New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-29
GREAT STRIKE HALTED.
GOVERNMENT STEPS IN.
President Roosevelt Sets Agencies
for Cancellation at Work.
IBy Telegraph to The Trtbune.I

Lby Telegraph 70 The Trtbune.l
Chicago March 2S-Agencies OF the federal
government set in motion by President Roose-
felt following an appeal from the railroads for
arbitration, were successful to-day in halting.
temporarily at least. great strike of fifty
thousand men on the Western railroad sys-
tens. The strike board Of the trainmen and
conductors met in the afternoon and considered
the arbitration proposition favorably The men,
bers of the board. while not agreeing to enter
into this plan Of settling their differences with
the roads, decided TO accept the "good Offices
OF the representatives Of the United States.
Preparations for a strike were dropped. pend
ing developments in this direction Grand Mas
ter Morrissey OF the trainmen's brotherhood
In an official statement tonight said that strike
action would not be "unreasonably" delayed
but at the same time he expressed his regard
for the rights of the public in the controversy.
1t is understood that fear of adverse public
sentiment had much to do with the changed
attitude of the union leaders While the strike
board was in session it was known to the mem-
bers that President Roosevelt had called on
Chairman Martin A. Knapp Of the Interstate
Commerce Commission and Labor Commits
sioner Charles P. NeiI in reference to the situa-
tion. The President was said to have expressed
his great desire to avert tie-up Of the Western
lines. particularly at a time of unusual con-
gestion. and to have intimated his readiness to
take any step to prevent strike. These facts
are said to have been conveyed to Grand Master
Morrissey and Grand Chief Garretson, the latter
being head of the conductors order. with ap-
preciable effect.
Following the government influences CANA
communication from Seth Low. of New York.
IN behalf Of the National Civic Federation.
Arbitration was strongly urged ON the union
officials in Mr.. Lows telegram. The fact that
Mr. Morrissey is member Of the Cancellation
Board OF the federation. of which Mr.. Low, IS
the chairman. had a great deal of weigh, With
the former Mr.. Garretson also is connected
with the civic body in an executive CAPACITY
On receipt of this telegram. Nfessrs. Garretson
and Morrissey sent reply In which they wer.
careful not to reject the arbitration suggestion
They left the subject open In substance the
answer Of the union leaders was as follows.
I'VE have failed to reach an agreement with
the railroads. Negotiations are broken off,
It is expected now that nothing will be done
until Mr.. Knapp and Mr.. NeHl arrive from
Washington They will be received in friendly
spirit by the railroads and the employees. AS
preliminary effort to effect peaceable adjust
ment IT is believed that these federal representa-
tives. who are empowered under the Erdman act
to intervene. will suggest by telegraph another
meeting between the two sides. Advlces from
Washington tonight said that dispatches con-
veying this suggestion were being prepared
One will be sent to the railroad managers and
another TO the men. That telegraphic efforts
at conciliation will be successful is hardly be-
lieved likely. however. and the chances are
that nothing viii be accomplished until Mr.
Knapp and Mr.. Neill reach here