Evening star., 1907-08-20
BREAK IN RANKS OF
STRIKING kEYMEN
So Say the Telegraph Com
pany's Local Managers.
BUT MEN LAUGH At REPORT
Declare the Public Will Get Used to
Wolf Cry.
WIRE THROUGH TO COAST
Conflicting Claims, as Usual, and
Meanwhile Public Has to
Be Patient.
WIRE THROUGH TO COAST

There has been break in the ranks of
the local telegraphers.'
This statement was made today by Off
cia.s of the Western Union Telegraph Com
pany. and when 1t had been pretty generally
disseminated caused some excitement il
telegraphic circles. When Mr.. Henry F.
Taf, local manager of the Western Union.
was seen this afternoon he confirmed the
story and said two at least Of the union
operators had written to him asking to be
restored to their places. One of the men
had been taken back. he added. and the
case of another was under consideration
Officers and members of the telegraphers'
union denied that there was any break In
their ranks They declared the organized
operators were presenting a practically un-
broken front
1.-THE public will get used to this cry OF
Wolf by the officials of the big corpora
tions before this thing Is over. said one OF
the strikers.
1t was added that there had never been q
strike of any large proportions without a
few of the strikers showing the White
feather, but thus far. he explained, there
has been but little f1uking on the part OF
the union telegraphers.
Getting Steadily Better.
"The situation is improving here all the
time" said Manager Taft. There Is Gsaf-
lection in the ranks of the local telegra-
piers here. We are getting better service
with other points than we have had since
the walkout. We are working other circuits.
including several with Chicago. while on
the first day of the strike one wire to
Chicago suhced. Normal conditions are re-
ported as far west as Kansas City.
Mr.. Taft said the local Office sent a mes
sage through to the Pacific coast several
days ago. and received reply within three
hours. the original message having been
received at it's destination within one and
a half hours. Another message. according
to Mr. Taft. was sent to the extreme
northern part of Maine and a reply re-
ce.ved in less than an hour.
eve have been in shape throughout this
strike to handle public business in good
order" Mr.. Taft concluded.
Manager Prosser of the Postal said the
work of his office was moving along
smoothly" and that there was no hitch.
Officers Hold Conferences.
1t is said the officers of the local Teleg-
raphers' Union have held several confer
ences with Labor Commissioner Neill, as
it was explained that Mr.. Neill desired to
learn the views. Of the rank and file as to
the matter Of arbitrating the existing diff
ferences. ...--
1t was reported here today that the Pos
tai authorities at New York are ready and
willing to arbitrate.
AS yet the local strikers say they are op-
posed to arbitration. They maintain that
their demands are just and should be
granted without mincing.
John II. Brinkman, late president of
the Central Labor Union, gave 1t as his
belief that If the striking operators will
stand firm with unbroken lines victory
will be assured. 1t was the belief Of
other labor leaders that the teleSraphers
will eventually be supplied with sufficient
money for their defense fund.
The strikers were pleased with the Sc
lection Of Messrs Gompers. Mitchell and
Keefe of the A F. OF L. as arbitrators
on their side of tie contest, as exclusive
ly stated in The Star yesterday. should
the matter reach the arbitration point.