The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-06-17

Two hundred and fifty Washington
telegraphers. members of Washington
Local, a. Commercial Telegraphers' Union
Of America. held an enthusiastic meet
ing to-day National President H. b.
Perham. Of the order Of Railway Teleg-
raphers, was present and addressed the
meeting. Resolutions were adopted, pledg-
ing moral and financial support to you
and your associates Of the national board
in any action YOU may determine upon
The foregoing telegram was sent 20
International President 5. J. Small, of the
teIegraphers union. Immediately after the
conclusion OF the meeting held IN Typo
graphical Temple yesterday afternoon, for
the purpose Of considering the grievances
of the union, and to vote upon a strike
The action taken, as stated in the tele-
gram. practically means a vote for a
strike. although It is differently w0rded
The telegram was signed by International
First Vice President W. W. Beattie, Of
and by A. 5. Groves, as president
Similar meetings were held yesterday in
every city in the United States and a
vote was taken on the proposed strike
These meetings were decided upon several
days ago. when Vice President Beattie
was In New York in conference with the
other international officers.
W ~ Patton. president of the local
body, resigned that Office at Yesterdays
meeting. and A. s. Groves was elected TO
fill the unexpired term Of two months
Mr. Patton gave as his reason for re-
signing that he was going out of town
and did not wish to hold Office when he
would be unable 90 attend meetings.
Yesterdays meeting was an unusual
one go out of the total Of 80 members Of
the union I'm this city attending. Vice
President Beattie. President Perham, Of
the Railroad Photographers; President
Groves. ex-President Patton, and many
others made stirring speeches that swept
the hall with a wave Of enthusiasm.
Addressed by Perham.
President Perham, of the Railroad
photographers. who is staying at the Ma
tional Hotel. and who was one Of the
principal speakers at the meeting Of the
Commercial TeIegrap pliers. is favorable TO
that organization So their present diff
Guilty. He assured the Commercial Teleg-
raphers that they would have the CO.
operation of his organization in any
thing they undertook, and that, although
a simultaneous strike would not be de
clared. the commercials would have the
moral support Of the railroad men in any
contingency.
In speaking Of the history Of his organi-
cation. he referred 10 the last strike Of
the Commercial Telegraphers. saying that
the railroad telegraphers had acted as
strike-breakers in many Of the larger
cities. but that no such action would be
repeated if the commercial men declared
a strike at this time Mr.. Perham will
leave this city some time to-day.
Chicago Gives Ten Days.
Chicago. June IA special meeting Of
the local Commercial TeIegrsphers'
Union Of America was held to-day. at
which resolutions were adopted authoriz-
ing National President 5. J. Small TO
call a strike within ten days. if the COM
panies persisted in refusing to grant the
grievance committee Of the union hear
ing with them.
Fifteen hundred members Of the Chi
cago local. No. 1. crowded into Washing
ton Hall. 20 Adams street, and discussed
the strained relations existing between
the companies and the Commercial
wf
bers Of the Chicago local. held a meeting
in an adjoining room and reported their
deliberations TO the main meeting.
Many Of the members in attendance took
this occasion to review their grievances
Many claimed that the company had re
duced rates Of wages in individual cases
just before the 10 per cent increase was
20 60 into effect. and that when the in
crease was granted the wages still re-
manned lower than before the increase
was made
Commercial bodies to-day continued 10
lombard President Roosevelt with ap-
peaIs % take such action as would avert
the disaster OF a national telegraphers
strike.
An assessment Of one days pay from
each member a month was authorized
This viii produce strike fund Of $4,000
a month. Chicago alone furnishing $500
OF this sun
photographers Told to Get Ready.
New York June 1.-THE officers Of the
Commercial Telegraphers' Union Of Amer
lea received dispatches late on Saturday
night and early this morning from the
locals throughout the country TO the ef-
feet that the adjustment Of the griev-
ances against the Western Union am
Postal Telegraph companies had been
postponed A hurried meeting of the ma
tonal executive committee was held. and
& was decided 10 deny the reports with
out delay. President Small then sent the
following dispatches to the various locals
throughout the country.
Situation is unchanged. The apparently
inspired story that adjustment of griev-
ances is postponed is untrue
Hold yourself in readiness for i'm
pOrtant information soon. Take no ac-
ton until authorized"
Secretary-TTeasurer Russell will remain
IN Chicago this week, which il IS supposed
will be the critical time in the dispute
President Small will remain in New York
and keep in touch with the locals in
Eastern cities. while Mr.. Russell will keep
in touch with the locals in Western
cities, with Chicago as a center.
G0TCH GOING ABROAD.