The Washington times., 1907-08-16
Chief Telegraphers
Affected by New
Move.

CHICAGO. Aug. 16.-"The teleg-
rapheTs are striking for there Just
rights. We are not seeking re-
Venge or TO Inconvenience the pub
Tic. Whenever we can end the
strike by arbitration we will be
glad TO accept il. We will be will
ing at any time TO listen TO pro-
pOSals from fair and honest men,
but we will never be willing TO ac-
cept President ClOWry's bUncOmbe.
We have tasted of tlat in the past.
"Ne have not rushed into this
strike. The gravity of this con.
flict has never been minimized by
the officials of the commercial
telegraphers. We have realized
that il is going to mean a business
paralysis and financial loss to the
people, rs well as actual suffering
TO the members of the union. We
had no other recourse, however,
than the action that has been
taken. Now that the die is cast
and the strike made general, we
will make the most determined
fight ever Waged by union labor.
We have money and numbers, but
better than this, we have right and
Justice on our side. There is not
a shadow of a doubt as what tie
result will Statement of
President Small. of the Commercial
Telegraphers' Union, made today.
NEW NORk, Aug. 16.-Ninety per
cent Of the commercial telegraph
operators employed in the United
States and Canada are expected 10
obey the order to strike, sent out
from Chicago this morning by S. J.
Small, president of the Commercial
Telegraphers' Union of America.
The ranks of the strikers in New
York are not expected to be swelIed
by the general strike order, for the
reason that the union operators
are already out here, but in cities,
towns, and small villages in every
part of the country, union operators
have been sticking TO their posts,
awaiting orders from the national
body. Now the word has come for
them to quit.
1t was decided at the Chicago con-
ference that there should be no
strike of the railroad operators.
The railroad telegraphers, however,
will be called upon to contribute
strike fund of 100000.
President Small decided upon this
radical rlcve after A long conference
with President Gompers, OF the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor; George w.
Perkins, president Of the Cigarmakers'
Union. and Wesley Russell. national sec
retary Of the photographers Union. Mr.
Russell explained to the national presi-
dent that it was not wise 10 delav the
general strike order.
Strikers Impatient
He explained that the strikers were
impatienty awaiting it in all parts OF
the country, and that such an order
would strengthen the cause Of the men.
He said that while most Of the men
were already on strike. that many Of
them had walked out without official
orders even from their local unions. and
that they would feel uneasy until their
move was approved by the national
body.
Gompers Advised Caution.
Mr.. GoE.pers advised caution and de-
lay in issuing the order. However, il
Is said that he could not dissuade Mr.
Small ana Mr.. Russell from acting at
once. and It is supposed that the strike
order was branded with his approval
when il was issued.
II this Is the case the telegraphers
have the backing Of the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor. and their position is
much stronger than it was before the
order was sent broadcast.
Ihe local strike leaders point TO the
Iact that other labor unions are now
hNely TO De involved in the strike. and
that. with the aid OF the American
Federation, they are in position to in
slst upon their own terms. Labor Com
missioner Neil has abandoned all hope
OF anec;ing settlement OF the strike.
lie took no part IN the conferences. and
sald ne would not do so unless a re-
quest Tor his presence was made.
When Mr.. Neil learned that the strike
Tor Washington
While the striking telegraphers are en-