The Washington herald., 1907-08-25

New York. Aug. 2i-There appeared TO
be an impression among the striking te-
! Iegraphers to-day that the strike may be
arbitrated early next week. though the
officials of both the Western Union and
Postal companies have repeatedly gone on
record as saying that there could be no
arbitration.
a report was in circulation at the head
quarters OF the strikers in the Astor
House that United States Labor Commits
sioner Nell had passed through this city
on his way TO oyster Bay. and that he
would shortly make another attempt to
bring about peace.
When Mr., NELL last attempted to end
the trouble and failed. he came to the
conclusion that he would wait until all the
enthusiasm had died down before working
as a peacemaloer.
a committee Of fifty men was appointed
at meeting OF the strikers at Everett
He'll to-day to meet National President
Small on his arrival from Chicago at the
Grand Central Station at $3.50 q m. to-
morrow.
clared in the most emphatic way that
they will not see Small or any official or
committee Of the union, and Superiuten-
dent Brooks, OF the Western Union Conn
pany has repeated the declaration.
VIII Not Meet Small.
mo officer OF this company" he said.
will recognize or even see Mr.. Small II
he comes to New York We Will be
pleased TO met AIr Nein however. at any
time he comes to this city. and shall be
glad Of any suggestions from him. l
cannot see how It can be necessary, as
the Western Union Company is not over
working any Of It's present employees,
though It is carrying on both its night and
day business in a satisfactory way"
Mr. Brooks said that while the officials
Of the company did not think the organ
ization OF the employees in a confidential
business like telegraphy was a good thing,
he did not want the wrong impression 10
go abroad that they were fighting organ
lied labor. So long. however, as the
union did not interfere with the business
OF the company, ne said they would toll
crate II and allow Il 20 take its course So
long as they did not inject the question OF
uniOnism into their dealings with the en-
ployers the officials gave the operators
full permission TO join any organization
they wished.
At the Offices Of the Postal Company no
formal statement was given out. II was
said that the business was proceeding
satisfactorily.
Russell Makes Reply.
Chief Strategist Russell, Of the telegra-
piers. said to-day that there was no
merit in the argument Of Supt. Brooks. OF
the Western Union Company, that the
man joining a union was a menace to the
privacy Of the business.
we might apply the same argument TO
the officials OF the company" he said.
They have far more opportunities than
the telegraphers to violate secrecy. and
far more incentive 70 do It. We challenge
them 10 show a single case where a union
telegrapher abused the confidence reposed
in him. Can all the officials, large and
small, say the same?
''The companies claim 10 be fair. vet
the wages are lower than they were in
I 1870, when the cost of living was much
| less
/ The first issue Of Fair Play, the official
! organ Of the strikers. appeared to-day.
Owing 10 the inability OF the leaders TO
get a permit in time. the proposed auR-
/ ton Of the first hundred copies did not
take place, but the edition was sold out
rapidly.