The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-06-01
FIREMEN'S STRIKE
IS DECLARED OFF,
TRAFFIC OVER THE GEORGIA
RAILROAD RESUMED.
Terms of Settlement Satisfactory
Men Return to Work Until Final
Adjustment is Had.

Adjustment is Had.
Atlanta, May 29.-The strike of the
tremen on the Georgia railroad was
officially declared off at 2 p. m. to-
day. An hour and a half later the
first train after the resumption of
service was sent out Of Augusta with
a negro fireman in the cab.
The terms of the settlement we're
not officially given out, but it was
learned that they are, substantially,
as follows:
The men are to return to work un-
der conditions existing at the time
the strike began until final ADJUST
ment is made.
All negro iremen at the terminal
stations will be dispensed with.
All discharged Brotherhood fire.
men will be reinstated.
Three other points are yet to be de-
cided, as follows:
First, whether negro fremen shall
be eliminated from the road.
Second, if not eliminated, what
percentage of negroes there shall be.
Seniority of negro fremen over
white fremen.
These other questions are to be dis
cussed tonight and if they are not
adjusted they will be settled by arbi-
tration under the Erdman act.
The exact terms of the settlement
have not been disclosed, but the state
ment is made that the conditions are
eminently satisfactory to both sides.
The settlement of the strike was an
nounced in a statement signed by
Martin A. Knapp, chairman Of the
Interstate commerce commission,
and Charles P. Neill, United States
labor commissioner.
Federal Interference Imminent.
Had there not been a settlement of
the strike this afternoon it can be
stated that Federal interference was
imminent. It is reported that both
sides were notified that some adjust
ment must be reached by o'clock to-
day Or the Federal courts would take
cognizance of the situation. This
probably would have meant injune-
tions, which in the present temper Of
the residents of the strike district, al
most certainly meant resistance and
possible violations Of the injunction,
and speedily thereafter the arrival Of
United States troops.
The strike commenced May II and
lasted thirteen days. 1t was caused
by the attempt Of the company to
put negro fremen on the best runs in
the place Of white fremen, who were
given inferior runs or made substi-
tutes. The men presented new
agreement to General Manager Scott,
demanding that he recognize the sem
iority of white fremen over blacks,
and thus practically do away with
the negro in the cabs. Scott refused,
claiming that he had no authority to
sign such an agreement. The men
looked in vain for some official who
had authority, and failing to find one,
struck. General Manager Scott re-
taliated by practically annulling all
trains and thus tieing up traffic. At
ter a few days the situation became
grave. in some communities. Food
supplies ran low, and no new stocks
could be secured. The few necessar-
les Of life were hauled in wagons and
automobiles. No mails were sent or
received. and even funerals were pre-
vented.
Communities Behind Str ers.
The sentiment of the conn Apities
was with the strikers. becausc.N the
people felt the ract question was in
volved. In some places mass meet
'ings were held, and it was resolved
to do without mails and to haul food
in wagons rather than have the black
men in the cabs of the trains. They
threatened to do violence to any ne