Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-21
STRIKERS MAY co WEST
President Small Suggests Har-
vest Work to Them.
-
PROSPECT OF A LONG FIGHT
Union Leaders Are Inclined to Be
Mysterious.
RAILWAY TELEGRAPHERs MEET
This Does Not Presage Any Trouble
With the Roads, It Is Said.
Benefits Deferred.


Special Dispatch to The Star.
CHICAGO, August 21.-While it is logf-
cal conclusion that President Small of the
Commercial Telegraphers' Union will go to
New York within few days to negotiate,
through Labor Commissioner Neill and the
American Federation of Labor as interme-
diaries with the heads of the Postal and
Western Union Telegraph companies, no
definite statement to this effect could be
secured at union headquarters today. AS
no progress whatever is being made, how
ever 1t is conceded that Small's presence
here is of no special benefit, and that his
next move will be in the east
The union will probably issue an appeal
to President Roosevelt today This was in
timated this morning. though the exact ma
ture of the proposed appeal was not an
nounced. So far as Chicago is concerned
the situation is unchanged, with the ex-
ception that the telegraph companies are
gaining strength daily, while the strikers
are becoming discouraged and In some
cases disconnected.
Secretary Russell announced today that
the statement that strike benefits would
be paid now is erroneous; that funds are
to be given only those who are in want. In
his speech before a mass meeting of strik-
ers yesterday afternoon President Small
advised the unmarried men to go west to
work in the harvest fields, and urged pa
tience. courage and determination. He eau
leaders and not to expect a general knowl-
edge of state secrets. This was taken
to be an answer TO the feeling of unrest
that some of the telegraphers have evinced
because of Their doubt Of the leaders poll
cies and Forthcoming moves.
Trouble at Ash Fork.
The union today discredts, or at least
deprecates, the report from Ash Fork,
Ariz.. that an armed mob stoned the Postal
office and smashed the windows of the
building.
'Leased-wire difficulties in Chicago
said Secretary Russell today, have nearly
all been adjusted Three additional con-
tracts were entered into by Chicago brokers
yesterday, making a total of $50 closed
shop contracts signed here since the strike
began
About the only thing THAI can be con-
sidered new In the situation is the presence
in Chicago of fifty more officials from
locals Of the Order of Railroad Telegra-
pliers of other cities. This gave rise to the
report that. the railway telegraphers were
comforting over the proposition of entering
into the telegraphers strike. G. Dial Jones,
chief operator of the Order of Railway
Photographers. however, said that these Off
Gals of the railway telegraphers' organiza-
ton were in the city merely to acQuaint
themselves with the true condition of af-
fairs. strike of the Order OF Railway
Photographers does not seem probable.
Would Snub Small
NEW YORK, August 21.-The striking
telegraph operators In this city today We're
anxiously looking forward to Saturday,
when President Small of their national or
ganization is expected to arrive here from
Chicago. 1t was said at the union head
quarters that the purpose of President
Smalrs visit would be to endeavor to bring
about arbitration between the strikers and
the companies.
General Superintendent Brooks of the
| Western Union, when asked today if he ex-
poets to consult with President Small of
the telegraphers' union during Mr. Smalrs
visit here. said that he would not meet the
strike leader under any circumstances. He
said there Is nothing whatever that he
cares to discuss with the head of the teleg-
raphers organization.
Railroad Operators Fired.
Special Dispatch to The Star.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. August 2l.-The
Vandalia railroad has discharged several
| members of the Order of Railway Teles-
raphers for refusing to handle commercial
messages and has hired non-union men.
| The general chairman of the order is here
| in conference with strike leaders.
Big Machinists' Strike.
NEW YORK. August 2l.-A strike of
| lI.OOO machinists in New York may take
| place today The have asked for an Increase
! in pay of % cents day and the EMPLOYERS
| have until today to give their answer A
| refusal, 1t is stated, will mean a strike at
once.
Strike Ties UP Ferryboats.
| Special Dispatch 10 The Star.
| NEW YORK August 21.-Following the
| demand of the firemen and oilers for higher
wages, a strike was declared or all of the