of freight. Both will have
full cabins.
No Compromise.
The attitude of the steamship companies
toward the men is unchanged, so far as
could be learned today. ]. II. Thomas, man
ager of the operating department of the
International Mercantile Marine Company
which controls the American, Atlantic
Transport, Red Star and White Star lines
declared positively today that his company
never will accede to the demands of the
strikers. I'VE can't afford to do it," is the
way he expressed it. Mr. Thomas said that
good progress is being made in discharging
and loading all the ships now in port and
that they all are expected to sail on time.
Trying to Load Freight
officials of the affected lines were bend
ing every effort today to load freight which
was piling up on the piers. On two of
the lines-the Holland-American line and
the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. line-stewards
were impressed into service to load freight
and coal. John Lee, general manager of
the White Star line said that the freight
situation was in bad shape. He said the
Baltic would sail on schedule time this
afternoon, carrying beef and perishabe
stun and such other freight as the hands
available may be able to load.
May Have More Men.
Within a few days." added Mr.. Lee.
I'VE shall have more men at work, and
hope that normal conditions may soon
obtain. This much is certain, the steamship
companies will not give in to the demands
of the men,"
The Noordam of the Holland-American
line will sail this afternoon with only two
thirds of her normal cargo. The crew
were busy today aiding in coaling the
ship.
Capt. Moeller, superintendent of docks of
the North German Lloyd line, said today
that the company Lad Dds men loading
the Grosser Kuerfuerst, which. he added
VIII sail tomorrow with three-quarters Of
her ordinary cargo.
May Withdraw Boats
Special Dispatch to The Star.
BOSTON. Mass, May S-That the strike
among the deck officers on the steamships
of the Merchants and Miners Transporta-
ton line may result in the company with
drawing some of its boats from this service
IL feared At present there are five running
between Baltimore and Boston. Some OF
the officers of the lire say that as this is
the dun season two of the steamships could
be temporarily laid off without Gripping
the service. II this is done the captains
of the two steamships withdrawn would
act as pilots on the others.
That the company is seriously handicap
ped by the designations of its first and
second mates Is shown by the fact that
retired captains have been secured to take
the place of pilots. The steamship Juniata
arrived yesterday afternoon from Balti-
more and Norfolk. Capt. Charles James,
her commander. had with him as acting
mate Capt. G.. W. Bilups. one of the re-
tired captains of the line.
The law Scpuires that a certain number
OF licensed pilots must sail on every ves-
sci. and IL is said the new men hired by
the company to take the places of the mates
do not hold these licenses.
Boston Longshoremen Win.
Special Dispatch TO The Star.
BOSTON, May S.-The Boston longshore-
men have gained their contention regarding
night work and the length of the supper
hour. Some months ago the members of
X. OF L. assemblies and Provident Long
shoremen's Union made complaints regard
Ing men being ordered out to work for
half a whole night and then. after
working an hour two. being sen home
despite the fact that there was plenty of
cargo at hand. The steamship agents In
turn complained that the longshoremen
took two hours for supper. The nature of
their work made such layon necessary
IL they were to turn around and work
again at night, the men maintained
Complete Back Down.
The agents have agreed to every point
advanced by the men. although they COM
planned that they do not think some Of